Revelation

Usually before I go to sleep my minds wanders - to everything and to nothing. I become immersed in thoughts of all sorts. That's when I head over to my diary and just let everything spill out, where I can say everything I don't want to tell anyone else.

You would think that it's the same each night - think and think and then fall to sleep. Yet... Last night it was quite a bit different. My thoughts eventually drifted to the usual - where am I supposed to go in life, what am I supposed to do? The very next thought that entered my mind was of several things I had heard over the course of the day: murder, undeserving pain, immense sadness. Before I could even prepare myself, tears were falling from my eyes.

Yet I could not have not cried enough tears for all the pain I felt at that moment. There are all these people in the world murdered, starving, deathly sick... Yes, I had known my whole life that people died every day, that people live in the worst conditions possible. But I hadn't ever really felt it, hadn't truly known it. There aren't just a few people who are put in these unfortunate circumstances, there are millions. And what have I been doing? What have I been doing for these people?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

And I feel terrible. Here I am, constantly worrying my life away about little things (and some big). These people put up with their life every single day while I am sitting here, spoiled and unhappy with how things go at points.

So, I decided I'm going to take a stand. I'm going to do something big, help those that are in pain. I want to try and help prevent anything terrible from happening to these individuals. I want to save them from the ugly monsters around them. To start, I'm going to get involved. Community service, join groups, help others...

Today I took the first step. I joined a group called Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org/en). They strive to protect human rights and help people around the world that are facing unfortunate events. I am so excited to be a part of something that will be helping people. Hopefully I will make a difference.

My next steps are still a little unknown. I did a lot of research on groups that make a difference and there are so many. It makes me smile just to see that long list sitting on my desk. Amnesty International, Red Cross, Rotaract Club, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Americorps, and so so much more. And I love that. I love that people are striving to make a difference.

And my future steps? Well, I decided that I want to write a book and publish it. Some of the money I earn will be donated to organizations that are really helping in the world, to orphanages, to anyone that needs the aide.

Tomorrow is a new day, full of new choices and directions. I may not want to work a double, I may want to sleep in, I may want to play on the internet or read a book all day... But there are people out there that need my help. So I will get up and live my life with a smile on my face. Because at the end of the day, all that will matter is if I've helped someone, or at least put a smile on someone's face that needed it.

~Mira