The true value of a life is it's impact on other lives. Look for small ways to have positive impacts on the lives of others. Most of the time they cost you nothing but a bit of time.
I actually learned this as follows:
When I started my job in collegiate athletic communications — I was an "unconventional" hire. These jobs were coveted and hard to get, and I had, in the eyes of many, jumped the line. Grumbling and some resentment in the industry, for sure.
Well one of the old hands in the field, a very well respected and connected director at another school wrote me a very warm welcome handwritten note, AND at an awards luncheon he actually called me out by name and just said nice things about me to a large industry group. Gave me instant credibility. (My sparklingly personality took it from there, of course! 🙄)
But I never forgot that, I tried to pay that professional kindness forward as often as I could. And in other ways in my life too. It's addicting once you try it.
Sorry for the long one. You know me once I get going... *sigh*
