My uncle, Barton Carter, saved thousands of children’s lives during the Spanish Civil War and created a blueprint for Plan International, a vibrant organization that currently extends into more than fifty countries. Astoundingly, he did all this by the time he was twenty-three-years-old.

I am in awe of his accomplishments. I have lived almost seven decades and my achievements are notably minimized compared to those of my uncle. As I continue to follow in my uncle’s footsteps, I am compelled to do all I can to be of help to my fellow man. In that vein, one of the reasons I chose to write this book was to help those who want to make a significant difference in the life of others. We only have a short time in this world and here are some tips that may be beneficial not only to your life, but the lives of those you touch.

Esme Surrounded by Spanish Orphans

I. Work

Feel passionate about your employment. You should like to go to work most days. If you dread work or if it is only a means to make money, perhaps you need to choose another vocation. Think about what you were passionate about when you were a child. Translate that passion into possibilities for future employment.   When you are passionate about your vocation, your energy, creativity, and problem solving skills will increase exponentially! You will feel a great sense of belonging in your work place and with your fellow employees. Your passion will be contagious to those around you!

II. Relationships

Choose friendships and romantic partners with whom you share a mutual respect and trust. Enhance one another’s positive attributes. Encourage each other to grow both individually and together in your relationship. Have fun, laugh a lot, and learn together! If you have worked tirelessly on a long-term relationship and still suffered from unrequited love, as both my uncle Barton and I have, DON’T BLAME YOURSELF! Your previous partner and you may hold very different values, which make it impossible for you to evolve together! Life is a journey of changing and evolving and life partners need to constantly recreate this voyage together. If your partner is unwilling to work on your relationship, it is time to let go!

III. Emotions

The two emotions that are on opposite ends of the spectrum are love and fear. If fear controls you, it is impossible to move forward! It imprisons you. You need to break the hold fear has on you and push yourself to take some risks. When you can face fear and succeed, you have won! Dream big and even if you fail along the way, keep persevering and you will find that endless capabilities lie within you!

Love is the opposite of fear. Don’t ever be scared to love even though you may have been hurt along the way.   Love makes us reach out to others, embraces them, and lets them know how we feel. Our love not only nourishes our family and friend’s self-confidence, it builds our own. The more love we give, the more we receive!

When we are passionate about our work, allow our relationships to grow, and shower our family and friends with unconditional love, we are well on our way to leading a life that’s filled with happiness and meaning.  Then and, only then, can we truly have a lasting impact on others and make a significant difference in the world!