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by unknown on December 1st, 2007

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Honestly, do I make a difference?

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Answers. 79 helpful answers below.

  • by Babycakes on December 1st, 2007

    Babycakes

    If you count the number of people you have made smile, sent hugs to, cheered up, lifted up, made laugh, lent a shoulder to, cried with, backed up, stood up for, you would know 100% that you have made a difference. You touch people in a way that says.."I care about you". They ,and I, are the lucky ones to even cross your path. You have a special gift of listening with your heart. Your thoughtful and you give your all when ever called upon. You have a giving nature and your unselfish and a blessing to everyone who knows you. The way you come to the aid of others is beautiful and you are a treasure. A person like you brightens the world and you are a gift in my life.....

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  • by LynfromNM on December 1st, 2007

    LynfromNM

    Sometimes other people may be too preoccupied to notice or comment on your significance to them. That doesn't mean they are unaware of your presence in their lives, it just means they trust that you'll understand. That's a lot of trust and it's a compliment if you think about it. If people you love can count on you, that's the highest praise there is.

    You need a good dose of "It's A Wonderful Life". While none of us are the center of the universe, we really have no idea how much we affect the people around us, how often they may think of us, or how much difference something we say or do makes to them.

    Be assured, idne, you do make a difference.

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  • by GiraffeyedDonor-ish on December 1st, 2007

    GiraffeyedDonor-ish

    Of course you do Idne! (((((((HUGS)))))))

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  • by Stableboy on December 1st, 2007

    Stableboy

    Well obviously you make a difference to me!

    There's two common perspectives: the "cultural" view is that only certain individuals make a difference -- the Gandhis and MLKs, perhaps presidents or other leaders, people who are well known with a lot of influence or power.

    The second common perspective is the "humanist" view: we make a difference to those who are close to us, yes? The ones you love -- or hate even -- your children, family, friends.

    But neither of these answers is really satisfactory somehow. They don't really answer the thing that nags at us in the middle of the night, they don't really tell us whether our small choices (recycling that bottle?) matter or if we're just massaging our egos by pretending that our actions matter.

    I think the question can't really be answered satisfactorily until the meaning of "I" goes through a transformation of sorts. "I" as a separate, small bag of skin and bones in a world of 6 billion others really can't make much difference. Not only that, but history is vast... does Martin Luther King, Jr. make any difference in the 15 billion year history of the Earth? Really, isn't even he just a tiny blip on a small radar screen?

    So the "I" who is one of 6 billion doesn't make much difference. But that's not the only "I" there is... there's also the Self with a capital S, the me who isn't just this individual but is interwoven with all of humanity and all of reality, the one who resonates at the joy of a child passing by and groans with pain upon hearing of a plane crash 10,000 miles away.

    That Self knows that each individual contains the Whole, like a hologram which can be cut in half and still contain the full image... and that Self can see that all the other Selves make a difference, and that all actions are interconnected. That's a satisfactory answer to me.

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  • by Cowboy-Matter of Fact on December 1st, 2007

    Cowboy-Matter of Fact

    Unquestionably. Absolutely. Yes.

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  • by LadyLuck on December 1st, 2007

    LadyLuck

    You do to me.

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  • by Firebrand on December 1st, 2007

    Firebrand

    To me yes definately and I am sure to many other people.

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  • by Da Azian Boi on December 1st, 2007

    Da Azian Boi

    You definitely make a difference, idne. :)

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  • by BrokeDog on December 1st, 2007

    BrokeDog

    You bet your sweet bippy you do! Don't doubt it for even one second, Idne! I think alot of the 'baggers would be surprised if they knew how much their answers and comments help others. I know many ABers brighten my day, (of which YOU are right up at the top)! I don't get out much anymore, and I enjoy alot of you guys/gals very much!

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  • by Elissa on December 1st, 2007

    Elissa

    Yes - to me, you're one of the people whose answers & questions I always look out for - sorry to hear you're feeling down. Feel better soon! ;)

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  • by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on February 13th, 2009

    Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY

    Speaking strictly and specifically for meself I can say unequivocally that you most certainly DO make a world of difference.
    And I can personally vouch for many other lives you've touched in very important ways.

    I guess this begs the question(s)Do you NOT feel that you make a difference? I've seen enough evidence to know that you most assuredly make an astounding difference, my Dear.

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  • by wthing8 on November 18th, 2008

    wthing8

    No

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  • by - M.C.S. - Dave on December 2nd, 2007

    - M.C.S. - Dave

    Without you Idne!!!!!! This site would never be the same.......So YES you do make a BIG difference in many lives. Now get your ? back on line and give us all ya got. We need you here.....................M.C.S.

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  • by Sugar-licious a bellydancing rum maiden on December 2nd, 2007

    Sugar-licious a bellydancing rum maiden

    I was going to make a joke and say you were just feeling this way because you had to work and couldn't go to New Orleans with us. But I can tell something more relevant has happened. You do make a good difference to society by your kind words and actions. Even when we aren't trying to do something good it can happen. Like you're pulling weeds out of your flower bed and pull out a dandelion scattering its seeds. The seeds are carried to Baton Rouge where one drops into the cuff of man's trousers as he walks into the airport to board a plane for China. Upon his arrival the seed falls out and is carried until it lands and takes root in someone else's garden. When it blooms a toddler is handed it by his mother or father. He waves it seeing the seeds scatter he laughs with delight. He looks at his parent who is smiling back at him. This event has caused new synapses to form in the toddler's brain increasing his capacity to learn. Smiling and seeing his mother smile back has taught him an important social skill.

    Without even trying you have brought joy to a child and their parent, increased learning, and social skills. Just think about the outcomes when you do things with purpose.

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  • by Zack on December 1st, 2007

    Zack

    Of course you do. I'm at a cross roads myself and I'm thinking the same thing. You're great to talk to. When that happens that is.

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  • by ...... on December 1st, 2007

    ......

    Everyone makes a difference rather it is for the good or bad. I have only seen good come from you so yes you make a great difference. I know sometimes we all feel like we are just spinning our tires and getting nowhere because people just do not seem to notice us as much as we feel we need it. But if you know you try to be a good person then know that many think you are good even if a few do not see it.

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  • by killdrphil - reasonable for a madman on December 1st, 2007

    killdrphil - reasonable for a madman

    Who knows. I mean, really who knows. I don't know what you do in your real life. Maybe you make a difference or maybe you are a drain on society. Who knows.

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  • by Toobad for you. on August 24th, 2008

    Toobad for you.

    We've never met. This is my first hour on Answerbag, ever. I'm not even sure how your name is pronounced. (Ide-nay? Idden? Ide-en?) Yet you have influenced me. What too few realize, and those who DO realize, fail to act upon is: We are not unconnected. You think of yourself as a small dust speck, surrounded by your portion of other dust specks to influence. What has happened, though, is that, as society and technology have made our world a smaller place, your "portion" of dust specks has grown. You, a complete stranger, have found a way to reach me. Even now, I am contemplating my influence on those I love, and how they see me, and whether I am doing what I can to make their lives a bit more beautiful. (Judging by the answers left here, I would say that you, my friend, are succeeding in that endeavor.) You are making a difference to me, on accident. I can only imagine what you can accomplish on purpose!

    Be blessed, and know that YOU MATTER!!!

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  • by asweetguy4u2know saya R.I.P Nelson on May 26th, 2008

    asweetguy4u2know saya R.I.P Nelson

    Idne you most certainly do. I have always looked up to you and thought you gave some really great advice and have always tried to be respectful of others even when it was hard. I can't begin to imagine what AB would be like without good people like you.

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  • by Anamika on May 21st, 2008

    Anamika

    of course....everyone has a role to play...and frndz have the hardest and make most of the difference in someones life.:)

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  • by angelkisses34 on April 24th, 2008

    angelkisses34

    only if you had built the eiffle tower lol na just joking you make a differce to ME

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  • by Izzie on March 18th, 2008

    Izzie

    OF COURSE! Every heart counts.

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  • by ...bRoken... on February 24th, 2008

    ...bRoken...

    i have always believed that a person is a part of every other person that he/ she have met....and now that i've met you...in this site, though not physically...i guess you made a difference in me...:)

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  • by angel on February 11th, 2008

    angel

    A VERY BIG DIFFERENCE!!

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  • by dontcallmewave on January 27th, 2008

    dontcallmewave

    everyone does

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  • by MIA on December 3rd, 2007

    MIA

    Yes of course you do...how could you even ask this. You make a HUGE difference!!! :)

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  • by anonymous on December 3rd, 2007

    anonymous

    Of course you do. You're a very kind, caring, thoughtful, helpful, compassionate and considerate person and that will always make a difference in this world.

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  • by I Just Changed My Name on December 3rd, 2007

    I Just Changed My Name

    yes to those who think you do.

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  • by Shelly on December 2nd, 2007

    Shelly

    If you have ever cared for anyone in your entire life, then you have made a difference.

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  • by Smurphy on December 2nd, 2007

    Smurphy

    Yes! "Never doubt a small group of commited people can make a difference, indeed its the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

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  • by zee-ster on December 1st, 2007

    zee-ster

    for the people who encounter you, definitely. (:

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  • by Jewel on December 1st, 2007

    Jewel

    Every one of us make a difference. I wish there was some way to prove it to you.

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  • by DreAnna on December 1st, 2007

    DreAnna

    Absolutely :)

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  • by Stillme FBB on December 1st, 2007

    Stillme FBB

    Sure you do. You're always kind, and thoughtful. I know I'll never forget how much help you gave me when I was just a new AB'er. So in case I forgot; Thank You IDNE, your the best!!!!!!!!

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  • by SASSYWI-Q-Sassia-Jetpacking with NASCAR on December 1st, 2007

    SASSYWI-Q-Sassia-Jetpacking with NASCAR

    I knowbeing in contact on AB with you has made a difference. Your question and answers have made me think,helped me learn and cheered me up.
    I am so very glad you are on Ab.

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  • by Midnighttoker on December 1st, 2007

    Midnighttoker

    Yes you do.

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  • by Lambchop Good Wool Ambassador on December 1st, 2007

    Lambchop Good Wool Ambassador

    I'm sure you do and to make yourself believe it walk into your son's room and look at his little face. That is what matters. Peace Idne

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  • by Drastic on December 1st, 2007

    Drastic

    Of course you do. You're a special person and I'm sure you've made a big impact on many people's lives throughout the past, and will impact many more lives as well.

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  • by peterpam on December 1st, 2007

    peterpam

    Of course you do, we have not come across each others paths a great deal but there are many advantages of different aspects in a forum like this. Everybody makes a difference especially those who are sensitive enough to ask if they are useful. Keep on going and make this place more bearable!

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  • by I love my baby on December 1st, 2007

    I love my baby

    Idne you have to me...... and I am sure to many others as well!

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  • by KagomeShuko on December 1st, 2007

    KagomeShuko

    Everybody makes a difference.

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  • by buxtonite ..slowly losing my mind on December 1st, 2007

    buxtonite ..slowly losing my mind

    you are the heart and soul of AB, the time and effort and thoughtfulness you put into every question and every answer is amazing ...but then I wouldn't expect anything less from someone as special as you are 'idne'...the love and respect you are held in by other ABers is so very plain to see ... thank you for being ...you!!

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  • by Little big mouth on December 1st, 2007

    Little big mouth

    Of course you do!!!! Do you know how many people I talk to through e mail that have nothing but wonderful things to say about you?

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  • by Google a Foo Fighting COAT on February 5th, 2009

    Google a Foo Fighting COAT

    Yes,with you coming back you made AB a much happier place already. So welcome back and enjoy AB.

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  • by Music Sloosh on November 18th, 2008

    Music Sloosh

    According to the Chaos Theory, yes.

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  • by starheart17 on November 18th, 2008

    starheart17

    Everything happens for a reason. You asked this question for a reason, you were here on earth for a reason. You can make a difference with a blink of an eye that no one has even imagined before.

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  • by VS Angel aka Mrs. Stealth Intelligence on August 24th, 2008

    VS Angel aka Mrs. Stealth Intelligence

    Yes you do! :D
    A positive difference!
    :D

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  • by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on May 26th, 2008

    CaptainHarley adores his life penguin

    Yes. Each of us does. But we make more of a difference working together.

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  • by Simply99 -- Not a fan favorite. on May 26th, 2008

    Simply99 -- Not a fan favorite.

    You make the difference you aim to make, and when you aim to make a difference, you will always succeed, even in the smallest of ways.

    WOW!! How about that!! Simply99 getting philosophical and a touch deep! LOL

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  • by anonymous on May 23rd, 2008

    anonymous

    Yes, you do. More than you know. Your particular ripple is the sparkly one.

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