August 4, 2013

ISIQ-0215

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” – Edward Everett Hale

Today’s IQ was inspired by an amazing lecture Belinda discovered by a man called Howard Lyman – also known as the Mad Cowboy.

The details of the talk are amazing, but beyond my ability to do justice at this point. Suffice to say he inspired the heck out of me, made a strong case for a healthier diet, and made some very, very powerful points about sustainability and how it relates to our food, our climate and our future.

The single most wonderful part of the 90 minute lecture was how he spoke about the inherent terror we all feel when faced with an opportunity to change the world.

He framed it like this:

“I want to be able to look into my grandchildren’s eyes, and tell them that I’m doing everything I can. I don’t know if it will work, but I’m trying.”

I almost cried when I heard that part. Belinda actually did cry.

The point isn’t what you choose to take on as your amazing contribution to the world.

The point is that you commit to doing something. Taking that first step, and starting to do something.

Today’s quote was brought to my attention many years ago by a business coach at the time, and until today I’d forgotten about it for some time. Then, today, as Howard Lyman spoke in his lecture, I was reminded of the passage, and how beautifully it speaks to me about what we can do.

Not that we have to do everything; not that we have to do it all on our own. But that we have something that we can do, and it is our duty to do what we can do.

Because if we don’t do it, who will? I know there’s a lot in that to think about, especially for a Sunday. But hey, that’s how I roll.

Bel and I are planning a Family, Love & Wellness Revolution. It’s the basis of our trip around Australia, the health and wellness coaching that we’re doing, and the film we’ll be making as we travel. It’s ENORMOUS and TERRIFYING. Honestly, not a day goes by that I don’t think, “Holy crap, what are we taking on?!”

So in those moments, I will now refer to today’s quote:

I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

So here’s the bit I’d love to know. What are you thinking of that you can do, that scares the crap out of you?

Hit me up. Leave a comment, or email me. I’d love to hear, and I’d love to learn more about your challenges.

With love,
Israel. xo

 

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