What Helen Keller taught us!

The life of Helen Keller is an outstanding example of the triumph of the human spirit over a physical handicap.

Even today, decades after her death, her life stands as a beacon of hope for those who must constantly struggle just to perform routine tasks that most of us take for granted. Whenever you feel fate has been unkind to you, all you must do is look around you and you will begin to appreciate how fortunate you are. Make sure your life’s plan includes giving something back to the community without expecting anything in return. Giving time and effort, not just money, reinforces your connections to your community, provides you with concrete proof of the effectiveness of deliberate action, and reminds you of the inspiring power of determination in human endeavor.

Alfred Nobel had an opportunity afforded to very few. When his brother died, the newspaper confused the two and published Alfred’s obituary instead of his brother’s. As he read his own obituary, Alfred realized that the world would remember him for his invention of dynamite — an instrument of destruction. It was because of that experience that he decided to fund the Nobel Prizes. Today, most of the world knows his name in connection with humankind’s greatest achievements. Good deeds live on in the minds of others. When you do a kindness for someone else, you set in motion a force for good that will remain long after you’re gone.

It’s not the epitaph on your tombstone but the record of your deeds that may perpetuate your name after death.