Nov 17, 2008
Great things can come in SMALL packages. Think about a diamond ring in a little box… changes a life forever. Sometimes those small things can be people.
A few years ago a young boy by the name of Bilaal Rajan attended YLCC for a week of camp. We knew he had great ideas and was full of drive and hope. Little did we know what he would go on to do. Last week he released his first book at age 12… yes that’s correct 12. He has travelled the world educating people about HIV/Aids. He has developed an Empowerment Workshop. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. He is a reminder of what we can be, what we all should be.
So as you party this weekend, spend tons of money on things that won’t really matter in a few years or even months, stop and think…
“Am I living the life I could be living?”
Be great, be amazing, be all you can be with this gift called life. Thank you for inspiring me Bilaal! Visit his website for more information or to buy his book. http://www.bilaalrajan.com
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Posted by Stu Saunders in Leadership on Nov 17, 2008 at 8:57 am | Permanent Link | Comments (4)
Comment posted on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:01 am by jessome (YLCC Member)
Wow, I remember Bilaal! I still have one of the fundraising bracelets he was selling at camp whn he was there in ‘06. Incredible to see what he’s done at such a young age.
I think I’m quite content with the life I’m currently living. While I wish I had more time, a busy finsih to my last year of my degree has given me a great deal of appreciation for time, friends, money and relationships. Lately in my journalling I’ve found myself quite thinly stretched, but I’m making the most of it. My courses are going well, I’m still spending time with those who mean alot to me, I am experiencing new things when I get the chance, I have become wiser with my money, and have become a happier person because of this growth.
I may not be in the position to have the life I truly dream of living quite yet, because of barriers such as education, time and money, but I am taking the steps necessary to arrive at this destination. I am making the most of my current situation, and I think that’s what counts.
Great blog Stu, nice to see it back in action!
Jessome
Comment posted on Nov 19, 2008 at 1:16 pm by Pamlamb (YLCC Member)
Wow I totally remember him, and being so inspired by his efforts. Something as small as a bracelet has changed the course of his life, and has affected so many people.
I know I am happy with the I am living my life. I have great friends and family, I have found a new sense of confidence in myself, and I have done a lot of focusing on me this year, and doing things for me (it sounds selfish but its really not, because now I have the ability to say “no” when I am really too busy), and although moments are stressful and I sometimes let to do lists get the best of me, I know that I am perfectly happy with where my life is right now. I have so many privileges like an education or working at a leadership camp, or being a tutor, that I cannot focus on the things that I don’t have because I truly have so much already!
Like Jessome, I am making the most of my situation right now, and sure I have plans and dreams for the future, but I believe about living in the moment right now and appreciating what I have around me!
Thanks for keeping us updated Stu! And thanks for making me ask myself the tough questions!
PamLamb
Comment posted on Nov 19, 2008 at 8:12 pm by Hillary Newkirk (YLCC Member)
“Am I living the life I could be living?”
I like the way that is phrased. It implies that in a year’s time, I can improve everything about my life that I feel needs improving and ask myself that question again. The second time around I would change a few more things and turn my life into a new life that I thought I could be living. And ask myself the question again after that. It starts a positive cycle of awareness and change.
People are always changing and always improving and can always be evaluating their life. It truly is a cycle worth going through, it keeps us from being too comfortable and away from the risk of being bored.
I personally am very happy with the life I am living. I have lived a lot in the past few years and I’ve had people tell me it shows.
The truth is, for me, the life I dream of will result from the way I am living now. And I am happy living with that fact!
Bilaal is a shining example of what people can do for the world, whether they are young or old! I admire him.
Great blog Stu,
Hillary
Comment posted on Nov 20, 2008 at 7:45 am by Christy* (YLCC Member)
Wow.
i’ve never met or heard of this boy, but I am truly amazed.
His accomplishments at such a young age are so impressive,
I look forward to reading his book.