I Did Make A Difference.

Dr Jane Goodall reportedly began every speech or presentation with the words above. 

And yes, she did make a difference. Her chimpanzee research was groundbreaking. She continued her travel, her outreach and her campaigning for our planet and the species who inhabit it until shortly before she died in October at age 91. 

She made a difference in our knowledge and understanding of chimpanzees. She revolutionized human knowledge of animal intelligence. She debunked the prevalent thinking that non-human animals lack intelligence and that humans are the only species to make and use tools.She observed and documented that non-human animals grieve the loss of loved ones.

She made a difference to the thousands of young people inspired by her Roots & Shoots program. This program brings together students from preschool to university to work on conservation, humanitarian and environmental issues. Students in some 75 countries take part in the hands on program to make positive changes in the environment, animals and local communities.

Her Jane Goodall Insitute supports diverse programs around the world. She made a difference to the chimpanzees languishing in small cages in research facilities. She made a difference to the planet on which we all depend for life. 

Jane Goodall was a tirelesss and passionate advocate for the planet.

She certainly did make a difference, a huge difference, a real difference. Not many people can make that claim. 

Thinking back on the things I have accomplished during my decades of life, I can come up with a few things that did make a difference in this world. 

I have adopted 15 dogs. I made a difference to them. I adopted my daughter from a Siberian orphanage when she was 11 years old. I made a difference in her life. I have used my photography skills to share my images of the animals and landscapes of many places on this planet. I hope they made a difference to those who viewed them. I I provided financial support to two girls from rural Kenya so they could afford to attend high school. I hope I made a difference to them.

When I worked for a large California humane society many years ago, I used my photography skills to document cases of animal cruelty, with the goal of providing evidence to help convict the perpetrators. 

I hope the money I have donated to a variety of charities over the years has made a difference. And I hope the food that I donate every year to help provide for those in need makes some small difference in their lives. 

I believe each of us can make a difference. Each of us can help lift up someone in need. Each of us can provide a can of soup or a bag of noodles or some other non-perishable food to those struggling to buy food. Each of us can donate a can of dog food or a bag of cat food to help companion animals. Each of us can reach out and provide words of kindness and support to those who may be struggling. 

We can make a difference even if we don't have a lot of money to spare. As we begin a new year, I feel called to do more. To give more. To listen more.