Inspiration: Helen Keller “Great and Noble Tasks”
October 25, 2009
I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.
The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.
*
When I look at this 1888 photo of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, I can’t help but marvel at Anne Sullivan’s contribution to the world. At the time she probably thought she was simply a teacher and guide for one child, with no awareness of the lasting impact her efforts would have.
I started blogging on January 5 with great ambitions. I would reach huge audiences, and help every person on the planet become a little happier. I would be the Oprah of blogging… or so I thought.
Now I know better. First, I am now aware of how nearly impossible that would be. But, more importantly, it is not really my aim to become the world’s greatest blogger.
Quest for Balance is a relatively small, humble little blog, with a warm and loving community of readers. What I want now is to do my very best to help each of my readers in any way I can. That’s it.
It is the tiny push that I pour my heart and soul into, as though it were the most noble task in the world. Maybe each of my readers will contribute their own tiny push so that, together, we’ll make the whole world a little happier.
To that end, I would like to ask those of you who are also bloggers to please share your favorite blog post in the comments section. Most of us have one post that we really loved, probably written before we had an audience, but that we truly opened up our hearts to create. It may not have gotten the most page views or comments, but it is still our personal favorite.
Which is your favorite post from your blog?
Feel free to just share the title, instead of the link, so that your comment won’t be mistaken for spam and kicked out to wherever it is that spam comments go when they die. I will click over to your blog and find that post.
I’d like to spend the next few days reading and Stumbling posts that are full of passion and purpose so I can share them with even more people “out there”. It’s a tiny push, but it might help.
In case you were wondering, I wrote my favorite post (“Young, Confused Iris“) four days after starting my blog… maybe six people saw it. If you weren’t one of those six, perhaps you’d like to read it today.
Thanks!
“Work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed.” (V. Havel)
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Lisis,
It’s always so good to be here, and I think this post really hits upon “why” for me. I guess a real part of it is that I not only connect with what you write (which I very much do), it’s also that when I’m here it really feels like you genuinely care. That I matter. That when you’re reading what I’ve written, there’s nothing more important, at that instant. And I’m sure it’s not just me, it’s everyone who comes here regularly. You have a way of making everyone feel special. And so, whether that’s one person (me), a handful of people, or boatloads of people – you make a difference is so many ways. Know that my life has been impacted greatly by your presence. Very sincerely, Lisis, thank you for being love…
My favorite post from my site: At One Hundred, Life Is…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi sweetie,
You do and thats that!!!…no strings attached. And thats why You and Q4B will always remain my very favorite 
Hugs to you.
Every time i think…before i come to your blog….this time it wont happen…this time it will just be something i will read and not be sooooooooo impacted by..and then you raise the level ….why oh why my dear are you such a lovely soul??I ask that with so much love….:)
I smiled at the Oprah of blogging bit…really something i did aspire for the first 5 days I started my blog too..(twin) But, of sorts you are..without all the hype…I dont like that hype that these celebrities create when they do something. In my books a good deed loses its essence if its publicized for a celebrity status.
I love your simplicity..your easy and humble ways of managing and writing and interacting on this blog. So in my books you surpass Oprah big time
Ok enough of my jabber…The post I love the most on my blog…which as you rightly said just 3 people probably saw is “Finding Your Happy Endings”. You might have to dig in the archives cause i haven’t ever stumbled or publicized it. This was before i became so called blog savvy
Lots of love
Z
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Why Are We Here? {Inspirational Quote}
@ Lance: I do. I care. You matter. It’s true, whenever I’m reading your words, whether it’s here or at your blog, nothing else exists. I get lost in this little world where you share your heart with me and I gratefully accept your life lessons. For instance, your “At One Hundred, Life Is…” post was beautiful.
I love how you shared those precious family moments with us so that we, too, can feel how grand life is (or can be). You are a shining example for the rest of us, and I’m just so thrilled whenever you are here.
And the same thing goes for my other readers… each so wonderful in their own way.
Not gonna share a post, I’ll leave that to others, even though I appreciate the offer, but I do want to echo something you intimated at.
Helen Keller was an awesome, awesome woman, but I doubt the world would have even heard of her if it wasn’t for Annie Sullivan who was equally awesome in her own way!
It’s a shame the people behind the scenes don’t get more recognition.
You really are an angel, you know that?
I think my favorite post on my site is my last one. (Memories Best Left Forgotten) I know, it’s kinda sad, but it’s real, and powerful, and it has touched so many people and has made such a positive impact in the world. In a way, that’s why I have left it up for so long. I want to make sure that it touches as many lives as possible before it gets shoved down into the “recent posts” section, and then lost in the archives.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Memories Best Left Forgotten
Even though it may not seem like it, you are making a difference. Helping people through your words and experiences – that’s what it’s all about. And don’t discount yourself just yet – you will become the ‘Oprah’ of blogging if you want it hard enough.
Put your best effort in every single day. Don’t fall behind for even a second, because the moment you lose faith in what your doing – it’s all over.
My favorite post on my blog is “Do You Recognize the Problem With Instant Gratification?”
John´s last blog ..When Stating Intentions, Be Specific
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Robb Drury, John Anyasor. John Anyasor said: RT @Serene_Balance Helen Keller: Great and Noble Tasks http://bit.ly/US5ka [...]
@ Zeenat: You are so sweet! I love how you started your comment… it made me smile, and blush, and warmed my heart.
I just read and stumbled your “Finding Your Happy Endings” post. What a beautiful story! I can tell already that I am going to have a wonderful time reading through everyone’s favorite posts (the ones we wrote before SEO even crossed our minds). There is so much passion and feeling in those… thank you for sharing yours with me here.
@ Tim: I know exactly what you mean. When I first wrote this post it was about the Hellen Keller quote. Then I went looking for a picture to go with it and found this one, and my immediate thought was, “WOW… that Anne Sullivan was really something!”
I sometimes have a hard time just homeschooling my own son, who can hear and see and speak, and she was teaching this child who could do none of those. Imagine the challenges she faced, the frustration, the feeling of helplessness, and the desire to give up (I have no proof of this, but I just know it because she’s human).
So, in writing the post I thought I was writing, I got totally inspired by a tangent. Funny how that works, huh?
@ Everyone: It will take me a little longer to reply to each of you today because I want to go read and stumble your favorite posts before I get back to you. So, be patient… I haven’t forgotten you, and I’m not ignoring you… (I’m just slow as molasses).
Oh Lisis, you are precious, do you know that? You are fulfilling your intention! Sure using Oprah as an example of what you want to GIVE to people may, at first, seem rather lofty. But perhaps Oprah’s real purpose in all this is simply to motivate people by being an example? In which case, she “did” for you what was meant to be! It doesn’t matter if we help to inspire one person, or millions, does it? You have your own Angel Network right here in the blogosphere. We can call you Lisis-O, bless your heart!
suzen´s last blog ..No Fear, No Doubt, Just Fly!!!!
@ Jay: I loved that post… she was a beaut, that one! I’d love for you to leave it up there forever, except, well… then we wouldn’t have any new posts from you and that just wouldn’t do at all. Hmmm… you’ll have to find a way to highlight it so it doesn’t end up buried in the archives. Maybe add it to your About Me page somehow, so more people can see it.
Hi Lisis. First of all I love the story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. It is so heroic. Secondly I read your lovely Iris post and it was wonderful. Finally I have no favorite post. I’m so much older than you and my mind can barely remember what I did yesterday, much less posts I wrote six months ago. But I do have one I remember writing a while back that really captured my feelings at the time. It was called Redefining Our Ultimate Goals. It’s in the must read section on the right sidebar.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Irrational Decisions – Anchoring and Arbitrary Coherence
@ John: Thank you, my dear… you realize of course, the feeling is mutual. This little family would not be complete without you. I just went over to your blog and loved both your favorite post and the one you have up currently. I’ve been seeing that message all over the place lately, “Be Specific.” So you are now officially a piece of my life puzzle!
I love the lessons about patience and taking our time in life… thinking long term. Instant gratification is for toddlers.
Anne Sullivan was amazing and has been a great inspiration to a level she did not realize at the time. I read your favorite blog and really enjoyed the metaphor for self-acceptance. It was almost like a poem, since you kept the metaphor consistent throughout the post. I have just started blogging so don’t have a favorite post yet. I have favorite posts from other bloggers, though! There is really some great writing out there!
lena´s last blog ..Being More; Doing Less
Hello. Helen Keller is such an amazing inspiration for the world because of her ability to overcome life despite being severely handicapped. Fortunately for her, she had a positive attitude and kept on going.
Thanks for sharing this, and one of the best articles on my blog is titled, “How to Get Rid of Negative Feelings.”
Tristan Lee´s last blog ..Respect: Follow Through With Your Words
@ Suzen: I’ve always thought that about Oprah… that what makes her amazing isn’t what she does every day or how she does it (or the zillions of dollars she’s accumulated and given away), but that her life is an example of what is possible. She overcame such incredible odds to become who she is today that it really proves the point: there are no limits to what we can achieve. She was motivated, worked hard, didn’t give up (for very long), and kept her heart in the right place. The rest was a natural consequence of her intentions.
It really doesn’t matter if we inspire one person, or millions. Every bit helps.
Hi Lisis,
So often people think big things make the most impact but the little things can also move mountains. It is like the quote from Mother Teresa: “We can do no great things; only small things with great love”.
Anne Sullivan was an amazing teacher who helped Helen Keller cultivate what she already had within her. That is what great teachers do…they tap into what is there and just fine-tune it.
As for one of my favorite posts, it is hard to choose because I love them all. I will just pick one of the most recent ones which is “Dependent Origination: Get Ready For Enlightenment, Baby” . Thank you so much for the opportunity to mention one of our posts.
Hope all is awesome!
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..What Do You Know For Certain?
I am a huge Helen Keller fan. I don’t have a favorite blog post, but I do have a favorite quote.
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.†—Helen Keller, 1940
HK would approve of the fearlessness that led you and your family to give up the security of the known for a daring adventure toward the unknown. Also, Wilma Hamm posted a comment about HK on Kaushik’s last post that is certainly worth checking out. She explains beautifully how HK’s losses proved to be great gains (e.g., she never got yelled at, called names, threatened, etc. and what that does for the human spirit.)
Hi Lisis, I was drawn to your blog while searching for a way to share inspiration with a loved one and hopefully also absorb it myself. I found your blog and was so moved and inspired by your honest and pour out your personal struggles while till inspiring your readers to hang on, look deeper within themselves and find their own happiness despite the problems that they may be facing. I think it’s a great blog and very much like a person of Oprah’s stature would start out; just wanting to help, just wanting to share their life and lead by example because thru that example they could impart some wisdom and make a difference in the lives of other’s. I don’t have a blog or post to share with you. I often experience the same problem when I write something extensive, I start with a main idea I want to convey then get lost in tangent thoughts and not to mention it would take me forever to do it. I just don’t have the right skills to do it. Lastly I also read your iris blog and could identify with it because when I was younger would really ponder the idea or talent and wonder why I didn’t have one. There are many things that I can do well if I try real hard but nothing that I was great at. mBut one thing I’d have to admit and many others have always marveled about me it that despite a very hard and troubled life I managed to stay nice, and hopeful and introspective and kind with others while avoiding becoming a total crazy woman. These may be small humble qualities that may others also posess but there what make me special and on that occasional blue moon they aid me helping someone else.
Helen Keller is SO inspiring. Thanks for writing about her!
Positively Present´s last blog ..words to live by: awake is the new sleep
If I have to choose just one post, which is your call to arms, my favorite entry as of this moment is “The eagle has landed”, from last December. Currently recovering from a very nasty flu, I haven’t been able to ride my bicycle in over two weeks. This particular post reminds me to do the hard thing, not to take the easy way out…because the rewards are priceless. I’m chomping at the bit to be well enough to get back out there and ride, for my spirit is at its best when I’m on my bicycle. Namaste’.
@ Stephen: I know what you mean… I can hardly remember what I did this morning! I loved the post you mentioned; it was a hybrid of the two posts I read at John’s site today: one about being specific in our goals, and the other about being patient. Both of these have been recurring themes for me lately, so there must be something to it.
@ Lena: Welcome to the crazy world of blogging! It can be so wonderful some days, so stressful others, but always an adventure. I’m glad you liked my Iris post… that one is near and dear to my heart. In fact, that would be my one piece of advice to you as you start blogging: write from your heart. Write what you feel, and what is true for you, instead of crafting what you think others want to read. I guess it’s the opposite of all the pro-blogging advice out there, but… I’m sticking to it.
@ Tristan: You are so right about that… it is imperative to have a positive attitude and keep on going no matter what. Your favorite post, about overcoming negative feelings is a great way to get started on that path. Thanks for sharing it with me!
@ Nadia: That is precisely what I aim for with Hunter’s education: to see what is already there, and just fine tune it. My main goal is to stay out of his way and try not to mess up what came into this world perfect.
That was a great post about Dependent Origination. It reminded me a bit of Zeenat’s favorite post because it is up to each of us to define what happiness means to us. We don’t have to aim for someone else’s version, or envy someone else’s life; we just need to know what we want and create it. Most importantly, we can be happy right now, today.
@ Brenda: That is an awesome quote! I had heard only the end of it before. I love the part of “The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” Really makes you realize that fear is a waste of time and energy.
Thank you for pointing me towards Wilma’s comment over at Kaushik’s blog. I hadn’t seen that particular one, but that is a great point. I wonder what I would be like if I’d never heard things others were saying about me? If I could define myself solely by my own feelings and imagination? Hmmm… interesting point, my dear. That Wilma is one wise soul, isn’t she?!
@ Jessie: Oh, there is nothing small about these qualities you have named: being hopeful, introspective, and kind to others are amazing, wonderful, rare qualities that will take you far in life.
I’m so thrilled that you have found this blog and I hope it helps you and your loved one find the inspiration you are seeking. If you can’t find it in my words, then just look through the comments. So many Q4B readers are loving, compassionate, wonderful, wise souls; and all of them will gladly help you in any way they can.
@ Dani: I can hardly imagine anyone more inspirational than Hellen Keller (except maybe Anne Sullivan!). Clearly the two were brought together to teach us important life lessons like, All Challenges Can Be Overcome, and People Behind the Scenes Deserve Recognition Too!
@ Tee: Oh, I will be praying for you to get back on the saddle just as quickly as possible. Anything that feeds your soul should be done every chance you get! Jeff (my hubby) is a cyclist too, and when he has to be off the bike it’s never good for him… or any of us!
Thanks for continuing to share your journey with us.
My favorite post, The Greatest Gift
Jared´s last blog ..It Ain’t Easy Being Me: Avoiding Self-Destruction
Lisis, thank you for asking us to share more of ourselves with you and for sharing more of yourself. I blog for the same reason you do – to have a small, close community of dedicated and caring readers. I only started writing this August, and after looking through my posts, one of the most important ones is called “Conditional Love”.
It was hard to write because it is something I don’t like about myself, yet I knew I could be honest and open with my readers. While I have more fun writing creative posts like I have more recently, that post is one that keeps me grounded in reality. I’m still working on the things I write about there.
I read your favorite post and I am humbled. Perhaps what I am looking for is right there, as you say, waiting to bloom. I am so grateful for you!
Daphne´s last blog ..The House of Me
Hi Lisis,
What a great post! I love how supportive you are of people and your fellow bloggers. This was a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the comments here. I felt myself nodding and recognizing many of the self-selected posts here in comments, remembering reading them, and agreeing! How cool is this???
And, same for you, Lisis. I remember the day I read, “Young, confused Iris.” I thought it was such a great and touching post with an awesome message. I’m not sure that I could pick a favorite post from your site, though. I enjoy all of them so much.
Now, back to me and my blog. Well, I tend to remember (and like) my most recent posts the most – just because of long-term memory problems (lol). But, I tend to enjoy my posts around “Just a Story.” Not only do I thrive reading about other people’s lives, memoirs, and others’ experiences, but I also like writing stories about my experiences, too. I think I had the most fun writing this post about a dream I had, called “Running Through Black” or my about my gleaning habit, called “What the Tide Brings.”
Well, sweets, take care and thanks for another awesome post today!
P.S. And, apologies, I think you only asked for one favorite – pick either one I listed. Sorry!
Lori´s last blog ..Are You Hazarding Your Best?
Hello Lisis,
This is an excellent article and it really spoke to me. When I first started blogging nearly one year ago, I had similar thoughts to yours. I didn’t expect to be the next “Oprah” or anything but had visions of attracting thousands of subscribers. The past year has helped me to home in on my passion and purpose and now I will be excited if I have three subscribers whose lives I can touch or help in some way. To have something I have poured out of my heart speak to another in such a way that their life is improved…WOW! What greater reward could I ask for?
Thank you for being the kind of person you are, for caring about PEOPLE and truly wanting to be a blessing to others, and not someone that is focused only on numbers.
It’s hard for me to decide which of my posts is my favorite but I think “Your Mind The Helm, Your Thoughts The Rudder” would be one.
Thanks Lisis
Hi Lisis — I don’t really have a favorite post from my blog, but I know that I get happier and happier about my work with each one, so maybe I should say “my most recent one.” Or recent feature-length one, anyway.
Hi Lisis,
Thanks for mentioning Anne Sullivan–it reminded me that Helen Keller had a powerful inspiration in her life.
My favorite post on my site? With my Mother’s 70th birthday coming up, it is an article I wrote about this amazingly strong woman who has always, even today, put her loved ones before her: http://www.beyond-karma.com/beyond/mothers-day-saluting-the-strength-of-women/. Here.
Thanks. I hope you are very well!
k
Kaushik´s last blog ..Healing…
@ Jared: OH! That was a fantastic post… I remember reading it with tears in my eyes! Good call.
@ Daphne: Everything that you are looking for and hoping you will find is already there. When the conditions are sufficient, all the right things will manifest. Nothing in nature happens before its time, and our lives are no exception. Be patient and optimistic about what lies ahead… it’s like an eternal Christmas Eve!
@ Lori: Must you break ALL the rules, Lo? I give you simple instructions, and you mess them up!
I’m kidding, of course… I think it’s great that you shared two of your posts with us. In fact, I already stumbled one of them, and I’m going to do the other one now.
(I’ll be back…!)
@ Keith: Hi! It’s so nice to see you over here! Oh, the numbers, the numbers… those Faustian numbers. How many bloggers have sold their soul just to improve those blasted stats?
I read a great post at Seth Godin’s blog today about how we can only truly connect with 150 people… maybe 200, but that’s pushing it. Anything beyond that is just nameless, faceless numbers. I have no interest in that. Numbers can be beautiful in an abstract, mathematical sort of way, but my soul can only connect with real people… like you!
@ Chris: I think it’s great that you get happier with each post you write. I had gotten to a point where I felt I was producing “copy” for a target audience, rather than sharing real feelings, like I did in the beginning. Lately, I’ve tried to get back to my newbie roots of just writing what is in my heart. I’ll go check out your latest feature-length post.
@ Kaushik: I think Anne Sullivan may be my new hero… either her, or you mother! Wow! What a great story that was on your blog. Your mom is a truly amazing woman, and your life never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for sharing that post with us today.
Take Care, my friend!
What a wonderful idea, Lisis. And I love your Iris post, it ties in so nicely to what you are saying here. Each of us has this unique perspective, these unique gifts, that makes us beautiful and makes us resonate with certain others in a special way. We can never know how our giving will ripple out, we just have to keep doing our thing. This made me think of a section from Eat Pray Love that a friend reminded me of recently. I forget the details, but I think a friend of both the author’s and her sister is gravely ill. The author organizes a prayer circle for her, and tells her sister. Her sister doesn’t really believe in things like that and organizes meals to be cooked by neighbors and brought over to the family everyday for weeks. As the author says, “my sister doesn’t realize, what she did, that IS grace.” And I think it’s so true, we each have these ways of giving and helping, and the numbers are not the issue.
As for a favorite post, I don’t know, it depends on the criteria I use. I think the one on Love, dedicated to my friend that passed this summer, because of what he meant to me: http://mommymystic.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/love-the-story-of-a-life-of-any-life/
XOXO
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..10 Characteristics of Women’s Energy Bodies
Lisis,
great post. Its all about doing what you are meant to do in this world. Setting your own definition of success, and living to it. great work.
Rick Smith
The Leap
Hey, would love to send you a copy of my new book, The Leap (WSJ bestseller, Tim Ferriss posted about it). just send me your address to rick@ricksmith.me
Rick