"إن الأشخاص العظماء في التاريخ لم يرغبوا أبدًا في أن يكونوا عظماء لأنفسهم. كل ما أرادوه هو الفرصة لفعل الخير للآخرين وأن يكونوا قريبين من الله."

The message at the heart of this quote is pretty straightforward: real greatness isn't about personal glory. It's about helping others and finding spiritual closeness. Think of the people who are remembered for truly making a difference—there's a good chance they weren't chasing fame or accolades. They were driven by a desire to improve the world around them and connect with something bigger than themselves.

Let's rewind history a bit to the time of Mother Teresa. Born in 1910 in what is now North Macedonia, she didn't set out to be a global icon. She just wanted to help the poor. She dedicated her life to serving the sick and destitute in Kolkata, India. Her selflessness and service weren't about building a legacy—they were about making a difference in the lives of those she served. And that's why she's remembered as "great."

Now, imagine you're working in a healthcare setting during a pandemic. It's chaotic; everyone is stretched thin. There’s a nurse—let’s call her Sarah. Sarah isn't there for the paycheck or the praise. She's there because she genuinely wants to help people. She stays late, comforts patients, and supports her colleagues. She might never get a statue or a holiday named after her, but in her own way, she's achieving greatness. She's doing good for others without a thought for her own recognition.

So how do you bring this idea into your life? First, focus on what you can do for others. It doesn't have to be grandiose. Small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. Maybe it's helping a neighbor with groceries, mentoring a young colleague, or just being a good listener. Second, think about your motivations. Are you in it for the accolades, or are you genuinely trying to make a difference? Keep your ego in check, and the rewards—both spiritual and emotional—will be far more fulfilling.

Imagine a scenario where you’re part of a team working on a community project. The aim is to build a playground in a rundown neighborhood. There's a guy named Mike on your team. Mike never pushes for his ideas to be the center of attention. He listens, encourages others, and works tirelessly behind the scenes. When the playground is finally built and you see the joy on the kids' faces, it's clear that Mike's quiet dedication was key. He never wanted to be the hero of the story; he just wanted to do something good.

You see, it's not about being the star of the show. It's about making a meaningful contribution. So the next time you find yourself caught up in the race for recognition, take a step back. Ask yourself what truly matters. Chances are, it's the difference you make in the lives of others, not the pats on the back you might get.

In a nutshell, greatness isn't measured by the spotlight. It’s measured by the positive impact you have and the connections you build. Keep your focus on doing good and fostering relationships, and who knows? You might just find that in helping others, you discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.