"Observas las cosas que disfrutas en tu vida, pero mucho más importante es lo que puedes hacer para hacer del mundo un lugar mejor."

The essence of this quote is about shifting our focus from just personal pleasures to the greater impact we can have on the world. It’s a gentle nudge, reminding us that while it’s great to enjoy life’s pleasures, there’s something deeply fulfilling about contributing to the well-being of others and the world around us.

Imagine this: It’s Saturday morning, and you’re cozied up with your favorite book, sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee. This moment is undoubtedly lovely, but what if, instead, you spent an hour volunteering at a local shelter, or planting trees in a community garden? The satisfaction you get from reading or enjoying that coffee is tangible, sure, but the difference you make by contributing your time and effort to a worthy cause can ripple out, creating positive impacts far beyond that single moment. This idea isn't about guilt-tripping us for enjoying ourselves—after all, joy and relaxation are essential. It's more about recognizing the profound value in actions that benefit others.

Historically, this sentiment has roots in various cultural and philosophical traditions. Think about the ancient philosophers like Aristotle who talked about the concept of eudaimonia—often translated as 'flourishing'—which is achieved, not just through personal happiness, but through living a life of virtue and contributing to the common good. Or consider the teachings of many world religions that emphasize service to others as a path to a fulfilling life.

Here's a real-life example: Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education. Despite the personal risks and hardships she faced, Malala chose to focus on a cause greater than herself. Her work didn't just bring her personal satisfaction; it sparked global awareness and action towards girls’ education. Imagine if she had decided to only focus on her personal safety and comfort instead.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Think about the skills and resources you have. Maybe you’re great at graphic design—offer to create flyers for a local charity event. Love cooking? Volunteer at a soup kitchen once a month. These don’t need to be grand gestures. Even the smallest efforts can make a significant difference.

Let’s paint a scenario. Picture a guy named Mike. Mike loves binge-watching shows on weekends; it’s his way of unwinding after a tough work week. One day, he hears about a nearby elderly community center needing volunteers for their weekly game nights. At first, he’s hesitant. His weekends are sacred downtime. But he decides to give it a shot. The first weekend, he’s there, he meets Clara, an 85-year-old chess enthusiast who hasn’t had a good match in years. They play, they chat, they laugh. Mike heads home feeling more fulfilled than he ever did after a TV marathon. He realizes that these small acts of service don’t just enrich others’ lives—they add a new dimension of joy and meaning to his own.

So, the next time you’re about to dive into something you enjoy, think about ways you could sprinkle a bit of that joy into the world around you. The goal isn’t to abandon your pleasures, but to balance them with acts that uplift others. It’s like adding a bit of spice to your favorite dish—it just makes everything better.