Seneca: Unable to serve in one public role, serve in…

When one way of contributing disappears, it is tempting to conclude that you have become useless. That conclusion is almost never true. A layoff may remove your job title, not your capacity to help. Illness may limit your movement, not your ability to encourage someone, share knowledge, or show patience. Even when you cannot influence a large institution, you can make your household, team, or neighborhood a little steadier. Look for the responsibility that is actually in reach. Perhaps it is preparing carefully, keeping a promise, welcoming a new coworker, or refusing to make a tense room more tense. Do not wait for ideal conditions or an impressive platform before practicing service. Adapt your contribution to the position you occupy now. The form can change while the underlying duty remains: be reliable, humane, and useful to the people near you.