Each life on this planet is a gift. Personally, I believe this gift comes from a higher being – but I have complete respect if you disagree with that.
Life, in many respects, is like a light. It shines for only a limited amount of time. How bright it shines, in turn, is entirely dependent own our own creativity and passions. There are many things we can do with this gift. But, what better way to use the gift of life – the gift of light – if we do not use it to cast out the shadows within our civilizations? War, injustice, and the suffering of the poor are all shadows that we should be devoting our shining lives to casting away.
As always, whenever I write borderline-hippie stuff like this, I must point out that I am 100% sober. And, please, don’t call me a hippie for writing this stuff 
hey shawn , iam a student at an MBA college in dubai and iam woring as well in an MNC bank, felt real touched by your videos on youtube and by this article . u talking all real bro ….all real !
i myself am trying to figure out how or in what way can i make a little difference …. just waiting for the right time .
all the ebst to you in what ever u do .
take care.
I cannot begin to tell you how much you have inspired me. I am a 32 year old nursing student and I have decided to do something in the vein of what you are doing. I have about four years before I am finally finished with my education, but after two years of practice I will be relocating my family to South America to do my part to shine the light that God gave me as a midwife…thanks for letting us know that there is more out there. You don’t sound like a hippie by the way…you’re WAY too focus for all that crap!
Hello Shawn. I am 23 years old and a graduate from the University of Mobile in Alabama. Brazilian Born, I have lived in Australia for over 18 years and have studied in the U.S. for the past 4.
I saw your video on youtube, and i loved it mate. I have intention on helping out those less fortunate than me, and I would like to know how I can help.
I will be returning to Australia in the next 2 months and intend on getting a job. I would love to be able to (during my holidays/vacations) to be able to travel like yourself and help those in need.
What can i do?
please reply to my email address that i have provided when you get the chance.
Thank you for doing what you are doing!!
KK (nickname)
Hi Shawn!! I’m a twenty-nine year old man from Charlotte, NC. I just wanted to comment on what you have written about the “life as light” I feel the same as you in this aspect as do many others I surround myself with. It can be hard sometimes I’m sure to read the dreadful comments some immature youtube viewers write. But I want you to know that I support your great efforts and all the work you do to bring the worlds problems to the people’s attention. We all know of the problems of the world, poverty, starvation, war, etc. But we all , not only Americans , but humanity tend to build a type of shell around our personal world to block these these issues as if they don’t exist. But thankfully there are people like you who open the eyes of the ones who don’t want to see. Anyway, I’m rambling. You’re great!! And may God bless you and all you do!!
P.S You’re not a hippie, just a great person.
Thanks for the kind words everybody
Everyone who has written in, and of course, Shawn, are so inspiring. Knowing that human compassion does exist is very comforting as well as uplifting. I believe that we all should:
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can as long as ever you can!
I believe we, as a society, are on the verge of a global movement. To truly become passionate is to take the injustice in your society and make it your personal duty to raise awareness and devote yourself to ridding the problem and providing a solution. Everyone has a voice – let’s start using it for the good of all!
And, nope, I’m not a hippie either…LOL.