Landmark Forum Leader Insights

Reaching outward—the power to reshape the course of events

By Joe DiMaggio, MD

We somehow hold on to the underlying notion that a certain predictability and control are possible, but at some point in our lives, we experience situations which are inherently unpredictable, times where the world as we know it, is upended. Yet, right in the midst of enormously difficult circumstances, people everywhere, from the communities where we live and to those around the world are instantly, instinctively and naturally pulling together, carrying out selfless acts, eager to pitch in, to collaborate, to contribute, to care for one another.

We are presented with the opportunity each day to step forward and move what we see as possible into action. When we reach outward toward possibilities, our vision comes into play—vision not as merely an idea of how we’d like it to turn out, but what gives scope, power, and dimension to our lives and that of others. The communities of which we are part are our greatest assets. We find, in even the tiniest of the actions we take, a togetherness and purpose and just how interconnected and interdependent we are as humans. When we step up and take action, life is seen and related to differently— and what it gives birth to, what it attracts, what we can make happen, has the power to reshape the course of events.

There is no selfhood where there’s no community. We do not relate to others as the persons we are; we are who we are in the relating to others.
-J. Carse