What makes a life valuable?

Is it financial success? Public accolades? Political impact? Promotion of personal values?

I think it can be any of those things, although I’d rather look at it a little more broadly.

To me, what makes life valuable is making a difference.

We don’t know how long we will get.

Accidents, diseases and other tragedies can change or end life in the blink of an eye. Terrible choices can also take a horrendous toll on the lives of victims, perpetrators, families and communities. Economics, natural disasters, weather and other factors can result in dramatic changes in very short periods of time.

With so much that isn’t in our control, I see it as vital that we do the best we can with what we can control.

I recently talked to a couple of individuals that I respect enormously who have faced significant challenges but have refused to let those tough things drag them down.

In our conversations, we talked about the value of our choices, of deciding what matters to us and then electing to do things that focus on those.

I love the idea one of them mention which is the concept of choosing hope, even when it’s so much easier to choose despair.

I see that making a big difference for not just ourselves but also for those around us. Sometimes we all need to lean on someone else for a little more hope to prop us up until we can increase our own supply.

Everyone can make a difference.

It can be in getting involved in service, both locally and in national and international projects, or trying to enhance quality of life through educational, religious, political or community activities.

But it can also just be in our homes, our neighborhoods, our workplaces and our favorite local businesses.

It can be a smile, a kind word, a positive gesture, spending time to listen, or a supportive presence when things are hard. They don’t have to be shouted from the rooftops but can quietly change someone’s life in little ways.

I hope we realize and embrace our own power.

We don’t need to wait for someone else to improve things. We don’t need to expect that governments or other institutions to be the catalysts.

We can be the ones who make the changes.

In the news business, we often highlight the negatives, the calamities and mistakes and controversies.

But my favorite things to see are all the amazing people that are in Utah Valley, people who are going out each day with hope and dedication to make their world a little better.

Countless times I’ve expressed my interest in sharing a little of their stories and they respond with surprise that anyone would see what they do as being newsworthy.

But they are.

My goal is to continue to find as many good-news stories to share as we can. The people who make a difference by building up those around them inspire us all. If you know of anyone who is deserving of such recognition, please let me know.

But I hope you will be that person.

It doesn’t matter whether you are 5-years-old or 105-years-old, or what your gender, culture, background or economic status.

It’s up to you to decide to choose hope and choose to make the most of the life you have to live.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Daily Herald and can be reached at jlloyd@heraldextra.com.