Your impact on people you may never know

This week I was reminded of how we all impact others including some we have never met.

I received an envelope in the mail from a relative who is about to be released from a correctional institution. Inside the envelope were letters from several inmates who I had never met sharing with me how I had impacted them.

I had shared my book “The Story In Your Head” with my relative who is serving time in prison. He was in the process of getting a degree in project management where he would be leading others and I thought my book would be helpful to him. After reading the book, he passed it on to other inmates he thought might benefit from reading it. The letters I received were from those inmates he shared my book with.

I was humbled when I read those letters and learned how my stories hit home with these people I had never met.

What I learned from these letters:
·      When we impact one person in our social circle, that person has the ability to impact so many others in their own social circles. It’s a chain reaction effect and a circle of influence that extends out past us. It’s a ripple that extends past our horizon. Our engagement with people, both positive and negative, will be passed on from that person to others. This is a good reminder to leave a positive impression on others since this is what will be passed on.

·      Often, we overlook things. We walk right over an opportunity to help others, make a life change or impact others just by being there for them. God puts us in places when He wants us to do His work, and we need to recognize those moments. It’s important to listen to our hearts, follow our instincts and have an open mind to be uncomfortable stepping into a situation. I left my job and wrote my book with the impression God was pushing me to do something bigger. God is pushing us to do His work, listen to Him. You won’t regret it.

·      The "three Ts. Things Take Time". Anything worthwhile takes time. Take the time to do things right. Short cuts will lead to mistakes, bad decisions and poor results. Take time to do things right and you will be rewarded with satisfaction, pride and respect.

We all have stories where we shined bright and we also have stories where we were less. We need to share both the positive and the not so positive with others. We need to pass on wisdom so others can learn from our success and failures. When we do this, we make a difference in people’s lives – even lives we may never know.

Whom will you share a life changing story with today?