You Are An Influencer
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 4
We are all influencers in the general sense of the word. We influence by our words and actions, even if we are not being paid to do it.
Family, friends, coworkers, anyone we come in contact with in person or through social media are influenced by our choice of words and actions.
Sometimes we see the direct results of our influence.
We see children emulate our words and actions. This weekend I watched my son hug a stuffed bunny to his neck and hand it to his one-year-old daughter. She imitated his actions, then handed it back to him to do the same. This game continued over several turns.
Many times we don't see the results of our influence.
My high school teacher learned his influence on my choice of profession 35 years after he taught me. He would never have known if I hadn’t made a point to reach out and thank him.
You may think little of your words and actions. You may not be receiving pay, but you are influencing someone whether you intend to or not. Others influenced me to join a writing cohort, get another dog and eat a "small" piece of birthday cake.
Someone influenced me to begin writing gratitude.
The comment you post, the essay you publish, the “like” you click, mean something to someone. We can be influenced to do the good and the questionable.
Be mindful of what you put out into the world. You are an influencer.
7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good. One for each day of the week.
I rarely share pictures from my teaching experiences. The picture above is one of my favorites from years ago. Witnessing the kindness of helping a friend in need is always an inspiration.
A change in mindset can ensure you are a good influence. Starting your day with a gratitude statement may do the trick.
Reach out to someone who’s been a positive influence in your life. It will make you feel as good as the person you’re thanking.
I’m grateful for the people I can depend on, like my dog sitter. Are you that for someone else? Not necessarily to dog sit.
This quote reminds me to be intentional. “I will do good in this particular instance, right now.” Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic.
I’m grateful for birthdays. They give us the opportunity to reflect and celebrate.
I found this essay by Gabi Widurek interesting. I don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with strangers. Turns out that’s cultural. What about you? Have you mastered the art of small talk?
Thank you for reading!
Do good with intention.