In 2013, Les Brown said, “You have a story, and someone needs to hear your story.” Les Brown has been named one of the greatest motivational speakers in the world. He speaks to thousands of people every year, all over the world. He probably has said those exact words many times over the years. When he said those words and I was sitting in the audience, he didn’t even know me at the time, although later I would be mentored personally by him. He was speaking to 200 people and I was just one more face in the audience.
But, those words changed my life.
A small stone can create ripples that spread all over the pond. It’s the ripple effect. Something seemingly insignificant makes a much bigger impact than you might think. More than 3 years after first hearing Les Brown, I now share my story and reach thousands of people all over the world through my blogs, speeches, and books.
Sometimes we change someone’s life and we may not even know it. Sometimes what seems like a small action or word creates a ripple effect in our life or in someone else’s life.
You will come in contact with many people today. At work, at the grocery store, at home, at the gym or in Bible study, you will see, speak with, post to, and be an example for, the people in your social circles. And, perhaps many others through them. It’s your choice how you interact with them. Your words and actions will magnify emotions for others, either passing on the good emotions or passing on the bad ones. Regardless of what you are going through, it’s your choice to create good ripples with a smile, a hug, encouragement, a laugh or a simple “thank you.” It’s also your choice to pass on ripples of anger, resentment, frustration, or complaints. There isn’t really a “neutral” when it comes to emotional energy. It’s either positive or negative.
Every single person you come in contact with today will be affected either positively or negatively by you.
What ripples are you creating?
