we may not realize the full impact
that we have on another person.
sometimes our influence is
silent, quiet.
an unassuming quick boost over a figurative wall.
maybe an innocent kind glance as a brief hello,
that represents openness,
desperately needed by someone closed in by grief or loneliness.
perhaps a smile given to one who has always felt different and unaccepted,
that peels back a unique corner of his world, previously hidden from sight,
finally exposing it to the light.
possibly written words of personal experiences,
read under surprising circumstances,
that warm a stranger’s heart and remind her that we’re all in this together.
or a simple and sincere thank you,
that is offered when a door is politely held open.
not out of necessity, but rather out of thoughtfulness.
we always leave impressions,
though we may not always understand
the depth or the breadth of our reach.
a snippy retort or an unfriendly glare can speak volumes.
and may leave lasting remembered effects.
tiny scars on the soul.
we never really know what’s going on in other people’s lives.
another’s difficulties are not often obvious.
decency goes a long way to restoring one’s outlook, one’s trust.
therefore we must be aware of our actions,
conscious of the ripples that spread out.
courteous human-to-human contact.
it might just be life-changing.
*******
this post was written in the recent aftermath of a few not-so-pleasant encounters . . .
what is one way you can brighten a stranger’s world today?
*******
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This post is precious! We all need to be reminded as we get stuck with blinders on working at our computers, rushing to the next thing. So very true, and it is the littlest kindness that sometimes can shift one’s perspective in times of fear or trouble. I love your style, it is like reading moving poetry.
thank you, jul’s. and you’re right – it doesn’t always take much to shift one’s perspective.
So true April! I love how you framed this golden rule perspective. You are so right in that we just may not know the impact we have on others. That impact can be positive or negative, and more often than not, we get to choose which. One thing I could do today to brighten a stranger’s day is to find something positive about them (their outfit, eyes, smile, etc.) and comment to them about it. Thank you for bringing this important act to the forefront of my mind!
i agree, april – there is a lot of choice involved in creating either a positive or negative impact. thanks for reading!
I am reminded of a Maya Angelou quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I, too, had a couple strange encounters this past week that left me feeling somewhat disheartened. Sometimes I have to remind myself that while I cannot be responsible for the actions of others I can choose my response. Thank you for this line especially: “We never really know what’s going on in other people’s lives.” xxoo
a wonderful quote that has long been a favorite. thanks for sharing it, sue ann.
This is beautiful and a big time truth. Decency is important, our actions do affect others, even if it’s just a look. Thank you for reminding me of this.
you’re welcome, krystal!
Yes, April thanks so much for this reminder. We all go through life viewing things from our perspective forgetting how we impact others. Kindness rules and it’s free…
“and it’s free.” yes, dana – what a lovely gift.