I attended a funeral for a teacher over the weekend, and as with most funerals, I found myself reflecting on my own life. The Deacon pointed out being a teacher can be a tough job, he also noted that a teacher has the opportunity to make a difference every day in the lives of the kids they teach.
I often think about how I could make a bigger impact in the world and with the people in my life. Then I realized I too have the opportunity to make a difference every day in the lives I meet, even in the smallest ways. Often our perception of what makes a difference in the lives of others is quite different than those you may impact.
It may be as a parent to our kids, or as a kid with our parents. Maybe a co-worker, boss or direct report. It might be with a sibling or extended family member, a friend, a spouse or partner. It might just be with an individual you pass on the sidewalk, chat with at the coffee shop or see at the gym.
Think about what makes a difference in your life, or something you have done that has made another person feel good. Some things that come to mind for me are:
- Being present with someone when they need a friend
- Listening, not to fix but to understand
- Offering support, asking what that might be for them
- Accepting, not judging
- Offering perspective, not advice
- Reminding them how important they are in your life, or in the life of another
Life is challenging. Connection is a basic human need that can ease the way, ironically connection is often our biggest fear. When we can step out of our own lives and make even the smallest effort, it can often make the biggest impact, gently touching the life of another in a way we may never know.
That is how we can all make a bigger impact.
