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As the pace and fullness of modern life
serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes
vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other’s energy,
adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and
we find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do
or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live,
work, and play with, but also those we’ve just met. Though we may never
know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and
understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help
us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek
always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an
atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.
Most people rarely give thought to the
effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments
to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we
spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through
the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk
away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our
awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a
smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person’s entire world. Our
value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own
lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others
see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can
prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By
simply being ourselves, we influence other’s lives in both subtle and
life-altering ways.
To ensure that the effect we have is
positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that
it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner
landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave
can be as important as who we are. If we project our warmth, our
tolerance, and our passion for life in our facial features, voice, and
choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will
leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You
never know whose life you are affecting, big or small. Try to remember
this as you go out into the world each day.
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