The Impact Of What You Say

...causes ripples that you don't have control over once you say it - for good or for bad.

Here's an example of the good...

A student whom I had contact with many years ago popped up on my Facebook account and left me a short message. It basically said:

"Remember that time we sat down and talked about how I should best be using my time. I thought about that again today and it is helping me with an important decision. Thanks!"

I was a bit humbled and taken aback by the message. I can remember a lot of conversations with people that have helped to shape me, made a positive impact on me, helped me in my situations. But here was somebody else recalling something I said that is helping them.

I must admit that I had a kind of good news/bad news reaction when I read it. The bad news first - I don't for the life of me remember having this conversation with this student. The good news - Remember it or not, it had a positive and LASTING impact on this person.

Here's what I'm taking away from this experience:

1. I may not remember everything I say, but somebody might.

2. I need to be saying the kinds of things that people might thank me for later.

3. I'll never truly know the impact that my words and actions will have - the ripples that flow from each experience.

4. I need to send a couple of notes to thank some people who've spoken wisdom into my life.

5. Facebook is a great way to connect and reconnect.