Impact

Drop a pebble in the water; just a splash and it’s gone; 

But there’s half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on, 

Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea. 

And there’s no way of telling where the end is going to be. 

--James W. Foley 

Whether we choose to admit it or not, our lives will have an impact on people around us. That impact will be more directly felt by our immediate family, closest friends, and colleagues, but is more widespread than we might believe. An act of kindness, a well-timed phrase, and a note of encouragement can provide long-lasting and far reaching positive influence. A sarcastic reply, a rude gesture, and a selfish attitude can be just as impactful, but far more negatively. It may seem like a throw-away moment to us, but it can create a ripple effect of impact for others. I don't think it means that we have to live like we are walking on egg shells, but we should at least consider the impact of the way we choose to treat others.