Life of Influence

Each of us has one, two or several people that have served as an influence within our lives. These are those people that have had an impact in how we live and believe. I myself had a high school English teacher for one that gave me encouragement to write and express. I certainly may not have all of the skills of a polished writer, but she instilled a love of it in me that stays with me today.

There have been others including a co-worker that mentored me half way through my technical career. He believed in me and gave me the push to become successful at what I do. We work together to this day and I'm forever thankful to him. The same is likely true for each of you.

If you stop and think about whom it is that means something in your life, you may be pleasantly surprised. Also, think of your own impact on others. Your life can and does have influence upon those who need it most. When you needed to be impacted by someone, the same can be said that you have impact on others. Just know and understand that the way you live your life is impacting others. As you rise to meet new challenges, there are those that have been moved by it.

It may be a case where you are fully unaware of the other person. Then again, you may have an opportunity to assist, mentor or guide that person to a greater life. So when you have the chance, thank that person who influenced your life. I missed the chance with my former English teacher, but have done so with my co-worker.

Be a person of influence on others in your world. Help them to a greater life, a better way. In your own life, your influence will carry on in ways you can't imagine. An American writer in the early 19th century said, "a teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops."

It may not be your profession, but your influence on others is like that of a teacher. So live your life as a person of influence on others in your world.