Influencer

Have you listened to yourself lately?

Other people have, and you have made a difference in their lives.

Years ago, I helped my young friend get ready for bed. When he brushed his teeth, I suggested he also brush his tongue with his toothbrush. (Gently!)

He thought it was a crazy idea. I assured him I wasn't teasing him: my dentist had approved the practice for me. My friend tried it and shrugged. I tucked him into bed and read him some books, then tucked away that memory.

Two months later, my young friend's mom said, "The dentist asked my son to show him how he brushes his teeth. He brushed his tongue, and told the dentist that Miss Chris taught him to do that."

My heart sang: my friend took to heart a suggestion I made one random night.

You, too, have peppered random comments and suggestions in conversations throughout your life to people you may not realize were paying attention. Listen, watch, and realize how important you are in the lives of others.

Hello, Friends

 

Hello, friends. It's been a while.

I wasn't around because the Internet is not always a friendly place. 

I wasn't around because the world felt like a Dumpster fire in an active volcano in an A-bomb explosion.

I wasn't around because of that colorful, deadly virus that stopped the world. There was plenty to do to attempt to keep my little corner of the world safe. I stumbled, righted myself, and kept on going like I knew what I was doing. It was exhausting — but like you, I managed.

I have been slow to return to "normal." I spent three years trying to help keep myself, my family, and my community alive, and caution is a hard habit to break.  

I still follow some smart practices around public places. I'll continue to do my best to be a good fellow human. I may stumble, but I'll right myself and keep on going like I know what I'm doing. 

So will you. I know you will, and you have. I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work.

If you need me, let me know. You're not alone.