7 December 2020
You are an amalgamation of the people you associate with. Everyone who comes into your presence has the potential to make an impact on you, both positive and negative. I was noticing in my own life that I was picking up bad habits from egocentric, selfish people who I thought I looked up to. It is easy to get caught up in the successes of others and to want to mimic their behaviors. But I think it is more important to pay especially close attention to people who help you grow, who support you, and who help you become a better person. Be careful with your admiration of others, particularly those whose behaviors are self-centered.
Today is a good day to notice who is influencing you. Are you picking up negative habits from those who are close to you? Or are you setting the example. It is vital that you don’t infect others with poor behaviors, but that you affect others by embodying the characteristics of love and kindness. Let your personhood be one that makes a positive impact on others.
A good place to start is by reflecting on what people might say about you, after you die. Will they say “good riddance,” or will people share stories of your kindness, thoughtfulness and helpfulness? There are so many implications when you ponder your potential impression on the world, after you’re gone. Personally, I want people to say that I had a positive, maybe even life-changing influence on them. That is because I had people like that in my own life, and I want to pay it forward. Today, think of your possible impact on people. Don’t be a burden to others. Be a source of strength, encouragement, and love. Be a peace-maker, a healer, an encourager, and a gentle shepherd. If you live everyday like that, your impact will last into the ages. You will also help people learn the skills they need, to become a positive influence, themselves. The world needs more examples of goodness, kindness, and positive behaviors. Repond to that need. Reflect on the changes you need to make in yourself to live a better existence, and to set a good example for those around you. The future of our world depends on it.