I was thinking today about something that crossed my mind probablly when I was 12 or so; that is the idea that we impact people's lives when we pass through.
I used to fear not making an impact in people's lives, that I would pass through un-notice, without making any positive input or making anything of an impact. I am keen to make an impact and I don't quite know where that comes from - I am not the arrogant type, nor the type who thinks that they are the gift to the world, but I think it comes from the fact that so many people, whether they realise it or not have made an impact on my life.
Some I would count amoung my friends, some are no longer alive, some are just people I have randomly met doing random things during my life.
Its something that bothers me... what kind of impact do we make? Is it good or is it bad? It doesnt matter what you belive or where your beliefs lie. What you say, and how you say it and what the other person recieves is important because that is your chance to impact their life.
Online it is even more likely that what you say will impact people. This is mostly because people are unusually vulnerable or invulnerable online - that is to say one extreme or the other. Some prefer to hide behind a constructed character or bravado. So what impact is that? While you are happily tearing someone apart in trade chat in World of Warcraft for example, what is your impact on them? or on the others who are reading?
I want to make a good impact. I some times fail.. and that is just fine. Not everything I do is perfect (sorry if people thought I was.) I guess the trick for me is doing my best to watch my temper and my tongue. Those are the things that let me down at times.
For those who think they have made no impact on my life... you might be suprised I have learnt so much from people along the way. Especially people like my Mum, and my Grandparents. I mean practical things as well as all the other things; I have learnt spiritual truths from friends and family.
Although Ive lost touch with many friends along the way - I still think of them fondly and consider the impact they make in my life.
So... thats that. What will your impact be?
