A while back a professor from an unknown university began reflecting on the people who had a positive impact on his life. In particular he remembered a schoolteacher who had gone out of her way to instill in him a love of poetry. He hadn't seen or spoken to her in many years and took a moment to remember the impact that she had on his life. He eventually located her address and sent her a letter of thanks. A short time later, he received this reply:
"I cannot tell you how much your letter meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely, and, like the last leaf of autumn, lingering behind. You will be interested to know that I taught school for 50 years and yours is the first note of appreciation I ever received. It came on a cold morning, and it cheered me as nothing has in many years."
The words that were written back to the professor brightened his day and had clearly warmed the life of the teacher that had once had such an impact on his life.
We never know who we are "touching" in our lives. We can say one word or maybe a short conversation with someone that can drastically alter their life. Have you ever thought about saying something to someone but decided in the moment to keep your words to yourself cause they might think you're weird?
Maybe you could have made a difference for them.
I have talked with many people about the social dynamics of how we all have a profound effect on each other but don't always (if ever) get recognized for our efforts.
The best way to brighten someones day is to always be in a positive mood and have a positive outlook on life. Think about the good attributes that others in your life bring to the table and focus on those things that bring joy to others.
My suggestion to you is to appreciate someone today. Think of someone who has had a positive impact on your life and send them a heartfelt thank you or appreciation card today. Dig up their address and mail them a greeting card letting them know how they have touched their life. In giving to them, you will not only be brightening their day, but you will be rewarded too.
