Each smallest act of kindness reverberates across great distances and spans of time-affecting lives unknown to the one who's generous spirit was the source of this good echo. Because kindness is passed on and grows each time it's passed until a simple courtesy becomes an act of selfless courage, years later, and far away. Likewise, each small meanness, each expression of hatred, each act of evil.
Did you know that you can change the world?
The Ripple Effect
On Earth, we co-exist with six billion other people (that’s a lot!), so it’s easy to think individually, and it might be hard to see ourselves in a position to initiate change.
Everything we think, do and say affects the other lives we interact with, in each moment. In turn, their reaction to the experience with us will change those lives with whom they engage in that next moment. And it goes on and on, just like a single ripple in water after a stone has been thrown.
So Much Influence
The influence we have as individuals on the Earth is way more significant than we could ever have imagined. The choices we make right now and now and now have far-reaching outcomes. A consequence of these seemingly meaningless words and actions as they move outward from person to person is that they increase and become either a cause of happiness & inspiration or fear & hurt.
Change Starts From Within
Yep, you got it! Change begins when we first change ourselves. Using what we say to start ripples of happy feelings instead of fear-filled ones, we start swells of positive, transformational and inspirational change. YES!!
By using the Ripple Effect (a universal law, just like gravity, by-the-way), we make a positive difference and spread kindness waves that will wash out over the whole world. Whoa, that’s an enormous yet straightforward act!!
How To Affect Change
Now, let’s take a big breath and consider how this works. Change happens when we change – what we do, think or say. First and foremost, we have to be kind to ourselves. So, right now, give yourself a mental hug and say some positive affirmations. Create a smiling feeling in our hearts and then proceed (fill up throughout the day by coming back to that reason and emotion).
Ripples of Love
Now – the fun part! We are the starting point, so to initiate a ripple and create real change in the world, the rule is to start with what’s happening right in front of you. Look around. What we are seeing and feeling right now is real, and that is where we begin. The best part is it will be different for each of us. And so it’s here, at this moment with an opportunity presenting itself, we take action (don’t be afraid, we can do this!).
- We can do simple things, like smiling at someone or sharing a compliment (yes, even if you don’t know them).
- A little further outside of our comfort zone is a conversation. But, sometimes people go for DAYS without speaking to anyone but their fish. Start with a smile and hello, then maybe ask them to share how they found the hat they are wearing, perhaps. I did this once and found out the man’s hat was his grandfather’s who he loved dearly and now wears it when he wants to honor him. (my heart officially melted)
- A friendly gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and co-workers. A hug or a thumbs up, perhaps. And still, a lovely gesture is an act of paying for the order of the person behind you in line. A total feel-good moment for both parties!!
Real Change
Choosing to create a wave within the context of love and well-being is better than fear and hate. The positive ripple we start will continue to everyone those people come into contact with. It might feel strange. We may need to practice. But that’s ok. What’s important is we made an effort in the first place.
The momentum of this one act of kindness will grow. As the ripples move outward, one of them could become a tidal wave of love and compassion for someone worldwide (I seriously just got goosebumps typing this!).
In The End
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world;” this is a significant statement. It’s up to us and starts with us.
♥ BE the CHANGE ♥
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.