In Your Wake

Photo: TeresalaLoba

I find myself saddened by actions some of my friends have taken that I had no control or influence over. And you know what? My friends probably have no idea their actions have had this effect on me. It’s not something they did to me or because of me. In fact, it had absolutely nothing to do with me. But it affected me greatly nonetheless.
 
“No man is an island.” We’ve heard that saying many times, but often when we make choices, we forget that truth. We don’t weigh the consequences of our decisions and even our inactions on our friends and family. And why should we? We have to make our own choices and live with the consequences ourselves. We don’t take the time to assess how our actions might affect a friend or even an acquaintance. But should we?
 
We’re connected in more ways than we realize. And some people are more sensitive than others. Whether we recognize it or not, the actions we take every day affect not only ourselves, but our loved ones too — and even those we don’t know. Think about your last drive on a freeway. Your trip was affected by strangers ahead of you, next to you, and even behind you. The same is true at the grocery store and many other places.
 
What you do is more powerful than you know. People are watching you and influenced by you even when you don’t think they are. That means you have responsibility. What are you going to do with that? This week, I challenge you to be more intentional with your decisions. Remember, you’re not an island. Your actions have a ripple effect. What are you leaving in your wake?

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