How Big Is Your Ripple?

It is natural to periodically look back over your life to see how or even if you have made a difference.  Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” I began to examine the ripples I had created. 

 

 Most ripples begin with your small interactions with others.  Whether your laughter brightens their day or your support gets them through a tough place, you influence those around you through your words and actions.  Notice those moments.  Be aware of their impact.

 

 You passion is expressed through your enthusiasm, your focused actions and your open heart.  I can trace my passion for learning and teaching throughout my life. It is my deepest place of service and it has created the most enduring ripples.  Look at the enthusiasm you hold for what you love to do.  You know that enthusiasm is contagious.  What ripples did you start simply by being totally involved with your personal passion? 

 

 All of your intimate relationships have had an effect on the other person.  Best friends, lovers, and spouses receive your ripples.  You create major ripples for each other.  Look at the challenges you have faced and the love that you have given and received through your relationships with others.  Those are long-lasting and powerful ripples.

 

Your children are a ripple you have sent forth and they continually send ripples back to you.  As they live their lives, as they make their choices, as their families grow, you see how your interaction with them is being passed forward. 

 

 Through your service in your chosen work, you make ripples. Whether it is through the joy you bring to your work, the skill with which you make things happen, or the caring support you bring to your co-workers and clients, you make a definite difference.  Perhaps you are part of producing a product that saves lives.  Perhaps you teach others who take that knowledge and change more lives.  When I first began to look for my own ripples, I began by examining my own business.  Because I am a coach, I know how I have touched lives, the results are evident, the inner changes are tangible. My goal has always been to work with people who are already making a difference so that my work helps them reach even more people. I help them increase their ripples.  What kind of ripples do you create in your business?

 

 When you throw a stone into a still pool, the ripples begin.  If you put forth a bit more effort, you can make the stone skip across the water to set up multiple ripples.  I think we are all more like the stone skipper – we touch the surface of life in many places through the many roles we take. 

 

Your presence has made a difference in the lives of everyone you had interacted with whether you know about it or not.  That’s a big responsibility – to make certain you cast your stones where they are most needed, where they can make the most ripples.   

 

Keep skipping stones. You have more ripples to create.