Give it your best shot.

Our words have more power than we realize sometimes. 

I was at an open house on Thursday and I ran into an agent who used to work with me and has recently changed companies. 

 She mentioned to me two pieces of advice that I had given her. 

                                        THE STORIES

One piece was from about three years ago, she had just gotten over being sick and she had a relationship with someone who didn't help her out during that time.  I told her that she should find someone else where the relationship was more equal. Somone that would be as kind to her as she would be to them. She did and she thanked me because she has been with her new partner, happily for almost 3 years now.

About twelve years ago this same agent had come into the office visibly upset.  She was usually a pretty happy person so I asked her what was wrong.  She said she just had the biggest fight with her son. I asked her what the fight was about.  She said it was cold this morning and I wanted him to wear his jacket and we had the biggest fight over it.  I reminded her of the old joke definition of  SWEATER: A sweater is something you wear when your mother is cold. 

Then I suggested to her that she could probably have avoided the big arguement by having him take his jacket with him.  Then if he was cold he would put it on. Basically I was suggesting what a lot of experienced parents know.  YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES.  

Another friend of mine asked me if she drank too much.  I told her honestly that I didn't know.  I asked her  if she thought she drank too much and if, when she drank did she always get drunk. She said most of the time.  I suggested that she try not drinking for a year.  She did stop drinking. She still doesn't drink.  She also changed her life completely getting out of her marriage and moving out of the area completely.

                                      THE POINT

My point in sharing these stories is not about advice, it is more about how Your words can change the lives of other people.   When people are having a bad day, sometimes the smallest act or word can change it for them.

As a newbie blogger, I realize that anyone who reads what I write can be affected by it. So I try to keep my messages positive, informative and interesting, if I can insert a little humor then that's great.  I try not to be critical, and try to be encouraging. If I touch someone positively it can radiate out.

If I can be kind I will.  It takes so little effort and it can have amazing results.

If I see something that interests me, I am happy to share it.

When I comment, I try to be really positive with people.  If I disagree with someone, Very often I will not comment at all. If I like a post it is easy to have a positive comment.

Active Rain is such a great community of kind, encouraging and helpful people.

Always remember:

All the darkness in the world cannot put out the light of one small candle.

All the best!

Kevin

PS> I love hearing comments :)