Who are you impacting? Whose life are you affecting?
Most of us wouldn’t be where we are today if not for mentors that speak into our lives, that believed in us; those individuals that give us the courage to pursue our dreams. Of a thousand voices telling you why not, the mentor is whispering quietly in your ear that you can do it. It only takes one. A single voice crying out in the wilderness makes a lasting impression. Someone that believes in you is worth their weight in gold.
I had a mentor for my writing; Louise Marley. She has authored 12 books, the latest releasing today: The Glass Butterfly. Louise Marley is an award-winning author of science fiction and fantasy. Her fiction often features strong female characters, and explores themes of hope, humanity, and faith in the distant future.
Louise is a class act. This wonderful lady tactfully took me to task to improve my writing. I still have much to learn! She drilled the show don’t tell part into my head, beware of my dreaded sentence fragments, and encouraged me in a manner that no one else ever had.
A final gift from my mother was enrollment into a correspondence class. Despite the critical voice she always gave me, at some element she must have had some faith in my abilities or she would have never parted with the cash it took to sign up for the course. My parents were practical first and foremost.
Louise pointed out the good, the bad, and the ugly of my writing. One lesson was a total fail, yet she managed to convey it in a manner that was soothing. “Let’s try something else, shall we?” She expressed that she saw potential within me. that meant the world to me, and I pushed for my best in return. I’ve kept all my papers with her editing comments because I valued her opinion. As I approach the threshold for my own publication I know I wouldn’t have made the progress without my mentor.
I am reminded of Susan Boyle. Her rise to success was a hope and inspiration to many. I particularly associated with her age, and the ‘shock face’ of Simon as well as the entire audience. Sometimes, the reality of what lies hidden beneath the surface is far more than anyone could have imagined, but she knew. She knew in her heart and believed in her own abilities. Sometimes, all we need is a chance.
So now it’s my turn. The current catch phrase is ” pay it forward”. What difference am I going to make in someone elses life? What do I have to offer anyone else? What about you? Ar you making a difference in someone’s life in a positive way?
Here’s three ways you can impact someone:
- Believe in their potential. Don’t be afraid to encourage them. Let them know when you see potential. You may be the one voice in the wilderness.
- Spend time with them. Time is one of our most priceless commodities. We make an impression and an impact on people that we spend time with. “He who spends the most time wins!” Jeanne Mayo
- We make an impact on people we care about. Larry Burkett stated “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This is a true statement. I’ve worked with people counseling, both emotionally and financially and they really don’t give a rip what degree you hold, what background you have until you’ve expressed caring concern. For those that I care deeply about I would give everything I had to help them.
Our children are examples of our mentorship, the family unit is the first group support. Beyond that each of us have a circle of influence. My goal is to have a positive influence, a lasting legacy that I helped someone.
Give first and it’s given back to you. Just like a zucchini seed; it always comes back bigger, better, and more bountiful.
Write on my friends write on!
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