You Make a Difference. Make it Positive.

Today, as I lay on the couch with my ankle propped up, I called my Mom. 

“I was doing so well,” I said. “I was staying active.” 

In that moment, my Mom did what she has ALWAYS done — she told me to turn it into something positive. “Meditate, pray and do all of the things you always wish you could do if you had time.” 

Mom reminded me that in big moments and in small, seemingly insignificant, moments we all have choices to make and chances to make a difference. 

One specific individual came to mind today. (As I write this, hundreds of others come to mind and I’m overwhelmed at the idea of creating a list of everyone who has made a difference in my life.) 

1. Mrs. Nowlin, English Teacher, Debate Coach, Unknowing Life Coach
   My first thought is that I don’t know where to start. My second thought is that I better proof this sucker until it’s perfect because any error I don’t find, she most certainly will, and I CAN’T let her down. Mrs. Nowlin, you are the reason I don’t allow my children to end a sentence with a prepositional phrase. You are one of the reasons I believe in myself. You are the kind but fierce gentle soul I hope to be (which also sounds like Diane Masariu if I do say so myself.) I could go on. Maybe I will in a private letter. 

As I said, there are an obscene amount of people God has blessed me with in my life. YOU are a blessing. YOU live with, and among, people you impact every day. It may be some significant conscious choice you make. Most of the time, it’s small and unknowing. In either situation, please do not forget that you are making a difference. And, dammit, I hope you are a making a positive one. 

(I welcome your comments with names of individuals who have made a difference in your life! Send them the link to let them know this made you think of them.)