Just a Few Words...

I find it totally shocking to run into someone yesterday who mentioned that she reads my blog. I pretty much assume I'm having a conversation with myself on the internet when I post, so it's really cool to know that people actually read what I write! Thanks, guys. 

I was walking to work yesterday afternoon.
While listening to "I Want You Back" and walking with a spring in my step while mouthing the words of a young Michael Jackson, I passed a jogger. I try to make eye contact and smile with all the people I pass when I'm out walking, and when I did so with her, she said "I like your outfit!" as she passed me. Still walking, I said "Thanks!" and laughed. And I wore a smile on my face for the rest of my walk.

Why was such a simple phrase enough to make me feel so happy? Well, for one thing, I had dressed more nicely and cute than I usually do for work, so it was encouraging that even a stranger thought I looked nice. ;)

But it really got me thinking. We have so much power in our words. She gave me only four of hers, but they opened up a feeling of connection and joy--with a total stranger! Just by saying something positive, she made a ripple effect in the world (because--while I was already cheerful--that made me even more enthusiastic to open up connection with someone else in the same way, and I'm sure that affected at least one person I work with).
Her saying something so simple yet sweet was like an acknowledgment 'You are worthwhile.' Which is something I think a lot of people don't hear or feel enough.

If I knew that I could make someone's life a little brighter, make their day better, give them something to smile about--I would definitely be willing to spare even more than just a few words! Make a difference in someone's life with a simple sentence? Yes, please!

This woman--no idea who she is, and I'll probably never see her again--has inspired me to try to reach out and brighten other people's days--even strangers. I want to start making people feel connected and like they matter. It's definitely something I'm going to have to work on (especially to be able to come off in a non-creepy-stalker way), but it seems to me a worthwhile endeavor.

I have a fortune I saved from a fortune cookie. It says, "Your tongue is your ambassador."
My main focus has just been on not speaking so negatively so much. But why not go to the opposite end of the spectrum, and go out of my way to speak positively?
 If my tongue is my ambassador, my words should be a reflection of who I am inside, of my spirit and soul. I'm glad that (for the most part--cringe!) I don't have so much of a problem with saying negative things. But I think that I've developed into a more positive person on the inside, and if I show that through my words, I can only imagine this positivity will deepen and get stronger.

Our words do make an impact and a difference, regardless of if we want them to or not. Why not choose to make a difference for the good?