In my work there are many days in which I feel I am not creating the impact I would like. Stats may be down on my YouTube channel or blog post. Maybe there are not ‘likes’ or comments on a particular post and I can wonder, “Is anyone reading this?” My goal is to help create a world filled with positivity in which people can coexist despite their differences. I enjoy facilitating dialogue between parties in an effort to create an understanding, or at the very least a sense of compassion.
Most of us have days where we feel that we are just not making a difference. It can be professionally, personally or something different entirely. It is on those days I am reminded of the story above. There have been days people have come up to be and mentioned how my writing has affected them. Some say it has helped them make it through a hard time. Others mention that it helps them keep perspective. One gentleman even told me this website and what I write here helped him think twice when he pondered taking his own life. Often I find myself being humbled by these compliments. It is then I sit back, and like the little boy, can say “I made a difference to that one.”
Another aspect of helping that one person we must keep in mind is the ripple effect. By inspiring, helping or saving one person, you never know what they may go on to do for others. It is like the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. We not be able to see what the world would have been like if we had not been there, but rest assured you make a difference.
While I would enjoy thousands of likes and views on YouTube or Secret2anamazinglife.com, I must remember the difference I made in the lives I have and use that to continue. Every time I get behind the keyboard I think of the soul who feels they have no reason to go on. I imagine sitting across the table from the teenager who is pondering taking their own life after being the victim of a bully. I think of the single parent who just lost their job, or the person who just lost their spouse of many years. It is for these wonderful souls and countless others that I write what I do.
I encourage you to remember that if you positively affect even just one life, you are changing the world. I am constantly reminded how little we know how many people we affect when I run into someone who tells me although they never mention anything online, the read what I write everyday and it makes a big impact in their life. I usually respond that I never even knew they read my writing. I am sure there are many more people we all positively affect that we never know.
Keep being a light in the world of darkness. If someone has inspired you, let them know. It may be just the motivation they need to keep going. I personally cannot express how much it means to me to hear how my writing affects people. Every time I do I want to run to my laptop and write some more. I want to take a second and thank each and every person who has inspired me.
SECRET 2 AN AMAZING LIFE 
We say that in the dog rescue world, “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” Having supported and followed dog rescue groups, if I think of the big picture of the tens of thousands that need a home, it gives one the feeling of hopelessness! We have to save one at a time! Find that perfect home and then we can rejoice and go to the next that needs saving.
It’s the same for you Neil! You however, impact some lives that you don’t know about not ever will. I know that everything of yours I read, is tucked into my memory and it’s there when I need it. Sort of like, “what would Neil do?” You hold the key to helping people feel good about themselves, others and situations.Still, there are some that don’t deserve my energy to question what you would do!
You are true to yourself and your Margie. That is first and foremost! How you affect other people is a gift of yourself to them. Getting into professional publications is an awesome jump for you and I pray that you get more and more offers. I don’t know anything about marketing your work, but researching that might get the word out about “what would Neil do!” There are many more out there that you will help and change!
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Thank you so much for this comment Linda. I only wish you could also see how much good you do for so many animals. I know they would thank you if they could!
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