Spesso i gesti più semplici possono essere i più profondi

Some time ago, I was invited out to a party after work. It seemed like a great idea at first—that is, in the morning when I still had lots of energy. I was excited to catch up with friends and my mind wandered far past the present.

Con l'avanzare della giornata e l'accumularsi delle responsabilità, però, mi sono resa conto che stavo rapidamente esaurendo le energie. Alla fine della giornata lavorativa ero completamente esausta. L'ultima cosa che volevo fare era prepararmi per una serata in città.

As I headed to my car, at a turtle’s pace I’m sure, my phone rang. I honestly didn’t even know if I would even have the energy to talk to my long-time friend who was likely just calling to chat. But I was already feeling like a horrible friend for wanting to ditch the evening’s plans with others counting on me, so I sighed and picked up.

Sure enough, we made small talk, catching up on gossip for the week. Then, I told her I was supposed to go to so-and-so’s house that night but was super tired and had a terrible day at work. As I droned on, I peered down at a coffee stain on the front of my shirt, which I felt properly represented the entire day.

When I had stopped complaining, she paused a moment, then responded, “You know, I’ve found that when I really don’t want to hang out – I’m super tired and feel like going straight to bed – but I do, anyway, I end up having the best night. I feel totally re-energized when I step outside of my comfort zone and just go for it.”

Tutti abbiamo dei momenti cruciali nella vita e tutti abbiamo sentito delle cose che ci sono rimaste impresse. The simplest of conversations can have a lasting impact, even if we don’t realize it until much later. I wonder how many people have influenced others significantly without even realizing it.

Come questa risposta, ad esempio. Semplice, ma profonda. Mi è rimasta impressa e mi è servita come base per prendere decisioni in molte situazioni diverse nel corso della mia vita. Il mio amico non poteva sapere all'epoca come quella spinta apparentemente banale avrebbe avuto un impatto su di me che mi ha cambiato la vita.

I went out despite the stain and had a memorable night, to be sure. And, like I said, her words stuck. Now, every time I make a commitment to someone or something and I don’t feel like following through – maybe I’ve had a long day, my energy is off, or I have none left at all – her voice reminds me to go. I drag myself out of my comfort zone and go, anyway.

Truthfully, every time I’ve followed this internal nudge, I’ve had an amazing experience, created long-lasting memories, or transformed my life in a positive way.

When I went through a divorce, her voice was stronger than ever. Every time I knew I had to make a difficult move, my inner critic would tell me I’m not strong enough. I’m not equipped with what it will take to follow through. I don’t have the energy to deal with the consequences that would follow. But I ignored my inner critic, listened to her anyway, and did things that were absolutely essential to the ultimate outcome. If I hadn’t listened, I don’t know where I’d be, but I’m certain it would not be in a good place.

We often take for granted the impact we have on others, and when we say things, we often take for granted that others are listening – davvero ascolto. Words aren’t always just words. And action, or lack of action, isn’t always something that’s easily forgotten. These things can stick with others for a long time to come.

Never underestimate the impact you have on others. You don’t have to be in an influential position, a parent or caregiver of some sort, an authoritative figure. You have the power to transform lives wherever you’re at right now. So, spread positivity, and motivate others with your words and actions. Someday, someone’s going to realize you’ve been their driving force all along, and that’s a beautiful thing.