Create A Ripple Effect!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
A RIPPLE EFFECT
As a kid, I loved spending time at the lake. I still do. I would stand on the end of our dock and throw a stick or pebble into the water and watch the ripples of water roll into the shoreline. I can still be by a lake and watch the waves hit the shoreline for hours….I love the sound and the movement of the waves. What is also intriguing to me is how each wave is different from the other, but together they can change the landscape of the beach. The same is true in life. I now understand the ripple effects on and throughout my life. Every decision and choice I make has a ripple effect on me and eventually onto others. Every moment of every day we are creating a ripple effect. There is always a ripple effect happening. As you read this post, you are creating some type of ripple effect.
What is the ripple effect? It goes by different names: the compound effect, the butterfly effect, or the domino effect. To simplify, it is when you make one little movement or a change, and it starts to move out like the ripples of water. Those ripples start impacting everything and everyone it touches. Ripple effects can be decisions made or not made; actions taken or not taken and words spoken or not spoken. It all matters because you matter!
"When you grow as a person, you cannot help but change everything around you in a ripple effect!"
INSIDE / OUTSIDE Ripple Effect
A ripple effect starts on the inside. When we feel triggered by a comment, emotion, or event, we feel it inward in our mindset and emotions. This begins a ripple effect. When something happens, it will trigger an emotion like rejection or loneliness, etc. If we don’t evaluate that ripple at the onset, it will blend into our behaviors or actions which create a positive or negative ripple effect in us and move outward. Another ripple effect is our personal view of ourselves! Don’t underestimate your wisdom, actions, or intentions…instead create a ripple effect of steadfastness, confidence, and gratitude. Don’t live with regret and say things like “I should’ve” “I could’ve” or “I would’ve” about the past…instead create a ripple effect of fearlessness.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR RIPPLE EFFECT
✅Mindset – What does your mindset say about you and what you want to accomplish? Your mindset is your set of beliefs that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself. They influence how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation...thus it creates a ripple effect.
✅Forgiveness – Extending forgiveness towards yourself and to others is a very powerful ripple effect. Forgiving doesn’t make a wrong right nor excuse for any harm done to you. It is not about making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness creates a ripple effect of peace within you to help you go on with life which flows onto others.
✅Take a Break – Yes, you can create a rippling effect by finding time for rest. Rest allows you to receive healing, a fresh perspective, and feel rejuvenated. When you feel rested, others reap the ripple effect.
✅Choose Words Wisely – Do you hear the voice of someone who deeply impacted you in the past? A teacher, parent, mentor, or colleague. Their words of advice, encouragement, or instruction always arrive at the right time, just when you need to take the next step. Ripple effects impacting you today.
✅Inspire Others – Create a ripple effect in others by supporting their goals and purpose in life. Encourage someone to not give up, remind them how much they are needed and the impact they are making on you and others. Inspire others and create a ripple effect.
✅Be Intentional – When you are intentional, you are in constant communication with yourself. You are evaluating what is working, where you need to adjust, what you want to change about yourself, or areas you want to focus on. You are intentionally creating a ripple effect for yourself.
✅Reach Out - When you are kind or thoughtful throughout the day, you are creating a ripple effect. It could be saying “thank you” to the person holding the door open for you. Helping someone load groceries into the car. If you feel the nudge to reach out to a friend, do it NOW. Do you feel the nudge to send an encouraging note to someone, do it NOW…ripple effect.
THIS I KNOW… The ripple effect doesn’t care about your title, how much money you make, how popular you are or are not, or how powerful and successful you are…it doesn’t know the difference. The ripple effect is just looking for one person to step out of the boat and make a difference today, tomorrow, and always. We all have the ability to change and improve the world around us. It starts with YOU. Where do you want to make an impact? Start there and branch out. Nothing is wasted. Believe you are making a difference and you will continue to impact the world around you. Just like those waves hitting the beach, we all play a part in the ripple effects of life. What ripple effect are you making on this day?
