Why We Rarely Consider the effects of actions
As a society, we tend to pay attention to negative actions, rather than positive ones. News stations are full of this—it’s mainly stories about crime and disaster, rather than accomplishments and positive tales. Because of this, our cultural worldview becomes predominantly negative and we start to believe we can never make a real difference.
In truth, positive action is just as common as negative actions (maybe even more common!). We just hear about the negative more. If we shift this perspective, we can then feel more powerful when it comes to our own actions. Through this, we can better trust in our own abilities to change the world.
To shift this belief, we simply need to remind ourselves of the positive things around us. When we intentionally look up inspiring stories, reflect on role model’s actions, and pay attention to the kindness of strangers, we see another side of humanity. It soon becomes clear just how powerful love and compassion is. At all times, it seems to have the power to overcome violence and hatred. Even though it may be quite the battle, kindness makes a real impact.
How to Remind Yourself You Can
You can change the world with a simple act of kindness. The more of these acts you do, the more opportunities for positive change you will create. This very fact is incredibly empowering, since it’s completely on you how and when you act from a place of love and kindness.
All you have to do to realize your own inner power is to get creative every time you act from a place of compassion. Instead of just acting, reflect upon the potential impact it might have had on that person’s life. Think about how your action may have changed their day, then think about who they might tell or help as a result of your action. From there, the people they help will help others, and this cycle will continue. This leads to a beautiful and never ending path of positivity, love, and connection. This is the ripple effect. This is how each of us has the power to change the world.
Think about a time someone changed your life in a positive way with something they said or did. That impact stays with you and, without that moment, you may not be where you are now. I’ve been told things that have saved my life and, without this, I wouldn’t be here doing the work to reach out to others who have survived incredible difficulty. These people and their words, whether they know it or not, changed my world. I have now gone on to influence yours and the others I work with, and you may take what I share and change others lives. We are all collectively sharing the impacts others have on us. When those impacts are positive, the entire world can change as the result of one action from each of us.
How To Change
You can start by setting the intention of doing one kind thing for someone, once a day. It could be as simple as sending a hello message to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or as intense as volunteering for an entire day. Do what you and your abilities can handle, but set the intention of trying to impact someone’s world nonetheless.
When deciding upon your action, focus on something that does not require reciprocation from the other person. True acts of kindness are ones we do from a place of unconditional love, rather than with the desire for a returned favor.
In your own head, create a mental flowchart of how your action may impact that person and the other people in their lives. Even if you know nothing about them, come up with a fictional story of how their life may be affected. This simple moment of reflection will help you honor the great impact of each and every act you bring into this world.
If you regularly commit acts of kindness, try taking a leap into helping in a way you’re less comfortable with. Bold acts of kindness are usually even more impactful!
The Positive Impact
When we see how even a small action can change the world, we suddenly feel more empowered. We realize that each and every time we interact with another human being, we are potentially playing a part in changing the way they and everyone they know lives in this world. If you have ever felt disempowered, this single practice can help you reclaim that power and give a sense of meaning to your life.
Each action has the ability to infinitely spread throughout humanity, making a difference to…
Recognising the ripple effect helps us feel more connected to all fellow humans as well. When we interact with a single person, we can now realize it is not just them we affect. Empathy and responsibility also grow, since we recognise all actions—including negative ones—can have such an impact. As a result, we will naturally act with more pure and loving intentions, effectively changing the world more. © charlie
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