I was once asked during an interview to tell of a time when I inspired someone else. This took me by surprise, and quite honestly, I spent more time than I should have thinking of my answer. This was partly because of my nerves, which had disabled me of recalling any memories outside the stuffy room I was sitting in. But it was mostly because I was looking at the question in entirely the wrong light. Me, inspire others? I'm no hero, no Mother Teresa, no John Lennon, no world leader. I mean, half the kids at school don't even know my name. How could I inspire others if others don't know me? Then it occurred to me. I was thinking on too grand of a scale; who ever said I couldn't inspire just one someone at a time?
Some of my favorite commercials are Liberty Mutual's pay it forward advertisements (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frpp6DjCaJU&feature=related). Each one shows a domino effect of people performing simple, but day-changing tasks for perfect strangers. These random acts of kindness not only help someone directly, but also inspire an onlooker to do the same. Sure, this is a great tactic for tugging at potential patrons' heartstrings and gaining some attention for the company, but it speaks truths. One small smile, holding a door open for a stranger, or letting the next car in all hold the possibility of changing someone's day, or week, or month for the better. This small truth gives us the power to inspire and encourage others on a daily basis. But the reverse is also true.
If we hold the power to use words and actions for brightening someone's day, it follows, sadly, that we also hold the power to darken his or her day just as easily. Cutting the next guy off in traffic, believing a rumor, or rolling your eyes can be just as effective as good deeds at changing another's day, but for the worse. The saddest thing about all of this is that we, as humans, hurt each other constantly, and in order for us to avoid that, it takes some serious work and a conscious decision to help rather than harm. This being said, it becomes clear that the greatest power we possess is the power to choose.
"I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars" ("Handlebars" Fight With Tools). At first glance these few words appear to be, well, just words. But these seemingly simple lyrics from the band Flobots hold much greater meaning than that; they are part of a very long list of things humans could be capable of. Some tasks mentioned are relatively simple, like keeping the beat, while others are extremely complicated, such as creating a waterproof computer or a super efficient car. But, not everything on this list has the potential to benefit society. Along with clear examples of good, this song describes events like a Holocaust, or oppressive dictatorship. While it's true that some things mentioned seem rather extreme, the real life application can't be denied: we are presented each day with the choice to hurt or help the hurt. And while our decision between ignoring the homeless guy on the corner or buying him a cup of coffee may not appear in the history books, it still makes a difference, even if it's only for one person.
Our power to choose gives us the opportunity to initiate changes. Whether these changes are for good or bad lies with the decision we make. It does not matter if our choice affects one or one million, because the important part is that it's affecting someone. And who ever said we can't change the world just one someone at a time?
Best of wishes to you in this not so big, yet not so small world.
Sincerely,
- Emily
