We may not all be created equal in every attribute but we all have several things in common.
So, what are these things?
Of course, Our Time
All of us have the same amount of seconds, minutes and hours in a day to do with as we desire.
And there is, Individual Power
We also have individual power although some may think not because they live in countries where they are ruled by a strict dictator or military government. But, even these people have power.
Combine Time and Power in Your Words?
The time you take and the power of your words - how you say them, what words you choose to use, and when to speak these words. These words can be ones that ridicule, make fun of, chastise, or ones that encourage, praise or demonstrate kindness.
A Story Of Time and Power of Words
I recall a story told to me by a good friend of mine who used to commute to work daily on a go train. Once disembarking the train, he always walked he short distance to his office building along with all the other throngs of people hurrying on their way to their work.
Each morning, he passed an older man who was always at the same spot with cup in hand hoping to get a bit of change by those who passed by. For most people, this person was someone to be ignored as if he didn't exist, a person who they didn't want to be bothered with.
Invariably, though, my friend would always say good morning to him and bid him to have a good day. The stranger would smile back, say good morning and remain on station until all the commuters had gone on their way.
Occasionally, my friend would drop a dollar or two in his cup on his way by as he said hello.
This behaviour went on for several years until one day his last day on the job before retirement, my friend stopped for a few moments to speak with this man.
He told the man that he would no longer be passing by because this was his last day on the job.
The man took his hand and shook it warmly saying that he had always looked forward to seeing my friend pass his way and not because he dropped a few dollars in his cup.
He said he would miss my friend because he was one of the few people out of thousands who passed him daily who ever said hello, and was the only one who ever bid him to have a good day.
The man also said that his warm words always brightened his day and helped him to continue on despite being ignored by thousands of others who saw him daily.
The Message Is Clear
We all have power in words and it doesn't mean, at all, that the most basic of greetings and recognition have no impact.
In fact, all our words have impact and so often we do not recognize that some can be devastating to another, others can cause others to give up, or others can help encourage.
Remember your power when you speak for you have more influence than you think. Your words may be the encouragement that someone desperately needs.
Take the time, sometimes it is only a matter of seconds! You may be surprised the difference you will make in someone's life.