We all know that our words, behaviours, actions and even our mood, can and does effect those around us. However, did you know that your words, behaviours, actions and mood actually have the ability to effect hundreds, if not thousands or even tens of thousands of people?
How I hear you ask, when I don’t even know that many people. That’s the scary¸ yet glorious thing…you don’t need to. All you need to know is ONE person…who knows ONE person…who knows ONE person…who knows ONE person….you see where this is going…when you take a step back and think about how far reaching your words, behaviours, actions and mood can be, it’s actually pretty surreal. To think that something you say to a friend over lunch may very well influence the behaviours of someone over the other side of the world, is for me immensely powerful and rather astonishing.
This is what is known as the ripple effect, and when used in an empowered and inspired way can change our world. Yup, I do mean that it could literally change the world!
In very basic terms the definition of the ripple effect, is the spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.
In real terms, what it means is that you alone have the ability to set off a chain of events that can positively affect thousands of people (most of whom you don’t know), simply by being your fabulous self. The thing I really love about this, is that it is so easy, yet can and does change people’s lives.
Let me give you a real-life example……
One of my clients recently had an ‘interesting’ encounter with her mother-in-law (MIL). Interesting in that her MIL came to dinner one night and out of nowhere tells my client what a wonderful job she is doing as a mother, that her children are growing up to be amazing citizens of the world and that she is so pleased to see her son (my clients hubby) so happy and that she (my client) should be really proud of herself.
When I say this came out of nowhere, that is not totally accurate. My client had been working really hard at stepping into her true authentic self and showing up unapologetically as herself at all times. Clearly the subtle changes in her words, actions, behaviours and mood were subconsciously affecting all those around her.
Now this is where the rubber meets the road…..
After relaying this story to me (I may have got a little teary eyed as I too was so proud of the work she was doing), I trotted off on my merry way doing what I needed to do that day. I went to the beauty therapist and again, seemingly out of nowhere, she thanked me for bringing my positive energy into her salon room. She was excited that all her clients were going to receive this gift as part of their treatment that day. I went to the supermarket where I complimented a lady on the beautiful green dress she was wearing – this lady promptly burst into tears!!! Not quite the reaction I was going for to be fair, however she had had some bad news that morning and having a perfect stranger tell her that she looked amazing was all too much for her (in a good way I will add). Her smile of thanks was as beautiful as the green dress by the way. I then took my dog for a walk and said hi, with a big smile, to all the other dog people I meet on my walk. One fellow dog person mentioned how nice it was in these COVID times to have a quick (socially distanced) chat with someone outside their home.
And so the ripple effect flowed…..ALL of these joyous, inspired interactions were the result of ONE simple action by ONE person. The spread of joy and positivity that this action created is so far reaching that we’ll never know how many hundreds or thousands benefited from it. That is the power of the ripple effect.
Told you it was glorious!
You’re possibly sitting there a bit bamboozled thinking WHAT…HOW…WHAT…REALLY…HOW does that even work…WHAT….so I suggest you sit with it for a bit. Have a wee think about it. Re-read what I have written. Then have another think and simply imagine what it would look and feel like to be part of this gloriousness 😊 Imagine if every single one of us consciously decided that tomorrow was our day to start the ripple effect. Just imagine. I’m giddy even thinking about it.
So go on….
What can you do to go global with your joy and positivity? How can you be the instigator of the ripple effect?
The possibilities are endless.
Be kind. Stay fabulous.
Suz xx