A family member infused emails and texts with genuine gratitude, kindness, and care, and what do you know, everyone's texts and emails became more loving. Her positive communication had a positive ripple effect that led to countless acts of grace and goodness. Our good acts have ripple effects, and that's why it is essential to model and spread the good news of life.
Sadly, our bad acts also have a ripple effect. We're still recovering from Trump's hateful language, prejudice, cheating, and self-serving leadership. As the President of the United States, he led with hate, harm, destruction, and danger everyday, and many followed his heinous, untruthful, me-first lead which harmed our country greatly. The more power you have in your family, community, work place, and other organizations, the greater ripple effect your bad acts will have.
Every time we act, we have to consider the ripple effect of our actions--we have to realize that our actions resound, multiply, and spread. Good spreads good, bad spreads bad.
How can we change our ways for the better?
Look at long-held documents of goodness, love, and care--rules, poems, essays, and examples that inspire us to betterment. Keep those documents and examples handy for regular review. Share those good words with those you love to inspire their good work.
Audit your words and actions--what words do you use that create hope, promise, and good, and what words do you use that spread ill will and bad. Also, audit your actions--what good do you do, and what bad do you promote. Clean up your actions and words.
"See something, say somethining" are the words that Sandy Hook families' research came up with. Clearly the killer in that violent massacre was known to many--there were signs that he might hurt others, but it seems that too many stayed silent. If you see threats of danger, speak up. Check in on your loved ones regularly and if they are showing signs of struggle or errant behavior, reach out to get help for them and/or contact local law authorities. Deal with issues while those issues are small. That prevents grave harm.
It is up to all of us to do the good possible in our lives. There's limitless opportunity to make better in positive, proactive ways. What will you do?