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The Time It Takes To Make A Difference

I saw a stranger smile the other day and it inspired me to write a poem.

…If this is the impact a stranger could have on me… after .5 seconds… just think about the impact you can have on the lives of those around you after:

  • 5 minutes of careful listening.
  • 5 hours of cumulative, constructive conversation.
  • 5 days of warmth and welcoming to those nervous or shy about starting a brand new journey.
  • 5 weeks of accountability as some folks fight to turn task into habit.
  • 5 months of consistently great interactions that always result in smiles and growth.
  • 5 years of all of it. Careful listening, much needed pep-talks (both given and received), warmth, sweat, smiles, laughs, blood, bruises, tears, pain, joy, excitement, disappointment, determination, grit, perseverance, connection, tension, relaxation, moments of unity, moments of training alone, victory, defeat, lessons, support, accountability, community…

We all spend so much more than .5 seconds with the people around us—exponentially more.

…And yet, all it takes is .5 seconds to make a difference.

The question I pass off to you is: what difference will you make on others with the time they spend with you?

Published inArchivesLiving WellMaking A Difference