My uncle Hal passed away last week. Not only has this hit me and my
kids hard (he’s leaving behind a gaping hole that won’t ever be filled),
but it has me thinking about several conversations I had with him
over the past two years. Conversations about regrets he had.
He regretted all the things he kept putting off until later (thinking
that he’d eventually get to them yet never did). And he feared that he
hadn’t made a big enough difference during his life – and expressed the
greatest regret over that. Although I set him straight about whether
he had made a difference (because he had a profound impact on my boys
and me), I couldn’t help him when it came to his other regrets.
If only I could go back in time and give advice to my uncle (say, 20 years ago) I'd tell him to adopt 5 truths into his life and live them - because they would help him to live life to its fullest and not have any regrets.
Truth #1: You’re making a bigger impact than you realize
Each of us has a ripple effect
on the people that we touch. Every single day. And often the most
impactful (and meaningful) moments are seemingly ordinary (even
“small”). Making an impact in the world doesn’t require you to do “big”
things, give up your possessions, or go save the world.
All that’s required is that you make a connection with someone. By opening yourself up to and being with that person.
When Hal took the time to play chess with my son Zachary – and taught
him the “why” behind each of his moves – he made an impression. One of
patience, kindness, and extreme love. And Zachary will forever be
touched by that love. The funny thing is that Hal had no idea how big a
difference this made to my son at the time (which is often the case).
You’re making an impact on the lives of others whether you know it or
not. In fact, you’re likely making the biggest impact by simply being
yourself. And that’s key. Because if you want to make an impact you
must learn to be yourself. Which brings me to my next truth…
XO,
