“Thank you so much for doing what you do…”
Aside from, “Daddy, I love you,” those might be the sweetest words in the world.
Returning today from an event I emceed for my friend and mentor, Sandi Krakowski, my head and heart are still spinning from the outpouring of affection and thanks I encountered while there.
People I had never met (some I recognized from Facebook, Twitter, or posting comments on the blog) coming up to me and saying, “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” and reminding me of the reach of our influence. I’m as guilty as anyone of being a little careless with something I write or say in a video, however; when I am tempted to mentally check out from time-to-time on a Tweet or reply to a friend, I can never forget that the world is stage… and it’s open for all to see.
Shakespeare had no idea how prophetic his words were when he said, “All the world is a stage and we are merely the players.” In this world of social media it is even more so and I for one, think it’s a very good thing.
Knowing that 1,000′s of people are watching, listening, and reading keeps me tuned to what I’m saying. Not for the sake of watering it down and playing safe, but to make sure I mean what I say. There were no fewer than 40 people approach me this weekend about different things I’ve written or said that had a huge impact on their lives. My first reaction used to be, “Seriously? Do you know who I am? I’m just as big of a nobody or somebody as anyone else.” But now I can look into their eyes and know that isn’t the case.
For whatever reason, I’ve been blessed to have a position of influence and I will never take it lightly. Every one of us has that same position with someone else. Most of the time we don’t even know it, but that doesn’t excuse the responsibility. No one is expected to be perfect, but we are on the hook for pushing to be our best and provide the best example we can of who we are.
Take the time to look around you and realize there are people looking at your example of living and putting a lot of weight on what they see. Embrace that as a deeper reason to work hard at living the best life you can. Trust me… no matter how unimportant you might feel… you’re a rock star to some one.
Be your best,
PJ
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