I got to wondering this morning about my level of influence. I wonder if there is anyone out there who, unbeknown to me, was positively influenced by something I said, or did, or wrote. Or negatively influenced, for that matter. I interact with a lot of people throughout my day, both in person and on-line. I’m published in a lot of places across the Internet, and social networking is my playground. I wonder, sometimes, how I’m effecting people’s lives. I hope it’s for the better, in some small way. I’d like to think that I make a difference to someone – that I have turned moments positive when they were tipped toward the negative.
It’s easy to start being a bit paranoid about actions and reactions, in this age of instant information and continuous input. I wonder if something I wrote or commented on could be taken the wrong way, intent being the first casualty of the formats in which we choose to interact. In the next moment I rebel, thinking that people in general have just gotten too damned sensitive and too quick to abandon the benefit of the doubt.
I like to tread lightly. I don’t always accomplish it. Leave the world (or in this case, a person’s mood) in better condition than the way it was before I happened upon it.
It’s a good goal, anyway.
U were able to convince me to write online, not for others but for me. That was a good thing, for I think I’ve gotten better at it and now I (sort of) do it for a living.
I’m glad, and congrats on the paid gig!
Well, I can only speak for myself, and I can assure you that you have had a very positive effect on my life – and we haven’t even met in “real” life! I would say that the biggest influence you had on me was finally getting my butt in gear and going for the help I needed when my anxiety started to take over my life. As you know, it’s always there, but I feel much more balanced in my life because I went for that help, because you encouraged me.
Aww, thanks Amanda, I’m verklempt. I’m glad you kicked anxiety’s ass!!!
I can definitely relate–not so much regarding my blog, but my behavior, writing, and especially speech off-line. I find that, because there are so many people on this planet, with such a diversity of personalities, it is impossible not to hurt someone (unintenionally or not). This is why, especially after a social event, I sometimes ask myself if I did more good than harm. If so, great. If not, I keep it in mind for future reference.
I even have a prayer I sometimes make to the Creator: “All wounds I have inflicted on all others–I pray you heal these wounds. All wounds all others have inflicted on me–I pray you heal these wounds. And all wounds I have inflicted on myself–I pray you heal these wounds. And for this healing, I am grateful.”
Yes, the internet is so vast (“they’re letting anybody on these days!”) that it’s impossible to be present on the ‘net without ticking *someone* off. I try to do the least harm. I’m sure there’s a Blogger’s Hippocratic Oath around somewhere.