Leaving a Trail

Be the change you wish to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi





 

It's a cold, rainy day today. A good day for a hot cup of dark roast coffee at the local Java Joe's. As I left the cafe, this clear impression of a leaf on the wet sidewalk captured my attention. There was no leaf present, but clearly there had been recently.

It made me consider the impressions we all leave in life. The finger prints of our touches and the aroma of our presence linger far beyond an interaction. The words we say and the expressions we share make an impression as real as the color of a leaf on a cold, gray sidewalk. 

What are we impressing upon others? Consider those who are near and dear to us, and even living in the same home or working in the same work space. And how about those we merely see in the passing of our day? Do we consider how we live in such a way to leave a trail of goodness? 

To say we don't impress upon others, is not true. It is not a gift that can be refused. How we impress, now that is where we can choose. 

Living our best lives is recognizing ourselves in light of our relationships and choosing to leave a trail of good. Taking a bit more time to... 

• learn someone's name & use it
• share a smile and friendly greeting
• pause to affirm someone's strengths
• pat a back or give a hug
• give thanks for a helping hand
• be that helping hand
• pick up the piece of trash
• send a card of encouragment 

Impressions leave a mark in other people and in our world. Living in sync is living your best life each day and each moment of the day you are given. It's choosing the trail you will blaze and not waiting for someone else to do it for you. We all have the ability to do good and to make a difference. 

Here's to leaving a trail of goodness!