The power of influence.

To me, influence is when the people in your life want to do the things you suggest or teach. I also think influence happens in the home, how we are treated by those we love, it affects our behavior.

We are influenced in many ways: TV shows, books, perfect strangers, conversations, everywhere we turn we’re being influenced by something. In some of these instances, we have a choice, and in others, we don’t; we can’t always help what happens in front of us or to us or how it might affect us.

We can choose what we watch in private and what we choose to read when nobody’s watching.

We’re not completely powerless when it comes to influences.

But, what’s really on my mind is not so much how we’re influenced, but how we influence.

I was listening to a podcast recently that talked about how the smallest things we do can have an impact on those around us. Something as simple as eating an apple on a subway can affect the people nearby without them even knowing it. They might decide later that they want an apple or decide they’re hungry by watching you.

We are influencers.

Last Sunday, as we were sitting in church, I was thoroughly enjoying the praise and worship when I noticed the drummer on the stage. I’ve noticed her before, she is so talented, but today, possibly because I’ve been thinking about influence, she really stood out to me. I was already caught up in worship, so it wasn’t hard to be led down a path of joy; watching her play those drums with her whole heart, grinning from ear to ear, elevated my worship experience. When I say playing with all her heart, I mean, those sticks were flying all kinds of directions, and her curly hair was bouncing to the beat; her joy in what she was doing was palpable. And because she was doing exactly what she loved, and letting it show, I was affected. I know she wasn’t playing the drums to influence anyone; she was doing it because she loved it, but it did influence me, and it made me sing with even more gusto.

Just think about how you might be able to influence someone today with kindness or forgiveness or a good laugh; you never know how these simple things might affect those around you. We can make a difference just by being the best version of ourselves and doing what we love.

Don’t underestimate the power of your influence, even if you feel invisible, trust me, you’re not.

Just eating an apple can make a difference.

Maybe you don’t play the drums, or you don’t feel your behavior matters, I guarantee you somebody’s noticing your smile and they will have a better day because of it.

There is literal science behind this, it’s not just a platitude, we really do make a difference when we are marching to the beat of our own fabulous drum.

March on!