Impact, in Words and Deeds

September 1, 2025

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I received a short text the other day, just completely out of the blue. It had an outsized impact on my day, and made me think about two things–impact, and the communication of that impact.

The Text

The text was short and sweet, and I’m going to share it with you, not because of what it says about me, but what it says about the other person who sent it. And because of the impact that you can have on others by telling them. Here it is:

“Something that you always affirmed for me! Thanks. You cannot be happy yourself without the happiness of others. Seek first to uplift, and then be uplifted. To serve others is to expand your own well-being.”

What is striking about this is that I don’t recall ever saying these words, specifically. I would hope that this came through from my actions without uttering those words. And yet, this person understands at my foundation who I strive to be as a person. I strive to serve others, to bring happiness and joy to them along the way.

Which also gets to the core of his text: it wasn’t about what we DID together. It was HOW we did it. His message gets to the heart of me as a person, not the work that we did. It’s a very profound message that re-affirms a fundamental aspect of who I strive to be.

Tell Them

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “Let Them.” It has become popularized in the last year or so through the work of Mel Robbins and her New York Times bestselling book (still #1 on Amazon, as of this writing!). I’m wondering if a small twist to this theory might be this: Tell Them.

None of us are where we are because of our own volition. We stand, metaphorically, on the shoulders of those who came before us. They guided us, in word and deed, to become who we are. How often do we tell others how much we appreciate them? And I’m not talking about the little “appreciate you’s” that come out of our mouths when we (possibly) glibly thank someone for something.

I’m talking about sincere, heartfelt, meaningful appreciation like that expressed in the text from my friend.

Totally out of the blue. Unsolicited. Profound. Deep appreciation for those we encounter.

Tell Them.

Take Action

I have a calendar reminder that pops up every Sunday afternoon at 1:30, and it says this: Call People. I put it on my calendar several years ago to remind myself to, once a week, call someone I love but haven’t necessarily talked to in awhile.

Here’s where an admission comes in: I rarely actually do it.

It’s a nice thought, but only a thought, if I don’t do something about it.

From this experience, maybe a text could also do the trick. For me, looking back at that little message of 35 words brings joy, and I can go back to it anytime I want.

Thank you, Brian.

Reflective Questions

When has someone expressed appreciation for you? What was that impact?
Who and how might you do the same for others?

Rib Review

Lewis Barbecue in Greenville, SC is a delight! It’s a pay-by-the-pound type barbecue, and they surprised me with a free little sample of brisket first thing. Honestly, I should have just ordered brisket because it was Ah-Maz-Ing! The ribs weren’t bad, just not nearly up to the flavor of the brisket (which is pretty remarkable, because I’m typically not much of a brisket kind of guy…). The coleslaw was tasty, but the greens were really the star. I love me some good collard greens, and these were as good as they get.