Funny Motivational speaker Amy Dee’s blog
A video playing on social media shows a log that had fallen across a stream. The undercover footage shows animals using the fallen tree as a bridge to cross the creek.
For large animals, the log made crossing the stream easier. For tiny animals, the fallen tree made crossing the creek possible.
Our encounters with others can also become bridges. Most of the time, we don’t know how our contacts affected the other person. But sometimes a sincere compliment, an act of kindness, or wise advice they remember for a lifetime.
I speak to 1,000s of people every year and as a result, receive lots of thank-you email from my audience members. The people who wrote these emails are strangers, but their words still mean so much to me. I’ve printed out several of these messages and having them on my bulletin board. In moments I catch the “imposter syndrome” or feel like “not enough,” these words of encouragement refresh and spur me on. These strangers don’t realize how vital their emails are in my life.
Years ago, I made a huge and scary decision to leave my destructive, punishing marriage. My best friend, Diane, said: “You need to show your daughters what a strong woman does.” Years later, I mentioned this comment to Diane, telling her that her statement has been my mantra throughout many life challenges. Diane didn’t recall saying it and didn’t know how powerful her comment was and still is. Diane died in November, but this statement (and many of her wise words) help guide me today.
Two years ago, another best friend and fellow speaker watched my keynote. It was slightly unnerving to have her in my audience. Afterward, she looked into my eyes and said, “That may be the best keynote I have ever seen. You give so much content, but your ability to weave funny stories and content together is amazing.” Kay’s words still help me move through times of self-doubt and moments of self-criticism.
Interactions that we don’t remember maybe very memorable to the other person.
Your kind words, sincere compliments, and encouragement may spur the recipient to make better decisions, stimulate them to try harder, encourage them to do better.
Treat every encounter with another person as a sacred encounter, because you may be someone’s bridge over troubled waters.
