by Jackie Savi-Cannon

“We have all found ourselves in these exact circumstances…”

A discussion came up in one of my classes about the impact our kind words can have on individuals. We have all been in the following situation. We leave a person and think of words of gratitude or encouragement we would have said to them but just didn’t think of them in time.

Most often it stops there at the thoughts with good intentions. Many years back I started noticing how surprised people would be when I would say something really sincere and encouraging to them over a task or service they provided for me. I wasn’t as educated then as I am now but somehow knew it was the right thing to do. I look at it as hands on learning to follow my instincts.

One of my earlier recollections was my Grade 12 English teacher who was having a difficult year. I don’t know exactly what he was going through that year but he was being scrutinized over the effectiveness of his teaching. A writing technique that he was trying to teach us just wasn’t getting through to the class and everyone was up in arms over it. Other teachers were coming in to observe his class. Ironically English Literature and writing were not my strongest subjects at the time. I was a loud mouth teenager who was still figuring out what she had to say. As self absorbed as I was, I couldn’t help but sympathize with this teacher. He was a tall, slim man but was looking a bit worn down from all the stress.

One day working on my homework, the lessons he was struggling to teach us began to sink in and I used some of the techniques. The next day as class ended, I stopped at his desk to tell him about the success I had and thanked him for not giving up on us. Even though I was only a teenager, it was obvious the impact my words were having on him. There was a new spark in his eyes that I hadn’t seen in a very long time. Having the knowledge I have now, it brings me great joy to know what I provided to him that day.

I now always make it a point to always leave people with words of encouragement either through phone messages, letters, emails etc.

As our recent class discussion continued, a young woman named Jodi shared an amazing story of her own. She began talking about an old high school mate she had recently reconnected with on Facebook. She told the story of how driving home one day she noticed this young high school classmate being picked on at the side of the road. He had just moved to their area and was struggling to fit in. Not questioning her instincts, she pulled over and invited him into her car and drove him home.

Through email, this now successful, grown man shared how the day Jodi had stopped and picked him up was the day he was planning to go home and commit suicide. His parents had recently divorced and he hated his new school. He was so depressed; suicide seemed the best option at the time. Jodi’s instinctive kindness changed the course of that young man’s life that day.

“Don’t over think it - just follow your instincts.”

As we head into a time of year that can be both joyful and dreadfully stressful at the same time, I think it is the perfect time to remember how easily we can spread joy and compassion through our gentle actions. Do not underestimate the power of your smile and kind words.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like saying something positive, DO IT!

Everyone including you will feel outstanding for it. A kind letter is a great Plan B if the thoughts come a bit late. With technology, we now have so many wonderful options to communicate with one another. As you plan for this busy time of year, continually remind yourself to look for these moments of kind correspondence. Simple words can be life changing.

EDITOR’S NOTES
DISCUSS: Is there a word that you’ve said that changed someone’s life or have you been on the receiving end of something that transformed you? Tell our reader’s by adding your comments below!

Filed under: Author Jackie, Inspiring Women, Jackie Savi-Cannon, Life