We all have stories about our life and how others have made positive influences in our lives. One of my dear friends and business associate for over 20 years continues to be a positive part of my life. We have had some rough patches but we always worked though them. When I look at the past 20 years I see someone who never stops giving to others. Perhaps you know someone like that. For the longest time I did not take the time to send him a card or flowers or gifts on his birthday or a card just because. He is not a perfect person – I have yet to meet one of those. But, it amazes me how many people judge people based on perfection. Finding fault seems to be a favorite pass time of many. Years ago if I had only looked at this friends faults and ideas that were different than mine, my entire last 20 years would be different and I dare say not as good as they have been. When a holiday or birthday rolls around, I send him a card or flowers and remind him of the impact that he has had on my life. We like to think that we are totally responsible for our successes and not at all responsible for our failures. Take some time and think about someone who made a suggestion that you followed that made a difference in your life. I’ll bet you can think of someone. I’ll bet you have made a suggestion or done something that has made a difference in someone’s life. This makes me think about the recent Starbuck’s episode when the car in front bought something for the car behind them. It started a chain reaction. I am not a chain letter or chain email type, but I do believe in the light the candle story. It feels good to recognize the people who have helped us along the way.
