Dear friends,

I want to share a deeply personal story with you, one that taught me an invaluable lesson about the power of initiative and the impact of our actions, by taking the first step toward a more positive life.

A true story of positivity

Several years ago, when my youngest daughter was in 7th grade, we found ourselves starting anew in a different town. It was a time filled with the uncertainty and anticipation that comes with any big move. One of our first introductions to this new chapter was at a middle school open house. There, the principal kindly invited the newcomers, including myself, to stand up. His intention was for the existing community to welcome us, a gesture meant to bridge the gap between the familiar and the unknown.

But something unexpected happened. Over the course of the next two hours, not a single person approached me to say hello. For someone who considers herself confident and accomplished, this experience shook me. I felt a profound sense of isolation, a feeling that lingered and affected not just me but also my daughter, perhaps even more deeply.

The ripple effect of our new community

My daughter’s first positive step

True to her word, she began greeting her classmates proactively. The transformation was almost immediate. The following week, she excitedly shared how her actions had started a ripple effect. People responded positively to her initiative; some even expressed admiration for her positivity. She was making friends, connecting with others in a way that seemed so effortless, yet was so profound.

Her decision inspired me as well. I began applying the same principle in my own interactions, especially at school events and sports games. Gradually, I started meeting wonderful people, forming connections that might never have been if not for that small but significant shift in approach.

This experience taught us both a powerful lesson about the impact of taking the first step. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple “hello” to break the ice, to transform a moment of isolation into one of connection. It’s about being the change we wish to see, about not waiting for the world to welcome us, but extending our own hand first.

What’s your ripple effect?

I share this story with you to illustrate the incredible power of a proactive approach. Life is full of moments where taking the initiative can make all the difference. Whether it’s a new environment, a challenging situation, or an opportunity to make someone feel included, remember the power you hold in simply extending a greeting, a smile, or a kind word. You never know how far that ripple will travel.

P.S. Want to know my daughter’s top 5 CliftonStrengths? Empathy, Positivity, Includer, Futuristic, WOO. Can you see how she used all five in this story?