Never underestimate the impact you can have! One single wave changes everything.

The other night, I was sitting on the beach looking out over the sea, watching the waves come and go, endless motion filled with water approaching and receding, or endless water filled with motion – depending on how we decide to witness it. Anyway… your choice!

And I was thinking how, while we can distinguish individual waves (to some extent, at least), all the water in the ocean is connected. Every single movement affects every single drop of water.

What does this mean?

One single wave changes the entire ocean. It creates a ripple.

But even if this were not the case, just consider how much power one ocean wave has: It moves millions of grains of sand, seashells, and other underwater hodgepodge. It pushes boats and people around in its dance with the wind.

We could use the ocean with its waves as a metaphor for several truths that have significance in human co-creation, whether it happens at work or outside of it:

1.     Human consciousness is composed of individual consciousnesses:

As humans, we literally are consciousness. And as such, we are all connected through consciousness. We all feed into collective consciousness, and we’re all impacted by it.

2.      One little word has the potential to cause a revolutionary breakthrough or a catastrophe:

One single word can trigger a chain reaction with unpredictable consequences. This truth doesn’t just go in one direction. One word or sentence can change someone’s life for the better or it can have a devastating effect on someone. (I will never forget that time when a 19-year-old student told me she had suddenly recognized her own worth after she’d heard me share one specific idea during a presentation.)

So, don’t leave your important message unspoken, and on the other hand, use your words wisely because they may hurt someone more than you think.

3.    Big impact often starts with small impact:

Never underestimate the difference you can make. This doesn’t only apply to heroic deeds, groundbreaking inventions, sophisticated leadership methods, or any other big strides.  A simple smile can light up someone’s world. A seemingly small gesture of caring or support can make someone’s day. A random compliment can raise someone’s self-esteem. Like, just recently, I’d experienced one of those more challenging days we all sometimes have, and during yoga class in the park that night, a little doggie came over to give me a kiss on the leg, funnily while we were doing downward dog pose (punch intended). Pets are the best!

What’s your drop in the ocean?

What’s the wave you can create today?