What we do does influence other people

I have been convinced that even small things we do have an impact. I walk down the aisles and Walmart and intentionally smile. Most people smile back. When a server in a restaurant seems grumpy, I try to be especially nice, and they usually respond. Those are small things, but I think they show that we are an influence. I believe that little acts of kindness can cause a ripple affect. My theory was confirmed by something I saw last night. The TV show 20/20 did a special report on the real story behind the movie, The Blindside, which, by the way is a truly great movie, based on the true story of Michael Oher, a teenage boy who was adopted by Shawn and Leigh Anne Tuohy. If you haven't seen the movie, you really should. Anyway,on the TV show, Leigh Anne said that since the movie was released, the Tuohy family has received thousands of letters from people who were inspired by their story. People who are cancelling vacations so that they can use the money to help someone, people actually making sacrifices for the sake of another person. I loved the movie The Blindside. I was inspired by the story. It made me want to do something bigger than my normal life. Hearing what Leigh Ann Tuohy said makes me even more encouraged. I like to think that maybe when I gave out hot chocolate at Walmart the week of Christmas, maybe someone who saw that bought lunch for someone else. Just maybe. It makes me happy to think so.