Episode 23 - People Who Make an Impact; Send Postcards; Columbine; Song Covers

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Topic of Discussion

In this episode, we discuss people who make an impact. 

When we think of “making an impact” a thought that often comes to mind is someone who affects thousands of millions of people. We like to go grand when we try to conceptualize what making an impact means. But, as we discussed on the show, we wanted to talk about this concept because making an impact can also happen in small, subtle interactions every day. 

Lueda talks about the ripple effect of small interactions made with kindness and good intentions and how it can create such a large impact that we may never know about it. Being kind to a customer service representative on the phone can allow them to feel valued and appreciated in what is often a thankless job and provide them the launching point to be even kinder and more helpful during their next interaction. 

I think about when I’ve made an impact in the lives of others (and it’s been brought to my attention) I noticed that I was simply acting from a place of intentionality and selfless love. I wanted well for these people, I acted on it and I never expected to see the outcome of my actions, let alone be told about how it affects those recipients. Yet, those are the examples that ended up being incredibly meaningful for the recipients. 

Making an impact has two sides: positive and negative. It’s often the negative impact someone else makes on our lives that can stick with us for years. I’m sure you can think of an example right off the top of your head. But when we’re in the midst of someone making a negative impact on our life, we have the opportunity to transform that moment and help the other person make a positive impact -- maybe not in our own life but in the future when they interact with others. Vocalizing what you like, being clear and kind with your language, asking questions and intentionally trying to be positive in a situation where you naturally want to be defensive can transform the situation from a negative one into a positive one. 

If you take a moment and cull through your memories, I’m sure you’ll find an experience where someone made a clear, big impact on your life; I’m sure you’ll find an experience where someone made a small, but meaningful impact on your life. And, I’m sure, you, too, have made an impact on someone else’s life. Really, we have the opportunity every single day to make an impact in the lives of every single person we meet. But, we have to be ready and conscious of those opportunities. 

Have something you’d like to add to the conversation? We’d love to hear it! Send it to us at areyoutwostillfriends@gmail.com 

Friendship Tip

In this episode, we share the friendship tip of send postcards. 

This is an easy and fun tip that can have a huge impact on your friends -- especially if you’re in long-distance relationships with them! Postcards are a great way to let your friends know that you’re thinking of them and that you want to continue to share your life with them! This is a very cheap and low-commitment friendship tip. Postcard stamps in the U.S. are $.36 and most postcards are less than $.50. Try sending a postcard today!

Below are some of the postcards I’ve sent my loved ones:

What questions are we pondering this week? 

Alexis: What’s the balance between asking for help from others and being respectful of their time? 

I’m in the midst of moving back to the U.S. from Japan. As you can imagine, this is a major process, one in which I need maybe just a little help from others. As I ask for help, I’m trying my best to strike a balance between leaning on my network, and making sure that I’m mindful of their schedules. 

What content are we consuming this week? 

Lueda: Columbine by Dave Cullen

This book covers the days lead up to, the day of and the days following the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The book offers insight into a variety of the perspectives of the people involved with the situation and Lueda cannot stop reading. Much like Dead Wake by Erik Larson, even though you know what is going to happen, you still can’t stop reading. The anticipation still builds, despite your knowledge of the outcome. 

What’s something uplifting we’d like to share with others?

Alexis: Different editions of your favorite songs

I’ve been listening to covers of some of the songs that I love lately and it’s given me a new appreciation of these songs! It’s fun to hear how creative other artists are with putting their own spin on a well-known song. Here are a couple I’ve been listening to: 

That Don’t Impress Me Much - HAIM (Originally: Shania Twain)

Blinding Lights - The Naked and Famous (Originally: The Weeknd)

Electric Feel - Henry Green (Originally: MGMT)

Lueda also recommended: 

XO - John Mayer (Originally: Beyonce)

Born and Raised - Little Big Town (Originally: John Mayer)

(Apparently, Lueda only listens to three artists…)

What’s your favorite song? Is there a cover for it? Tell us at areyoutwostillfriends@gmail.com!

What’s something that’s sparked passion in us recently?  

Lueda: Girls Weekend

Lueda got to spend time with one of her best friends over the weekend that was incredibly nourishing and fun! In spending this quality time with her friend, it’s got her passionate about staying connected with her friends.

In friendship,

Alexis & Lueda