Impacts Known and Unknown
It’s always nice to hear that you have impacted someone’s life in a positive way. And this can be especially true if you find out later that you made a difference and hadn’t known about it at all.
We’ve all had that one regrettable relationship, and I’m not immune to this. I always look back and picture myself like one of those downhill skiers at the Olympics, flying down the hills and move past all the red flags on the course, weaving my way frantically down the hill. But all those red flags I decided to ignore came back to haunt me.
This was the only relationship I have had where I did not stay in touch with him after it was over. In fact, he moved halfway around the world for distance! Years later, I got a note from this man telling me he was doing well and thanking me for the encouragement I had given him as a writer. It turned out he was about to publish his second novel, and he credited my encouragement as a key factor in his success. This was wonderful, but shocking because I had no memory of any of this.
But then again, it is always my intention to encourage lovers and friends and family to pursue their dreams and goals. It’s just nice to hear years later that it mattered to someone.
I had another (much healthier) relationship with a man who, at the time I met him, knew virtually nothing about live theater. I’ve had the great joy of attending Broadway shows and touring productions my entire life, and I had the joy of having this man accompany me to many shows during our time together. We saw everything from “Hamilton” to “Phantom of the Opera,” and I remember him thanking me at one point for introducing him to the theater and teaching him to love live performances.
Recently I saw a post where he and his new partner had made a significant donation to a local theater, supporting them by helping to build a space in their new theatrical home and helping them thrive in the community. I felt pride in knowing that I helped make that possible in my own small way.
Teachers usually don’t know the impact they have on their students. But occasionally a student will visit or write to thank the teacher for what they did for their life and the difference they made. This communication can be the thing that helps an unappreciated educator keep their passion and love for teaching.
So if someone does something significant for you, consider writing a note to say thank you. That worker at a store who gives you exceptional service or solves a major problem might get a promotion because of the thank you card you send to the business. Friends and family will certainly appreciate written notes thanking them for what they bring to your life, and the simple act of saying “thank you” and letting someone know you appreciate their kindness and hard work can turn someone’s day around and possibly have a bigger impact than you can imagine.
Live each day as if each impact you have is going to matter to the people you run into. That person on the street who receives your friendly “hello” might really have needed a kind word, and the person you compliment online might really need that boost. Life can be stressful and can get dark. Let’s all bring some light, not knowing if it will make an impact but knowing it’s the right thing to do for our world.
Besta Hinton
August 25, 2026
