Sometimes we totally underestimate the influence we have on someone’s life. We forget that our words and actions are being watched and absorbed by others. Members of our family, friends, and yes, pets, see us at different times during the day, and react to what they think we are saying or doing.
The more we are aware of the position we have in certain people’s lives, hopefully the more responsible we become. A child at the dinner table watches what we eat, how we eat, how we behave, and what we do once we finish the meal. After a few weeks it’s not uncommon to look across the dining room table at a child mimicking every move we make.

The same can be said for friends. We influence them, they influence us. During the week we receive a phone call from a friend in need…..asking us, “What do you think I should do?” It’s at these points we see the scope of how our contributions can have an impact on someone else’s life.

Our pets….my my…..do they watch us! They know when we eat, what we eat, what we like to watch on television, what time we get up, what time we go to bed. For me, I sometimes catch my little dogs having a powwow, wondering what concoction I may cook up for dinner that night. Dogs sometimes can be the worst food critics….if the chow is not “up to par,” you will be notified!! But seriously, the circle of love that can evolve in a relationship with a pet can be priceless.

We constantly underestimate what we give to others. It’s easy to forget in our busy lives the impact our words and action have, but, they do. The more we are aware of this, the better we are for ourselves, and for others. There is not a part of the day where we can’t contribute something worthwhile, be it at the office, at home, or during recreation. We underestimate our power. We all make a difference…..even when we don’t think we do.

Life is a shared experience,

love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon