I had a friend who is a big into hiking. Going up the mountains and climbing... trekking. She was telling me about a place quite close to where we lived and she said, "oh! you've got to climb up. There you've got to go and see the view of the water from the top of this Mount Finlayson!", I only said "OK, I'll do it!". She wasn't able to go so I was going to be by myself - just to tell her that I did it and it was fine. I got there one day and pulled up. There were a fair number of people going at about the same time.
I am not very good shape, this was really a dumb idea - yet, I started up the trail. Not far in front of me, was an older lady and she was quite heavy. She was huffing and puffing - I got a bit of pride and I wasn't going to quit before she did. She never quit. She climbed right till the top of the mountain. The view was worth it, it was beautiful and we took pictures and spent some time.
"Thank you"..."For what?"
Then we all went down and the heavy lady also got down, she got in her car and drove away. I was getting ready to get into my car and this young girl comes up to me and says "Thank you!". I said, "For what?" and she said "well, I didn't really want to climb the mountain, my boyfriend made me. I saw you up ahead and I said well, when you quit, I will! I was so glad to thank you!".
I stopped there and I was just stunned because I was influencing someone without even knowing it and the lady that I followed who was influencing at least two people there may have been somebody following that girl who talked to me. She never ever knew it!
You could make the most amazing changes to the world and not even know it
You could make the most amazing changes to the world and not even know it - just be strong and do what is right because you never know who is watching you.
- Karen
About Karen:
Karen Knight, DTM is a Past District Director - District 21 (Canada) and an avid Toastmaster since 1995. She has recently received her second DTM title and has finished the Competent Communicators manual at least 10 times. She is extremely amiable and a fantastic storyteller. She told me lots of stories about different influences. I am thankful to her for sharing these inspiring stories.
