It is easy to think that the things we do don’t really matter, to think that helping a stranger is just a random act, but is that really true?  Could those experiences be opportunities that we are presented with almost daily to make a difference in the lives of those around us, that will impact our lives, as well.

Today’s Tweetable: I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt of this one truth. We are all connected. because I know that my life needs to be different

[tweet “I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt of this one truth. We are all connected. because I know that my life needs to be different”]

If you have ever heard a story that really tugged at your heart. The good samaritan who stopped to help someone else. The officer who went above and beyond. The person who sacrificed time, money or even their lives to help someone else yet the person always seem to comes back with the same sentiment, “I did it for them, but somehow it was also a gift for me”. Hmmmm

Leadercast is always a great experience, full of speakers who share and stretch you. You leave with a notebook, a stack of book you need to read, and a to do list and this year was no different. Hearing Andy Stanley (here is a recap of his talk), Dr. Henry McCloud (here is a recap of his talk), and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (here is a recap of his talk) speak about Beyond You leadership gave this room full of people lots to think about.

Although at Leadercast, each speaker is different they all have something unique and valuable to share, and their messages all seemed to have an invisible thread that tied them all together. Listening to Laura Schroff speak reminded me of how many life-changing opportunities we walking by every day.

Laura’s story is shared in this book, if you want to take a closer look. [AMAZONPRODUCTS asin=”B004T4KXYQ”]

Laura’s life was changed when she helped a panhandling teen on the streets of New York. Out of this experience came a life changing experience for them both, a book, and a friendship that lasted for years.

You may of missed the talk, but here are a few of the quotes that Laura Schroff, the author of The Invisible Thread shared during the Leadercast that stuck out for me, and that I wanted to share with you to give you some food for thought.

During Laura’s talk she reminded you that all of us have opportunities to make a difference. They are moments that can change our lives, make things better for us, and can give us experiences we wouldn’t of had otherwise. A Tweet to share.. Your job is to recognize those life changing opportunities when they come you way, and then for you to take advantage of them.[tweet “Your job is to recognize those life-changing opportunities when they come you way, and then for you to take them.”]

Her once in a lifetime experience with the teenage panhandler was one of those moments for her. Plenty of people walked by that boy that day, she didn’t and it was her divine encounter, she took it and it changed her life.  What opportunities could you be missing?

 

 

 

As Laura developed this relationship with this young man, both of them had a lot of growing to do. They had to learn about each other. Coming from what was almost like two different worlds there were a lot of opportunities for misunderstandings, and misconceptions. Laura shared a key point that you and I can learn, there comes a time when you have to give people the benefit of the doubt. You have to trust them, and you have to believe them and believe in them. There is nothing wrong with having boundaries, but give each other the gift of trust.  Without trust real relationships are just not possible.  Take a chance.
Sometimes the best way to see what could happen, is to take a chance.
Tweetable moment [tweet “Sometimes the best way to see what could happen, it to TAKE a Chance.”]

 

Laura learned a lot during this experience. She found out that it didn’t matter where her friend came from and what kind of life he had lived, they both had to learn anything was possible. Where you start never defines where you finish. You have to be willing to believe that and you have to choose to give life your all no matter where you find yourself today.  Make a habit of Dream larger than you can see.
A Tweet To Share with your friends…
[tweet “Dreams don’t have a ceiling, so don’t give them one.”]

 

Laura shared that she had no idea how this chance encounter was going to turn out, it evolved. She didn’t have any expectations and neither did she, it evolved all by itself.  When you are open, and you don’t come with expectations you may uncover one of the largest gifts of all.

[tweet “When you give yourself a chance to uncover the beauty of just being part of the process, you never know what might happen”]

 

 

The biggest message I took away from Laura’s talk was this beautiful lesson. Kindness changed Laura’s life, the life and family of that teenager who is now the father of seven, and it changed the life of the people who read, and heard her story, and changed the lives of those who heard Laura speak at Leadercast, and many of the other places where she spoke.  Of the many people who spoke on that stage, Laura’s story was one of the most impactful stories, because she did what anyone of us were able to do, taking a chance and helping someone in need.  Don’t think for one second that your not important or that you don’t make an impact, because you do.

[tweet “Kindness can change lives and it often does.Be willing to let the power of Kindness transform your life, by choosing to be kind”]

If you want to add this book to your wish list via your Twitter account Tweet here
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