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As someone who’s been in the writing/publishing/book business since 2004 – in one form or another – I’ve often taught that one book, one person, one author really can make a difference.
Yet, through all those years of teaching I only knew this in my “head” and didn’t have a cellular, soul experience of what this truly meant.
Until… December 2, 2010 (which happens to be my birthday).
That day was the day I was supposed to sign the official papers to file for bankruptcy after a 2 year battle to try to avoid that difficult and painful decision. It was supposed to be a day of new beginnings…
But, less than 24 hours before I was to go to my attorney’s office, I got a surprise FedEx letter from my former business partner’s attorney saying she wanted the last shred of stability I had – our small publishing business. The one I’d started in 2004; the one I’d invited her to join me in, in 2009.
Long story short, just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse than bankruptcy, foreclosure and the feeling that I had lost my identity… this unexpected FedEx letter proved me wrong. And I found myself in such a “fog” of desperation, confusion, pain and anger I had to hold onto the walls to walk around my house – I was that disoriented and shaken from the letter, which represented losing the only small bit of income I had.
You may be able to imagine a crossroads moment like this in your life; one where the decisions you make – and the actions you take – will have impact for years to come. I was at that crossroads…
24 hours later, I come out of meditation to notice a book on the table next to where I was meditating. It had been there for a few years, untouched.
But something inside of me that day – on December 2, 2010 (my birthday)– prompted me to sit down immediately and read that book. I did, and it changed everything.
The book was Cheryl Richardson’s “The Unmistakable Touch of Grace.”
Reading her book felt like she was talking directly to me; like she knew the depth of the pain and confusion, and the desperation of my prayers for help. She showed me, on every page, how to begin to look for evidence of grace in my life.
Despite my world crashing around me, I heeded her advice and began the practices she recommended. Looking back, picking up that book was one of the greatest birthday gifts I ever experienced.
As a result of the healing and transformation I received reading Cheryl’s book, I began to find hope again, and a glimmer of light that everything happened for a reason. I began to believe that something good would come of it, and that this dark night was only going to help me in doing what I was put on earth to do. Her book gave me all of that and more.
I’ve only met Cheryl once, briefly. And it was before I read her book. Yet, I value her as one of the most powerful mentors in my life because of what she was willing to put on the page for me that day.
Within 5 months of reading her book and feeling reinvigorated about my life, I conceived and launched the first Transformational Author Experience where nearly 10,000 people registered online. Since then, that number has multiplied.
Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I never picked up her book.
What would I be doing? How would life be different for the tens of thousands of authors I’ve helped? Who would not have signed a publishing contract or been on national TV, or found their soul’s true calling?
It’s difficult to image how life would be for me and those I now impact around the world.
So, if you have ever doubted that one person, one book – an really make a difference… I hope you’re becoming a believer through my story.
And, I hope you see that YOUR story, YOUR wisdom has the same potential to impact lives as Cheryl’s story did me.
Never underestimate the power one person has to make a difference, and never understand that YOU are that person.
My latest book is being released this week and I know it can provide a powerful transformation to all who read it.
Join me and bestselling authors Marci Shimoff, Neale Donald Walsch, and many other Transformational Authors from around the world as we share our own touching, amazing, and deeply inspiring true stories of their trials, triumphs, and ultimate transformations.
In this fourth wave of Pebbles in the Pond, you’ll connect with a diverse group of messengers whose stories are unique, yet whose messages have a common thread of inspiration, hope, healing, transformation, and new possibilities. As they share their straight-from-the-heart experiences, they invite you to discover how to transform your own challenges into the greatest gifts and blessings in your life.
I think all it takes is one person to make a difference. Just when you start doubting yourself, here comes someone to lift your spirit and to encourage you to push forward. That is why I take being a role model for my siblings to heart because I believe I can be the one person to help them personally grow.
Reading the title of this article made me think of the star fish story. A small child is walking down the beach, picking up each star fish trapped on the beach after the tide went out and tossing it into the water. The child’s parent asks why they are doing it, it won’t make a difference because they can’t possibly save all the starfish. The child throws one back into the water and tells the parent – it made a difference for that one.
You don’t have to change the world in one big moment. Change one moment and you can change a life.
The starfish story popped in my head as well when I read the title. It’s a great little story that definitely applies to everyday life. Sometimes helping someone is just a matter of spending time with them or listening when they need someone to talk to. It doesn’t have to be a huge act to feel huge for someone. Just showing that you care can make all the difference in the world to someone.
That is such a beautiful story. A lot of us need to change our thinking and start focusing on the difference we can make instead of feeling frustrated that we can’t do more. A lot of people underestimate the power of a small act of kindness and how it can change someone’s life.
I’ve always been a firm believer that one person can make a huge difference in any situation. It does not surprise me at all that one person made a difference in the author of this stories life. Books can be very powerful in helping others if written correctly. I’m interested to read this book the author mentions. Maybe it will have the same awe inspiring affect on me also.
This is amazing how the fates led you to read the book which eventually led to a life changing event. How amazing it is when these types of works of kismet take place around us. One person or thing really can change the world!
There are some inspiring words here. The thing that always sticks with me is my psychology teacher telling us that just a single conversation with someone changes the chemicals in your head. I’ve always thought that that was a cool thing, that if you have a positive attitude, you can impact those around you in a positive way, although you may not always see it in a physical form. Everything you say affects those around you. Everything you read affects you. I just think that’s cool. Thank you for your words!
Your story has truly inspired me and restored a hope in my heart. Currently, I am going through a difficult time financially and I keep waiting for the day it gets better. You are that one person who has just made a difference in my life. All I wanted was a little hope to keep me going and I’ve received it. So thank you! Although, I know it won’t happen overnight I do know that my situation can turn around. It’s just at this time with a new baby on the way it’s difficult to see that.
Everything you do and say effects everyone around you, though you may not notice it. Just smiling at someone who is having a bad day could help to make their day better. So one person can make a difference. And every action we take can have a domino effect and spread out from those closest to us to those furthest from us.
Yes, I think one person can make a difference. Sometimes it is overwhelming to know where to start. I have never read this book, but I want to take a look into it. When things seem to be crashing down around you, something like this seems inspirational. I am glad you are reaching out and helping others. Many need the help and encouragement.
Wow what an amazing and inspirational story! I am at a point in my life where problems just seem to pile up. Everyday, I question my reason for living, I do know what and who I live for. I just cannot make it happen. I hope someone or something can help me overcome this part of my life.
This is an incredible story. This makes me want to buy your newest and latest book. I have been touched by many different books in my life. But, this story takes it to a whole new level. This story also makes me believe everything really does “happen for a reason”. It is also really awesome you got to meet your mentor.
Wow. You are very inspiring. From a young age, I have always been the type of person to stand up for what is right, even if it is something so little. I have been a vegan since 15 years old. I think the worst complaint I have ever received was “So what you are a vegan, that doesn’t stop the mass murder of animals.” And I think to myself, I am making a change for me. And maybe one day, animals will not be killed anymore. You have reinforced this thought of making a change, no matter how small. So thank you for that.
Yes, but wanting to make a difference doesn’t mean that we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. As far as I see it we should just focus on doing the right thing, if we do so we are already making a difference.
I do think one person can make a difference. You never know when a small thing can have a longer lasting impact on the world around you. A simple smile could cause a ripple of goodness. Never put badness out into the world, as it can ripple as well.
I think I will be seeing if my local library has this book. It seems to be a good read.
Wow, what happened to you on that day was really brutal. If I found myself in that kind of situation I don’t know what I would’ve done. I’m glad that you manage to overcome all of that just by picking up a book. Sometimes that what makes life so beautiful, the fact that someone can help a person in such a huge way without them even realizing about it.
Certainly yes. A crowd can be a huge force. However, it consists of single elements. Everyone of us is a unit. Pretty much unique unit. United we can make a difference. But we must not forget about the importance of each one.
I really like the whole idea behind this book and I definitely agree with it. I mean, we can change the world, we have that power in our hands and we can start by changing ourselves. Once we realize the first step we need to give is in us we are already changing the world and giving the example. Who are we impacting?
All it takes is one person to spark an inspiration or motivation in you. I have been influenced by many people over the years but only a handful have had an affect on my philosophy of life. I try to carry on what those people have instilled in me and pass it on to whoever takes the most from it.
Exactly, we can make all the difference in the world especially for those around us and that’s all we can do really. But to be honest, can it be anyone more rewarding to see those around us with their lives improved because of us?
I believe everyone can make a different, not only because you apply yourself, but also because you inspire people to do their part too. Making yourself better will automatically improve the world around you as well. I believe healing is a personal process, but once you’re done with your own fighting, you can help other people find their way too, by writing books, posting online, giving advice, etc.
That’s the whole principle behind the idea of changing the world and as far as I see it, the biggest importance we can make is in changing ourselves. When we can change ourselves we can certainly inspire others to do the same.