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Natural Awakenings Atlanta

My Circle of Influence

Jun 01, 2023 06:00AM ● By Linda Minnick
I found myself being snippy with my husband for no apparent reason recently. I don’t experience it very often anymore, but it was lingering from one day to the next. After a day or two, even I wondered what the cause of my discontent was. 

It was not like my poor husband—or anyone else—had committed any egregious offense. Life had been running smoothly up until then. However, I noticed that the longer I stayed in an agitated state, the bumpier my life was getting. All around me, little things began to go awry. It was an annoying mystery to me, and it was causing my entire energetic state to feel off-kilter. I was uncomfortable in my own skin. 

A few days in, I felt I needed to get out of the house all day. I didn’t notice a difference in my mood until early afternoon when I realized I was feeling good. I was enjoying the sunshine and the wind on my face. I was loving life again. What made the difference? 

Then it occurred to me. Over those few days, my husband and I had been spending several hours a day in the car together, and he had the news running the entire time. Our dinners with friends had been peppered with discussions of world events and the current state of the union. Talk of disaster, inflation, dishonesty and other negative news had been filling my airwaves and my home—and I had allowed myself to wallow in it instead of doing what I usually did: turn it off.

During every level of my self-realization studies, I’ve given great attention to recognizing the power of my words, the words I think, the words I say to myself and the words I say to others. As I work on my personal evolution, I constantly remind myself to be cognizant of what comes out of my mouth, and I believe my efforts over the years have helped me reframe many comments. But during these particular few days, I had unfortunately forgotten that I also have to be aware of what I listen to and what I allow to be said around me.

The Power of Words

It was a perfect example of the power of words—ours and others’. I had allowed myself to absorb the negative energy accompanying the dialogues. It affected every part of me—my being, mood, thoughts, body and energy. It affected my reality and the reality of others.

When things are bright and sunny, and the world seems to be rotating perfectly on its axis, it’s easy for me to think the best thoughts and live a happy life. But when I allow myself to put on the yoke of the broadcasted reality that appears to be void of peace or brotherhood, I forget there is more to me than just this 3D existence. 

Luckily, like a hiccup in my thoughts, I am reminded by Spirit of who I truly am and who we truly are. I am reminded that the only person I can control is me, and the only thoughts I can have are mine. I am also reminded that I can live as I see fit, and buying into other people’s reality is a choice.

This is important to me, reminding me I have a circle of influence that encompasses everyone I touch, directly or indirectly. Becoming aware of this helped me recognize that my thoughts, words and actions affect myself and others. In this circle of influence, I can change my world, the only world I am living in. In this circle of influence, I can see the beauty of life, the good of others and the love that flows between us. 

My son called me the other day. He had just been notified that his work contract was being canceled unexpectedly. He was nervous and a bit fearful of how the turn of events would affect him. We talked for a little while, and I reminded him of who he truly is and the power he has within himself to create new opportunities. He said, “Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear that.” 

My world was better that day. It’s conversations like these that remind me to turn off the radio. ❧

Linda Minnick is a speaker, author, life coach and Preferred PSYCH-K facilitator. She lives in Roswell with her husband, John. Her most recent book, New Day, New Life can be found on Amazon.
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