It’s that time of year again. The end-of-school-year slump. You know it all too well. You’re tired, patience is running low and summer break can’t come soon enough. These last few months can feel like a true test of endurance. This period brings not just exhaustion, but also doubt.
You might be asking yourself, “Have I really made a difference this year?”
If you’re feeling like this, you’re not alone. No matter where you work, who you work with, or whether you’re a parent or grandparent, it’s important to remember this: you are making an impact. Often, your influence reaches further than you realize and takes effect in moments you least expect. The difference you make might not always be immediate or obvious, but trust me, it’s there.
Sometimes, the seeds you’ve planted take years to bloom. And when they do, the results can take you by surprise.
A Hallelujah Moment
I’ll never forget a phone call I received about 10 years ago that completely shattered my own doubts.
At the time, I was questioning everything. It was one of those rough patches where I was feeling burned out and unsure if the work I was doing actually mattered. Every day, I prayed for clarity, for some kind of sign that I was on the right path.
And then it happened.
The phone rang. I answered, “Hello. This is Kathleen.”
The voice on the other end broke out in joy, “Hallelujah! My prayer has been answered!”
The woman on the line explained her story. Years earlier she shadowed a teacher I had trained. That teacher had told her, “If you ever have the chance to be trained by Kathleen, you’ll forever be a better teacher because of it.”
That one piece of advice had stuck with her over the years. She remembered it every time she hit a roadblock or needed inspiration. That simple statement eventually got her looking for me.
She only had my first name, but that didn’t stop her. She spent time searching the internet, taking breaks when she hit a dead end, but always came back with renewed hope whenever those words popped back into her head.
Finally, she was able to track down the teacher who had spoken about me all those years ago. Together, they uncovered old correspondence with my full name, phone number and email address. That’s how she finally found her way to me.
We had a long and inspiring conversation that day, the kind that fills your heart and reignites your sense of purpose. When the call ended, the doubt I had been carrying so heavily lifted and it was my turn to say joyfully, “Hallelujah! My prayer has been answered!”
The Ripple Effect
This experience taught me something profound – not only about the work I do but also about the incredible ripple effect of the impact we have on others.
You may never know the full extent of the difference you make in your work. The kind word you spoke, the patient guidance you offered or the inspiration you sparked during a conversation – these small moments are like stones dropped into a pond. The ripples they create extend outward, often reaching further than you will ever realize.
Sometimes, you plant seeds of encouragement, wisdom or confidence that don’t take root right away. But eventually, those seeds grow. They blossom years later when someone needs them most.
And the best part – the impact you have multiplies. It’s like a domino effect. One person carries your words or actions forward. They inspire someone else, who goes on to inspire others. The difference you make is never singular. It extends far beyond you.
The Invisible Impact
I know that this time of year can be challenging. It’s easy to focus on the exhaustion, the hurdles or the moments where you feel like you missed the mark. But I want you to take a step back and remember – just because you don’t see the impact doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Your work matters. You matter.
Think about all the small, seemingly ordinary actions you’ve taken. The good mornings you offered with a smile. The extra moments of patience you extended. The way you encouraged someone to believe in themselves when they couldn’t see their own potential.
These are the moments that change lives.
And if you’re still doubting it, remember my story about the phone call I’ll never forget. The impact you’re making may not show itself today or even next year. But one day, someone just might track you down to tell you how much you mattered – or better yet, they will pay it forward and inspire someone else to do the same.
Hang in there. Take a deep breath and give yourself credit for the incredible and important work you’re doing, even if you don’t always see the results right away. You’re making a difference in ways you may never fully realize.
Remember, even when times are tough, you’re planting seeds that will bloom. And trust me, when they do, it will be worth every tiring, uncertain moment.