Dear [NAME]

Models of Influence

Life's greatest lessons do not come from books or formal learning. They are learned by watching others live and interact, listening to the intonation of their words, reading their expressions and feeling their emotions.

We can never really gauge the influence that we have on others. In my life there have been strangers who were nameless, but who have left a lasting imprint. Some have passed through my life in a period of minutes or hours.

As a teen-ager I taught a children's summer program. The following winter I learned that one of the children; Mike, had a new baby sister named Bonnie. His mom said Mike had insisted on the name because I always smiled at him and called him by name.

I use this example to stress how little it takes to influence. This incident provided a tremendous lesson. I have a responsibility to others that I had never realized. We rarely know how our actions may inspire or discourage others.

An advantage to AgeEsteem is the maturity and wisdom that the lessons of living have nurtured. We are in a better position today to be effective models of influence – and we are aware of this role.

Earlier this month I presented AgeEsteem in Kenya during the YWCA World Council. Women in my group came from Holland, Serre Leone, Nigeria, USA, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Wales, England , and Trinidad and Tobago.

• An old aunt who “had no education but taught through example how to have a gentle heart.”
• A friend who “is wise, not afraid to question, and even during difficult moments has time for her friends. She gives positive feedback on how I can improve.”
• A boss who “is energetic and passionate, and concentrates on balancing her life between a very high pressured professional life and her family.”
• A friend who “cares for herself and is elegant.”
• A colleague who “encourages others and is open, confident, asks questions, and is intelligent, strong and not afraid.”
• A top media personality “who interviews to highlight the good in people, is sincere, ethical and respected so people listen to her.”

No matter how different our cultures may be, many of the same qualities and attributes that we respect flow among our answers. What any one of these women expressed, I could very well have highlighted in my life. Probably the same is true for you.

This emphasizes even further that our words and actions carry the power to affect lives for better or worse. Each day we have the opportunity to softly teach and influence through example.

Happy AgeEsteem,

“We are models for others during our angry moments as well as our happy ones .” Bonnie Fatio

AgeEsteem enriches everyone. If you have a question, would like to share a personal story or tip concerning self esteem and age, or comment on these messages write to me. I look forward to hearing from you. bonnie.fatio@AgeEsteem.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete text with it: “Bonnie Lou Fatio, founder of AgeEsteem® publishes the award-winning Aging With Pizzazz© e-zine. If you're ready to live your life with AgeEsteem and to feel good about yourself at the age you are today, every day, get your FREE tips now at http://www.AgeEsteem.com/”

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