On Being an Influence

I feel as if I have been dealing with a lot of corrupt systems lately. It has taught me a) that the world is a corrupt place and b) that in a corrupt system, it is entirely up to you to make it so that you can get what you want. The world is not a fair place and bad things happen to good people. It has taught me a lot about myself and about what I am capable of. I learned I have the ability to make a difference in other peoples lives. This is huge. It may seem small but it can completely catch you off guard when someone tells you their life has changed for the better because of knowing you. Being an influence makes you realize that everything you did had a purpose. Your actions did not go unrecognized. You are appreciated and there is now one happier person in the world because of you. It is humbling but also an ego boost. When you think about people who have influenced you before, you question if you made a dent on anyone else's life. To know that you indeed have is something worth living for. In this corrupt world I spoke of before, I did not always get the award I wanted, the position I applied for, or win the election I ran in. I went without a title and felt as though all the hard work I have put into the activities I am involved in was for nothing. That all changes when someone tells you that you helped them better themselves. That is an honor only given to those who earn it and deserve it and is better than any title you could ever hold.