Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
- Dalai Lama XIV

We are like rocks tossed into a pond, producing ripple effects that inspire those in our spheres and beyond.

Like that butterfly, a single flap can cause a big change. Each tiny move toward a more positive mindset can send ripples of positivity through our family and community.

What ripple effect can you do today?

If you had asked my completely self-centered, immature young self, I would have had a hard time grasping the thought of how much everything matters. 

To say that all things are interconnected would leave me pondering. 

Do you mean everything that I do and say would in some way affect not only myself but everyone and everything else? That the practical significance of my day-to-day choices has a fiber intertwined with others?

It is one of those statements that plunged me into deep thinking. 

A grim smile, an awkward 'hi' or 'hello' can impact a complete stranger. A mere ordinary girl like me can possibly brighten up someone's day.

Oh what power this world holds, how strong can a single human being take hold of responsibility, even the tiniest ones have a ripple effect.

I thought about all the negativity I unknowingly allowed to be part of my system over time. 

You know I can be critical of all the stimulation happening around me. This resulted at that moment wherein I could not forget when someone blurted right in front of my face about how negative of a person I am.  At first, I thought, "well yeah...sure!...work is hard, I don't like it, I don't feel passionate about it. I wish I'm enjoying what I'm doing.'' 

I knew it was something to contemplate. Why does she think of me as that? Am I really that negative? Is what I'm feeling not valid?

and so I thought.

I understood I was negative not only with my work but really with how I dealt with every situation in my life. Although part of me wished that, that someone would have given me a little encouragement and helped me realize my current mindset that needs improvement. Apparently, she didn't and that's not the kind of ripple I'm talking about.

Small acts have a ripple effect — that one little change. The ripple effects of how you live your life. It is something that we can cultivate and take full responsibility for the choices we make.

Do you come from fear or do you come from love?

Are you in resistance or in alignment with life?

Similar to all the ways this world 'hates' that have no seeming light at the end of the tunnel. Hate cannot produce and will never produce love. Hate produces more hate, plain and simple.

That is why it is important to understand the practical significance of our day-to-day choice.

When you create a difference in someone's life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their entire life. No act is ever too small. One by one, this is how to make an ocean rise.
- Danielle Doby

When I watch you I can feel courage welling up. I feel that I can hang on, that I can do it, that I too am worth something.(src. anime)

"You are that ripple of my life." (socmed comment)

 As we interact with the people around us, we plant various seeds. Those seeds will ripen and grow either right away, soon enough, or sometime in the future. Make sure your ripples are positive. Be intentional with how you interact and inspire in your spheres for out of it is born a decision we make and actions we take.

It only takes one person, one small positive action to save one life or even save the entirety and that could be you who can make a difference. The bonus part is, you'll also be possibly saving yourself from whatever that is drowning you.

Love is what we are made of.

..It came from love. Always out of love.

If we let go of all the negativity, judgment, and hate and start with ourselves. A gentle, sincere, deep love and understanding of ourselves then the first stone is cast into the ripple effect in our far wide world.

And I hope you know that it is something that we can discover. 

Make an effort to create your own unique ripple effects and comprehend your God-given opportunities for influence as well as the incredible difference they can make in this world.

A hallmark of lifestyle creep is a change in thinking and behavior that sees spending on non-essential items as a right rather than a choice.

Right on point, that certain, "I deserve this" self-entitlement reason is why many hold on to this lifestyle which fuels this loop.

You eat out at a fancy restaurant, travel, splurge on a new outfit but so quietly you get stuck in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. It becomes a habit.

You buy things because you get this rush, you have this excitement, and can't wait to have this item. When you finally own this item, an emotional spur rises up but now when you look at it, yeah it's cool stuff but it's just a dress or a bag but you're not as excited when you bought it.

There's this adaptation of humans when we have a new thing for a while, we get used to it and eventually we take it for granted. That's why buying things isn't the answer. It's important to understand and break the cycle.

Because honestly, you were fine not having these things and now it became a necessity. Suddenly, the cheap bags are not good enough compare to designer bags.

Keeping up with the Joneses, keeping up with the appearances. Upping up your game to attract people to get more likes, proving that you can afford to match your income. Seeking approval from other people. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with enjoying those extra luxuries. I mean, we all like our stuff. I'm not judging. I wouldn't mind owning something I really like in which I know I will get to enjoy at least every single day.

However, let's be real, we know that some own lots of luxury items but never get to enjoy every single piece. A single piece might be used only once and some they never use at all. The reason being, there is just a ton to choose from. I'm not even talking about the price of each item that hasn't been used. It's such a sad story. I'm uninspired, unimpressed–really.

On the other hand, some look after their luxury item very carefully every time they use them. I mean, I get that you need to be careful because it's expensive and an investment piece as some may say but at least I want to enjoy it while using it because I bought it, I own it for myself. But if you need to baby those stuff, I don't know, count me out. Are you being true to yourself at the moment? Maybe it's time to reflect.

It's important to know when we have enough in life, to know what we need and don't need in life. 

Being grateful for what we have. Most of us already have what we needed in life.

Being grateful for the life we have while creating the life we desire.  

We are not defined by the things that we have or by any outside forces.

“Life is about making an impact, not making an income.” –  Kevin Kruse

The thing is, the more I mature, the more I understand what really matters. This intricately beautiful 'becoming'' phase has completely changed the way I see things. I'm way more practical now.

Even if I can afford it, is it really worth it to put my money with that crazy huge amount? Is it really real for me?

I know the feeling of having without and the feeling to finally have. That's why I'm not against those things that are important quality life matters. However, if you go over the top, you'll know that it will never bring you joy and value.

I know I just need basics. I can choose pieces that I genuinely love without spending a lot. I'm inspired to live a life towards simple living that allows me to give my attention to more important things in life.