The Nature of Social Influence
The following poem is included in my book, "ON SOLID GROUND: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions." It is listed in the Words of Challenge section as Positive or Negative Influence? and challenges readers to choose which type of influence they will be in the world around them.
The book also includes poetic Words of Encouragement, Relationship, Tribute, Comfort, Ethnocentric Expressions, and Testimony that I created and compiled to encourage readers and also help them express themselves to others creatively during various occasions, situations, and seasons in their lives.
Influential Choices
You have influence with everybody
whether it is positive or negative.
'How you use it' is a choice
to be made about how you will live.
When you speak,
what are you saying?
What tone do you use
and what pitch is it in?
Is it encouraging to the hearer?
What sort of impression
will you choose to give?
When you are writing how you feel
about issues or ideals that you believe,
how do your words influence the readers?
What type of legacy
do you choose to leave?
Are your actions kind and caring,
helpful, generous and true?
Is your behavior to be modeled?
Will people aspire to do like you?
Youth and adults both have the power
to uplift others and heal their hearts;
The power to step up and be responsible
as a positive influence, each doing your part.
A positive or negative influence,
choose today which one you’ll be.
Then apply it daily to each thought and action
throughout your life journey, continually.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2012 Jo Anne Meekins