Everyday Canvas

Influential People

Prompt: Influence
Which kinds of people are the most influential in life? And what or who has had the most influence on you and are you okay with this influence?

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The way I see it, influence is the ability or, let's say, capacity to impress other people so they can adapt to their lives.

The most influential people in my life were my uncles and aunt, and later on, my high school lit teacher. These people always influenced me toward the right direction, a direction they thought would make me happier and better adjusted. These influential people also had empathy and understanding and they were authentic in their ways as well as being very ethical. I'm glad I took their advice, tried to live up to their unshaken belief in me, and followed their examples.

I'm sure some other people must have influenced me in a negative way, however without wanting to or on purpose. Those, I have either forgiven or have forgotten about.

What was in common in people who influenced me in a positive way? They all had clarity of purpose and positive behavior. They were consistent in actions and beliefs. They were also very effective communicators. One of my uncles kept telling me stories about the people in our family who had lived before my time and especially those he had met.

Yet, they didn't hesitate to show how vulnerable they each could be as human beings. Because of all those qualities and others I may have forgotten to mention, they were real people as they inspired and motivated me to act positively and to try to do the best in my life. Their effect on me lasted my whole lifetime. I'm so grateful for that.