Start the ripple...

When you empower others, you are more empowered. Remember that the more power you give, the more power you get.
- Kurek Ashley, author, How would love respond?

When you empower others, you are more empowered.

How true.

Consider the situation of Harry Bernstein in Brick, NJ. At 97 years-old, Bernstein has achieved success as a celebrated author on the New York Times best seller list. This was his first literary award and it was born out of the tragic loss of his wife, six or so years ago.

Bernstein was married for decades. He reportedly described his loss as the most painful memory of his life. He was 91 years-old at the time.

Yet, what he did next was extraordinary.

Bernstein says he reached back into his long life as far as he could go and started writing. He wrote about his childhood. He wrote about life in England during WWI. He wrote and he wrote and he wrote.

He took his grief and after reaching inward, he reached out with a book. And by doing so, he started a ripple in the waters of time that impacts the lives of people today. Read about it here...
http://bricktimes.micromediapubs.com/news/2008/0417/Front_Page/001.html

Now consider the case of young Alicia McWilliams in Detroit.

After losing her mother at the age of nine, McWilliams over came incredible odds
in an urban environment and is now valedictorian of her high school class. She
is poised to continue her education and do wonderful things with her life. Her
story is captured by a journalist and is displayed as an example for others to
follow here... http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805040557

Although she has a ways to go and everything for college is not paid for, she is already on her way to doing wonderful things.

McWilliams' has started a ripple by persevering and sharing her story. She is empowering others to keep pushing, keep moving forward and keep trying.

And she is only 18.

So, if a 97 year-old and an 18 year-old can look beyond their circumstances to empower others, what could we do?

Turn away from disappointment. Let go of the argument. Reach outward and find a way to help someone move forward.

Start a ripple of your own today.