You may have heard about the “ripple effect”.  A ripple effect is a situation in which, like ripples expanding across the water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally.  How does this apply to our home life?
One Family, Many Impacts
In your family, how many different perspectives are there? Â The answer should be the same as the number of people. Â We all view things from our own eyes, and, in turn, each of us has the power to make an impact. Â Impact we do, regardless of whether we meant to. Â Even when we choose to do nothing, that still has a great effect on our families.
Here are some examples:
- You work hard on something you believe in that also supports you financially.
- Positive Impact: you “bring home the bacon”, plus you have purpose and drive in a way that serves others well.
- Negative Impact: your work takes precedence on the rest of your life. Â You’re glued to your phone, computer, or any other form of work that takes you away from everything else. Â You are stuck in forward-thinking mode, always prepping for the future and not noticing the present.
- You are exhausted from said job and come home to plop in front of the TV and veg.Â
- Positive Impact: you give your brain a break to recharge. Â You take time to rest, relax, and just be still.
- Negative Impact: Â However, look up at your family – is your choice showing them the TV is priority? Â Do you consistently opt for screen time over family time?
- You keep your house clean and clear from clutter.
- Positive Impact: Your home is a safe place with light energy – not chaotic. Â Everyone knows where things are, and you are free to do other things.
- Negative Impact: You’ve become a drill sergeant more concerned with the cleanliness of your home over the chaotic creativity of your children. Â You’ve built resentment about how no one else cares about your home, and your criticism has become your mantra.
- Your toddler throws an intense tantrum when she doesn’t get her way, screaming and crying at the top of her lungs.
- Positive Impact: Hey, she’s letting out her emotions! Â How much better would WE feel if we could just let’er rip when we were mad or upset?
- Negative Impact: You cringe at taking her out in public for fear she’ll go off on a tantrum. Â You see people covering their ears, sending harsh judgements flying everywhere you go, and you’re a bundle of self-conscious nerves as your child increasingly flies off the handle as her coping mechanism for life.
- Your son is a bundle of energy and loves to be physical.
- Positive Impact: He rocks it in outdoor activities and has learned to be an awesome team player, getting everyone excited about a game.
- Negative Impact: His energy knows no limits and going to the library, church, or formal gathering has become stressful for the whole family as you try to stifle his fidgeting.
There you go. Â All an impact, and all can be positive and negative.
Where Your Intention Goes, The Energy Flows
So how do you navigate the impact and aim for creating a ripple effect of good, happiness, love and connection? Â Like the quote here, when we set our intention, it already propels the energy toward that direction. Â Are we bracing for a battle with our children, and seeing work as a complete and utter energy-suck?
Are we a victim of these lives that have been thrown at us, or are we in charge of that water drop?
How you start your day. Â Drop.
What you say to your children. Â Drop.
Your reaction when he dropped the cup. Â Drop.
Her reaction when she didn’t get that toy. Â Drop.
His attention at the screen during “family time”. Â Drop.
Think of the impact you make on the world. Â Impress this upon your children. Â Everything we do makes an impact. Â We are a beautiful species, constantly thinking, creating, and collaborating. Â We are interwoven, interconnected, and we – YOU – make an impact. Â Ripple on, and create your own life with intention. Â Show love, be love, recognize how we are all strengthened by the impact we have on each other.
Check out our season finale on the Mama Says Namaste Podcast to dig deeper: What Do You Want This Life To Be?Â
YES, YES, YES! So well said!
It’s hard to remember this when you’re in the moment, but all that happens in your home trickles out into the world.
Thanks for the reminder!