Very recently, a friend of mine shared with me what he thought of me in high school. He termed it as me being “the centre of attention”. Of course, I was beyond shocked at his observations. Little old me with body issues and huge insecurities? We didn’t exchange many words back in the day, but secrets tend to reveal themselves, I guess. It’s pretty strange to me that the ambivert in me was on display. I never wanted attention. I still don’t. I was trying to make the most of my teenage years. The plan was to always keep my head down and work hard.  Be silent and do what I had to. I knew I had to be excellent in academics. After all, that’s what I was taught to do. But somehow, I made an impact on his life through what I did and who I was back then. 

Based on our conversation it seems to me that before the advent of influencers on social media, I have been making waves. My life was being watched silently, though I never set out to be anyone’s hero. I was noticed every time I walked down the halls. I was seen every time I sang a song or prayed for an individual. I was glimpsed every time I had my hair up in a bun or when I flashed a smile. The little things mattered to someone else, and I didn’t know this until years later.

Could that be the same for all of us? I would like to believe so. We don’t need to have social media influencer status to be noticed. We are making great or small impacts wherever we are because of who we are. A small following doesn’t mean you are not noticed. In our conversation, my friend said, “You beam with light. Light attracts.” It’s so true. People will see us once we do that. It’s inevitable. They will be attracted to things we do or say. Folks are inspired by our words, our smiles, our talents, our art, how we treat people with grace and respect, how we advocate for the voiceless, and more. They are taking cues from me and you, learning how to be a beacon in this dim world. Maybe you just don’t know it yet. I pray these secrets will be revealed to you soon, just as they are slowly being revealed to me.

I get that sometimes this can be a huge weight on your shoulders once you realize how your life inspires others. But there is nothing to fear once you live well. So, do that. Be you –  introverted, extroverted, and in between. Yes, ambiverts, I see you. Love people. Spread joy and bask in it. Be a peacemaker. Speak up for those who cannot. Share what you have and make the world a better place in your small corner. 

There are people among us who simply share who they are with us. When they do, it makes us better. Our eyes have been watching them and we have been touched by their examples to us. I definitely have a few I look up to. I implore you, please take the time to talk to those who you have been silently watching. Make their day by telling them the ways they have been an inspiration to you. Create a list. Send that email or voice message. Encourage them. They need it. Besides, life is too short and too hard not to tell people about their impact on you.

^{Photo by Anna Might (IG:@annamighttakepics)}