As many of you may know, last week, Linkedin shared my story: “An Unexpected Journey: 10 Ways Linkedin Changed My Life In One Year,” along with a Slideshare presentation I created. To preface, a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the amazing people at Linkedin who contacted me, worked with me, and made this story possible for the world to see.

After the story launched, within one hour, I truly thought my server was going to crash. The response was overwhelming. People from all over the world were contacting me with their own stories, looking for advice, a mentor, or taking time to simply congratulate me. However, most of the responses referred to inspiration-the inspiration they needed in regard to their own lives and how the story triggered a much-needed awakening to keep moving forward in spite of all obstacles. Strangers told me how they felt an instant connection to my situation and how comforting it was to know that they were not alone in what they were going through. Similar to my story, many people explained how they too were in the process of re-defining who they were, starting on a new path, or daring to step outside of their comfort zone. 

It was at that moment I realized how people across all cultures, all ways of life, are going through similar situations. These situations are not only career related, but are personally related to the growth, realization of talent, facing one’s fears and daring to take risks.

Then the epiphany came: we now have the ability to inspire each other through our words across the globe. We have the ability to change lives and make a difference. We can inspire those who have been out of work for so long to get back into networking, let go of past career resentments and hold their head high with dignity and respect. I don’t think there is anything more powerful than changing the life of a stranger living on another continent via a 5-minute presentation. If I can do this, think about how you can change things for those around you and for yourself.

As an ESL teacher, I have always had the colorful and bright image of people holding hands around the world floating around in my mind. All different colors and different languages we speak, yet, many of us are the same, working hard to meet our own goals.

The night I created the Slideshare presentation, I was reflecting on all of the things that happened over the course of the year. I originally put it together because many people from Linkedin were reaching out to me for advice. I wanted to share my story so others could become inspired as well. At the time, I did not realize a 5-minute presentation could have such a global impact.

Inspiration is not very hard to share. A smile, a compliment on something well done, or an encouraging statement can have a great affect on those we come in touch with every day. It doesn’t take much effort to share inspiration, it takes effort to accept it and use it to put our talents into action.

Whether you are in need of inspiration, or if you live to inspire, you will find the power in using words as a very special tool. The power of the spoken or written word is a great gift, and with a little bit of effort, can be life changing.

If we live to inspire and help others, we live a life filled with purpose and meaning. It is only now with the tools of technology, that this message can be shared on a broader scale.

Thank you to everyone who contacted and/or reached out to me, as I am still working on returning emails.