There’s a video on YouTube that I’ve watched again and again over the years. The video is a collection of images shot at Elliott Smith’s memorial wall in Los Angeles. Just for the sake of a little background, on October 21, 2003, Elliott Smith took his own life by stabbing himself in the heart. As tragic as that is, this post is not about his death as much as it’s about people’s reaction to it. On Smith’s memorial wall, numerous people left pictures and notes in an attempt to let people know how much Smith meant to them. My favorite line comes at the end: “Your music got me through my own personal hell.”
Anyone who’s ever listened to Elliott Smith’s music knows that it’s very personal and intimate. And those who listen to Smith are truly touched by his art. It’s no wonder that he would be so dearly missed. He did something special and touched people in a way most of us never will.
But what about you and me?
All too often, we don’t give ourselves enough credit. We go through the motions of our lives, convinced that we can’t make a difference anywhere. We have no influence. We have no affect on anyone, right? Wrong.
I want you to take a little time and truly consider what I am about to ask you. On an average day (let’s make that an average workday), how many people do you interact with? If you’re married, you probably interact with your significant other before and after work. Do you stop at that gas station or donut shop near your job just before starting your day’s work? Then, there are your bosses, co-workers, and clients. Do you have children? Do you call friends and family on a regular basis? What about your neighbors?
Oh my god, the list can go on and on!
Think about this: Every time you interact with one of these people, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to be remembered. To be remembered and loved or to be remembered and despised. Of course, you can be forgotten as well. There’s no guarantee that you’ll stand out in any way.
Sure, after you’re gone, you may not be remembered by your friends, family, and acquaitances in the same way that these people remembered Elliott Smith. But people may smile when they say your name. And speak well of you.
The truth is that you affect people’s moods and days and lives more than you realize. Sometimes, something so simple as getting service with a smile brightens the rest of my day. Does that sound silly? Maybe it is. But I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, whether others realize it or not.
You don’t have to be a musician to leave behind a positive legacy and to better people’s lives. Just be kind.
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