Most people acknowledge that Rachel’s story was heartfelt. We all know it, but for me it was thought provoking. A lot of the things that people had “learned”, we already knew. And that’s the sad thing. We already knew that being nice to each other is the right thing. So why did people feel like they learned something? Because it was put into context.

When I read Rachel’s essay one quote struck the most thought in me. She said, “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same.” We all heard this quote because it was reiterated time after time. This isn’t just some dreamy idea. Here’s some food for thought; have you ever thought of the similarities between the so called “opposing” beliefs? Science has something called Inertia. Religions have a belief in Karma. But the synonym of the two is “a chain reaction”, Rachel Scott’s “theory”.

Now to put things in context because that seems to work. A kid walks into school; his day isn’t going so well. His parents make him walk to school and today it rained, so he is soaked. As he is walking through the hallways everybody is whispering about him, even the teachers. When he gets to his locker and opens it, all his books fall out. Now everyone in the hallway is laughing at him. But there is one girl who is walking by and she sees the mess. But as a free thinking INDIVIDUAL, she goes over to him and helps him pick up all his things. Yes there are a few whispers about why she would help out a loser kid pick up his books. Now you may be wondering how this is inertia or karma. Think about it, a couple weeks go by and now the situation is reversed. The girl is going to her lunch table but the weight of her meal causes the cheap foam cafeteria trays to snap. Her food falls all over the floor. Now the boy sees this incident and walks over to her to help clean up the mess. A few moments later he realizes several other people are helping her clean up. This is because she is kind to everyone and they are expressing their gratitude.

My point is that this is not just an ideology, this is real life. Call it what you want, but the truth is that it exists. Study your surroundings and your feelings. Keep an open mind. As you go through your day take into account all the reasons someone might be acting the way they are. Then do the same for yourself. On a bad day ask yourself, “Do my actions reflect my thoughts?” If they do, try and change your mindset to think of all the things you are thankful for. It’s difficult at first, I’m not going to lie, but the more you exercise your brain to do that, the more naturally it comes.

Enjoy Life,

Sean McKeown

“Be careful of your moods and feelings, for there is an unbroken connection between your feelings and your visible world.”-The Power