Who is in my circle of influence?

[5ft Diva]

This may seem like a weird question, but I'm processing. I found that on another thread I was feeling really frustrated w/ our country as a whole. The problem w/ this frustration is that I am wasting energy on being frustrated w/ the country as a whole because I have no control over that situation. So it occurred to me that I wouldn't feel frustrated if I felt like I had control over A situation and that is w/in my circle of influence. So.....who is in my circle of influence? Who do I affect? Is it just me? Or does it include my family and friends as well? I only ask because I don't know very much. Maybe my circle of influence is really only me until I feel more educated. Hmmmm..... I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this idea. I'm needing a sounding board as I would like to stop feeling frustrated.

[Dia Minha]

I would have to say that you influence everyone you come in contact with. I too feel very frustrated, because I feel like I cannot do anything. However, I believe that the major problem in our country right now is the need for immediate gratification. (I'm not changing the subject here, just giving an example.) Not just the governments, but as a nation, has citizens as members of the human race. Now I can get upset at everyone that borrowed to much money, including the government, or I can make sure that I am spending within my means, show and tell others how nice it feels to be financially secure and encourage those I know to do the same. Now the ultimate would be that this idea would spread over the whole nation. If we could stop spending money we don't have then maybe we could repair some of the damage that has been done.

I believe everything starts with someone and I think that the majority of great ideas became great, because someone listened to the spirit and followed what they heard. When they did so, others saw them and followed their example.

I feel like I'm just rambling now so I'll be done. My DH is gone and I'm feeling the need to be a chatter-box.

[bookworm]

I understand precisely what you mean, Diva. I think it's like this: I influence my family, and maybe in knowing each other, my friends. They influence those around them, who influence their own circle. I think there are ripple effects, although when it comes to politics it's hard to see the ripples at all, unless you watch Washington.

I want to be aware of what's going on in our country, but it can be very discouraging. I agree with Dia- I have to live my life the best I can and hope that I will be ready when the time comes for me to be a bigger influence in certain areas. We are raising the next generation of leaders, whether in church, civically, in their jobs, etc., so as mothers, our circle of influence (however small) is really very important. I think of myself as raising three and maybe four of the next generation of missionaries, as well as the next generation's elder's quorum and RS member, so my influence is important. (no pressure )

I'm babbling, myself. I have a load of things to do today, but I really don't want to do them. Oh well.. Back to the grindstone.