There’s a blank piece of paper in front of me and I want to share an experience, but I’m not too sure how to put it into words without sounding sanctimonious.

But I’ll give it a go.

Many of us are in a position of mentoring, sharing, teaching and professionally giving instruction.

Over the past few years I’ve thought about the impact of being in that position quite a lot. I do admit, that it concerns me a little. In fact I’ve sought answers from some of my friends, some have been in the same position, some have a wealth of knowledge due to years of experience.

But somehow I can't come up with an answer.

 The question is, “How do I shoulder that responsibility”

Over the years I’ve had comments from students and casual acquaintances on things that I have said or done that have had an impact on their work…. I’m always taken back and rather embarrassed.

It adds to my concern that If what I say and do  has a positive effect on someone, there has to be a time when there is a negative effect.

It’s a huge responsibility to say the “right” thing all the time because there are times that the words we say have an impact and quite possibly we are unaware of it.

I had an email today from a student who was in my class many years ago…..from her comments it’s obvious that the class was a positive experience for her. But on the other hand, I upset another person in the same class because I commented on her fabric…… "you bought that at Walmart, how wonderful…."  Little does she know, that she gave me a wonderful gift….

I went on to buy 160 yards of that fabric for the background of the Bayeux Quilt…. I hope I can get an opportunity to talk to her sometime and explain how thrilled I was…. 

Tje fabric looks like linen… I was so excited I almost hugged her !!!!