I had the opportunity to make a new friend yesterday, Stephen Hopson of Adversity University.

I wrote about his recent post on feeling good and was looking forward to meeting him in person.

Stephen is a local blogger, professional speaker and a true inspiration. He was born profoundly deaf and yet reaches for more of life than most people I have ever met. Nothing stands in his way and his approach to life is refreshing.

He shared a story of a turning point in his life: his fifth grade teacher. My daughter just started fifth grade - still so shy and small and innocent. I tried to imagine Stephen as a fifth grader with all the insecurities of youth added to that his own personal challenge of not being able to hear.

He does a beautiful job of painting a picture with his words and shared how three little words from his teacher had a life changing impact on his life. "That's right, Stephen."

Taken out of context they don't seem so life altering but the truth is we have all had an experience in life where three or four words or a touch or an unexpected helping hand have made all the difference.

My dad always says that small packages hold the best surprises and the same can be said for small gestures. We just don't know how what we say or do can impact another person in a positive way.

Will you be a value-add in someone's life today?

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Writer