The most profound impact we have is often on immediate friends and family. We stretch our reach in the world by influencing those we hold dear. Today, we're talking with a few members of the BuDhaGirl team about how they make their most powerful impact on friends and family on a daily basis.

Caryn: As a child, my parents always told me to treat others as you want to be treated. They instilled in me: Nobody is better or worse than you. As a mother now, I do my best to follow this advice and guide my son in the same direction. I am not perfect and I work at it everyday. Many years ago, I read a book called The Five Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Something resonated with me after reading that book. In fact I re-read this almost monthly. I try my best daily to live by these agreements, and to teach my son the same…

1. Be impeccable with your word.

2. Don’t take anything personally. 

3.  Don’t make assumptions.

4. Always do your best. 

Cathy: The impact I have on my family has to do with my being a libra. Given my astrological sign, I am able to see both sides of the coin. I treasure balance and equanimity. Whenever a friend or family member calls me, I feel that I am most impactful and able to help them best when I use these qualities to help them find a resolution in a calm and composed way. 

Twyla: Since I'm the oldest of my siblings, I take impact very seriously. In my opinion, the biggest and best "impact" I can make is to set a good example. Whether that's how I talk to my parents, how I approach work, or which friends I choose to spend time with, I never know which one of these choices will end up impacting the choices that my younger siblings make. Bottom line, making an impact is about consistency - it's about committing daily to doing the right thing to best effect others.