The Ripple Effect You’ll Probably Never See (But Should Trust Anyway)

You know those moments when someone says, “You have no idea how much that meant to me”? And you honestly don’t?

That’s the secret power of showing up. You rarely know the full impact you’re making—but you are making one. Always.

Recently, I was on the phone with a dear friend of mine—she’s Dominican and Spanish-speaking, and we don’t even live in the same city. I was sharing the emotional weight of my move to Bali. On the surface, I was just clearing out drawers, boxing up belongings, and checking off to-do lists. But underneath? I was grieving. Reflecting. Letting go of an entire chapter of my life.

She listened with so much presence. A few days later, she told me that our conversation moved her to do the same—she started decluttering and releasing things from her own home. Then her sister got involved too. And here’s the beautiful part: her sister speaks only Spanish. She couldn’t listen to my podcast or read my newsletter or even fully follow what I’m doing in English—but she felt the ripple.

That moment lit a spark in me. It was the final nudge I needed to finally say yes to a dream I’d held for far too long: launching a Spanish-language podcast. There’s a huge community I want to connect with—especially to share the stories and lessons unfolding through this move to Bali. They deserve to be invited in too. So I’m doing it. En español.

That’s the secret impact.

We think we need big platforms or perfect launches or a polished message. But really? All it takes is showing up and sharing what’s real for you. You never know who’s listening. You never know who’s being moved into action because of your courage to be vulnerable.

Just yesterday, I sat in a circle of women at my farewell lunch with Santa Fe Hive—a local community I helped start a year and a half ago. I was hit with an unexpected wave of emotion. This wasn’t just a lunch. This was a reflection of what we created together: deep connection, mutual support, real relationships, and the kind of generosity that gives people actual work, courage, and ideas. One woman pulled me aside afterward and said, “You’ll never know how much this group has meant to me.” And I believe her.

That’s the thing. We usually don’t know. But it doesn’t mean the impact isn’t there.

This week on The Courage to Be, I recorded a short episode called The Secret Impact. It’s a love note to every one of us who’s ever wondered, “Does what I’m doing even matter?” It does. More than you think.

We live in a world that celebrates loudness, followers, and flashy wins. But the real magic? It’s in the quiet ripples. The text you send. The space you hold. The story you share when your voice is shaking.

Think back—has someone impacted your life in a quiet but meaningful way? Or have you realized that something you did—without even knowing it—touched someone else? I’d love to hear. Share it in the comments, or reach out and let them know. Your words might be the encouragement they didn’t know they needed today.

To your abundance and success! 

Tania 

P.S. Substack is now where I’ll be sharing my most honest, in-the-moment letters. I’d love for you to join me just subscribe here.

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