It’s always gratifying to know when you’ve made a difference; when your actions or words have impacted someone’s life, and they’re somehow different because of their encounter with you. Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to work with and help many, many people.

I’ve done it for their physical well being in my role as chiropractor, I’ve done it for their emotional well being as a coach and counselor, and I’ve done it for their mental well being as an author and speaker.

There’s also a great feeling of accomplishment I get from knowing that my entertainment programs; magic and hypnosis, lift people’s spirits and help them forget their troubles for a while. Hypnosis, in particular, has a transformative effect both on the subjects and the audience. I’ve seen people spontaneously heal old injuries, magically stop a lingering cough, lose sore throats, and many other changes that were surprising and unintentional.

Last night, I found out about another difference I’ve made. Not as profound as some of the others, but it tickled me just the same. In my show, I do a segment where someone feels compelled to hand me their wallet every time I say the word, stage. It’s a funny bit, as that individual finds himself compelled to hand over his wallet, and then sits down and forgets he gave it to me. I usually repeat it on him two or three times, and each time he’s shocked to find his wallet missing. Funny stuff.

So, last night, one of the volunteers at St. Michael’s College came up to me before the show to tell me that one of the kids who is now a senior was the subject of that routine at his freshman orientation. And guess what? Ever since; for his ENTIRE COLLEGE CAREER, he’s been known as STAGE. Many people don’t even know his real name. His own mother apparently has taken to calling him STAGE.

OK, so it’s not curing cancer, but what a fun feeling of reward knowing that I’ve had a hand in naming someone! Oh, by the way, last night when I did the show, I did that routine again. After the show ended, some kids came up to tell me that the person I picked for that routine was…STAGE!!!

What have you done lately to make a difference? How did it make you feel? Write and let me know. Let’s inspire each other to have an impact on the world in some way, whether profound or just plain fun!