Intentional Influence (doesn't take hours of practice)

Then, and from a distance, I watched them interact...and it all made perfect sense.

A few days ago, I shared a story on social media.

Enough people reached out to me about that story made sense to them, we decided to share it on our blog.

Our goal is to encourage and inspire. We hope this helps.


My 11 year old wants to invite an 18 year old high school graduate to everything.


At first, I thought it was a little strange. Why does he keep asking if Cody can come to our house to play Blitz Ball, watch his little-league games, or to play video games with him?


Concerns ran through my head...

  * Does my 11 year old son have any 11 year old friends?

  * Has something happened with one of his classmates that I wasn't aware of?

  * Is this normal behavior?



Then, and from a distance, I watched them interact as Eli congratulated his 18 year old friend on a basketball game well-played.

...and what an 18 year old did for my 11 year old...it all made perfect sense.

  * He smiled

  * He slowed down to acknowledge him

  * He made eye contact

  * He chose to speak 11 year old language…not 18 year old small talk

  * He asked questions

  * He showed genuine interest

  * And he "frosted the cake" with a high-five


You have the ability to leave a lasting impression... no matter your age, gender, race, color, height, weight, shoe-size, or even the amount of time invested.


Remain Encouraged.

 - Brian


By Brian Manhart December 3, 2025
Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped exploring. Yet some people still find a way to run in the fields.
By Brian Manhart November 25, 2025
Show Grace. "Grace is the bridge that spans two pieces of land—often while the water rages beneath."
By Brian Manhart November 19, 2025
Jeff stopped me mid-sentence and said, “I’m going to share something you told me 30 years ago.”
By Brian Manhart November 12, 2025
Conviction has a way of rearranging our priorities.
By Brian Manhart November 6, 2025
As I shared with the students, fear sits at the root of many of our decisions. When we move through it, we discover freedom. Fearless choices open the door to living fully alive.
By Brian Manhart October 30, 2025
Everyone wants to feel uniquely desired . And often, we chase that by trying to become something—or someone—we’re not. Deep down, we know better .
By Brian Manhart October 23, 2025
The encouragement I focus on is designed to create a powerful internal shift within the person receiving it — a personal transformation that begins the moment the words are spoken.
By Brian Manhart October 16, 2025
A darker night sky feels unfamiliar, and those sounds at dusk? They’re coyotes, not saber-toothed tigers.
By Brian Manhart October 9, 2025
Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had happen while walking. When we slow down, we open up. The things Eli shares reminds me that wisdom doesn’t always come with age. Sometimes it comes from stillness, curiosity, and a child’s honest heart. 
By Brian Manhart October 1, 2025
Children are desperate to know they make us proud. Perhaps even more importantly, we as parents should be acting in ways that allow OUR CHILDREN SHOULD BE DESPERATE to make us proud.