The Plus One Theory Podcast explores how small, intentional actions can create big, lasting impacts in our personal and professional lives. Each episode features inspiring guests sharing their experiences with kindness, resilience, and the transformative power of doing just one more, The Plus One Theory in action.
A powerful hotel encounter reminds Pam that success isn't measured in book sales but in meaningful connections. When a hotel employee named Tyra wondered how Pam maintained joy despite past hardships, it became the highlight of her trip—far outweighing the modest sales at the Texas Country Reporter Festival.
• The Plus One Theory focuses on taking small, intentional steps beyond your perceived limits • Sometimes success isn't measured by sales or followers but by one meaningful connection • Sharing your story matters because it can be someone else's survival guide • Sympathy gives you care, but belief gives you energy and purpose • Even at 58, Pam realized she should have been sharing her story all along • Journaling heals and could be the beginning of a book that helps others
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Hey friends, welcome back to the Plus One Theory podcast. I'm your host, pam Dwyer, and if you're new here, welcome. I'm so happy you're here. Here's the quick rundown for today. The Plus One Theory is all about taking one small, intentional step beyond what you think you can do in kindness, in healing, in energy and in growth. And quick disclaimer I'm not a doctor or a therapist. I'm just a real person who's lived a lot of life, learned a lot of lessons, sometimes the hard way, and I'm passionate about sharing what's helped me with you. If you're listening today because someone sent you this episode, you're in the right place. Today I want to talk about how one small moment, one unexpected connection, reminded me why sharing your story matters more than you think.
Speaker 1:
We were in town for the Texas Country Reporter Festival, tim and I, where I was set up to sell my book from the Piney Woods. We were at the hotel and I asked the front manager if they ever hosted author signings which I typically do, especially if they're super kind like he was and he said that they did book fairs once a year. And the young lady working with him, tyra, asked for the name of my book. Right there, she pulled it up on Amazon. And, yes, I told her to make sure that she ordered the second edition because, well, my first attempt was not as good. Tyra looked at me and said I wish I could come to your booth, but I'm working tomorrow. Y'all her excitement and encouragement meant so much to me I couldn't leave it there. So I ran upstairs to our room and grabbed a signed copy of my book and gave it to her personally. She looked me in the eyes and she asked how are you so full of joy when all that has happened to you is so terrible? And right there I told her about the plus one theory, about using pain as fuel and taking small steps towards healing and purpose pain as fuel and taking small steps towards healing and purpose. She had the most amazing look in her eyes, like she had hope for something I didn't even know about. Her manager took a picture of us together to share on their social media and it just lit my heart up. One simple moment, one small kindness, and it changed my entire trip. Now let's be real. The festival itself, I sold drum roll, please. Seven books and I made poor Tim haul a hundred of them to our booth. He really does love me All day.
Speaker 1:
I told my story, though I told my story and I met amazing people and I shared kindness, and still the sales table was pretty quiet. But you know what? That wasn't the point. I had family and friends show up to visit and support me. They lived in the area there, so they came by to support me. That mattered more than the sales, and the highlight was at the end of the day.
Speaker 1:
We packed up about an hour early and I saw a man walking a pet turtle on a leash right past my booth. I'm talking like a full-sized turtle, not a tiny one. It was faster than you'd think too. Who knew turtles could hustle like that? And all these people were gathering around. They were so amazed at this turtle walking around like a dog on a leash and I thought to myself man, I should just put one of my books right up on a shelf. And I thought to myself I should just put one of my books right up on a shelf and I might sell maybe, maybe, one more book.
Speaker 1:
Sometimes your success isn't. You know. When I finally left the festival sweaty, tired, a little, sun fried I kept thinking was this even worth it? We drove five hours, hauled 100 books and only sold seven. And then it hit me it was worth it.
Speaker 1:
Because sometimes success isn't measured by book sales or followers or crowds. Sometimes it's measured in one moment. One moment you make someone smile, we become a vessel. Sometimes we're the vessel God uses to tell someone get up, and sometimes someone else is the vessel reminding us to keep going when you're feeling like you're failing or it's all for nothing. Stop and ask yourself am I expecting sympathy when what I really need is a belief? Sympathy gives you care, and that's beautiful, don't get me wrong. It's beautiful, but belief gives you energy and purpose. You don't just need someone to pat you on the back. You need someone, or maybe you need to be someone who says I believe you're not done yet. I believe there's still a mission in you. I believe the story isn't over. Even when we can't see the outcome, our faith, our kindness and our perseverance places seeds that God is watering in us and through us. You don't have to change the world today, but you can change one moment for someone else or even for yourself. Remember that the plus one theory is just one small act of kindness, one small word of encouragement and one step of faith in the messy middle. Your story is someone else's survival guide. Your resilience is the light someone else needs to see. Keep showing up, even if it feels small, even if it feels unseen, because what you're doing matters.
Speaker 1:
I can't tell you how many times I was speaking to and it was younger people and they said how did you ever figure out you wanted to write a book? You know, I have a pretty incredible story, but I would never write a book. And I look at them and I ask them why, why wouldn't you share your story? Even if it just helps one person today or tomorrow sharing your story, it matters. And of course, they would look at me in disbelief and I would remind them that I am 58 years old and I finally realized that I should have been doing this all along. And I encourage them to do it now, while they're young, so they can enjoy the benefits of helping people, the benefits of the plus one theory.
Speaker 1:
So get out there, tell your story, whether you are speaking it or writing it. Or my favorite suggestion is to get a journal and just put your thoughts and your feelings down on paper. Who knows, it could be the beginning of an amazing book that you publish one day and it will heal you Journaling heals. If today's episode touched you or if you're ready to live your own plus one life, please hop over to Pam Dwyer speakercom, sign up for my newsletter, check out my new book announcements and grab some incredible giveaways we have going on every single month. And, hey, share this episode with a friend who might need a little reminder today that they are enough exactly as they are. Your next plus one could change a life, starting with your own. So stay strong, stay kind and keep your heart open and always remember, add a little more love, a little more belief and a little more light everywhere you go. See you next time, friends.
