Small Things Challenge
I wrote last week about Small Things and how they can make a big difference in the world. Since writing that post, I have been more aware of so many other small things that make their way into my life daily. Perhaps it is the slowing down of my pace in life, looking at more of what’s around me and concentrating on making room in this little life for experiences and emotions rather than stuff stuff and more stuff that has helped me begin to see these things more.
I’ve experienced a knowing smile from another mom struggling out of the grocery store with food and kids and keys and bags. I’ve had friends reach out in their own small ways to help through my health chaos of the past few weeks. And on Monday, a day late, but here nonetheless, arrived a card from my father. Hand picked by him at the store, handwritten note to me about how proud of me he is and how great my kids and I are. Maybe not monumental - other than the fact that he bought the card himself, wrote it himself, stamped it himself, addressed it himself and mailed it himself. Not really like my dad at all . I was surprised - happily - at how something so little could mean so much and I called him to tell him so.
Maybe it’s my old age, my new perspective on what I find important in life, something…but these small things have really started to show me that it doesn’t take moving mountains to make a difference in mine or someone else’s life.
I am challenging myself to keep on top of these things. To speak up when I think something about someone that will make them feel good. I am going to keep trying to do my own little things to make others smile and try to bring a little more happy and positive and a lot less negative to the people around me. It’s starting right here at home and I am making hubby join in. Mr. Doomsday himself has even started to say a lot more little nice and appreciative things instead of grumbling most of the time. See! I’m changing the world! Wanna join me?
May 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Hi Emily…you are so correct. I really find so much joy in celebrating the small things. I think it’s because the seemingly small things show a big connection with understanding.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Absolutely! I’d love to join you.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I’m in! I had a “small things” moment last night. I was just sitting outside, watching the sunset when a breeze crept by and caressed my shoulder. (I know that sounds like a bad romance novel, but I can’t think of a better word for how it felt…) I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that it was something I never would have felt if I hadn’t made an effort to slow down and unplug. Small things rule!