Sometimes I think we forget how potent the littlest action or word can be. A smile from a co-worker can put you at ease, a text message saying “Hi, just thinking about you” can make someone’s heart flutter, a hug can console and comfort. It amazes me how strong a message these things can send. Yet so often, we take for granted those very same little things that mean so much to others. We all have such busy, chaotic lives that we are doing good just to remember our own names most days.
And I’m just as much to blame as anyone else. I get wrapped up in my writing or my day job and I forget to call my mom or my sister. Or I forget to tell my husband thank you for cooking dinner and washing dishes on a day that was really tough for me at work. But something always tends to sneak up and remind me, and then I feel like a louse for forgetting or not making the time. When we have so much that is demanding our time and thoughts, it is hard to think past what is going on right that very moment.
But today, I was reminded how it felt to be on the receiving end of those thoughtful actions. When I logged into my Facebook account today, I was amazed by all the people who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. Each and everyone one of them took a moment out of their day to post something on my wall. Some of these people I haven’t seen since high school, others I grew up with, and some I haven’t met face to face at all but they are part of my network of friends. It was very touching that though their lives are full, they found a moment to wish me well. So I made a point to try to comment back to each of them, to show how appreciative I am. To let them know that their comments put a smile on my face and made my day even better.
And from now on, I’m going to make an extra attempt to give a little more and not forget the little things that mean so much. Because, after all is said and done, it really is the little things that mean the most!