The Little things are the Big things

People want to make it big and be the best at everything they do because perfection, success, money, power and prestige are the epitome of a great life right? Fame and fortune, notoriety, acclaim, mean we’re accepted, liked, important and influential. I have dreams and goals, big dreams and goals that seem far reaching and maybe a bit unattainable at present, but they are not impossible. I don’t need to be perfect or the best nor do I think that power and money equal a great life.

In reality I’ve learned it’s the little things that are really the most important, impacting parts of life. I’m not saying you should give up striving to be a pop star and put in all the hard work that goes into becoming one of that is truly your dream, but remember that you can only effect change where you are and in manageable pieces.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have run my own business, written and published three YA books, worked in healthcare, customer service, technical support, and the food industry throughout the course of my life, I am happily married and have a wonderful child. I tell you all this because despite all the success and achievements I’ve attained I’m always looking for what’s next, what excites me, if it will help others and if it’s possible or feasible to accomplish. Everything you invest in or want to do takes work and determination. There are choices that need to be made and time that needs to be allocated. Big goals are awesome! Small goals are awesome too.

It may be really important to me to keep my house clean, my daughter on schedule, and writing a certain amount of words per night on my WIP (Work in progress), but one small thing I can do that makes a huge impact in someone’s life is to listen to them or give them a hug.

When my daughter is frustrated and angry because of something that happened in her day, giving her that moment to vent and a few moments of hugs and cuddles gave her what she needed to feel better. Being a massage therapist, sometimes you are physically tired and sore, but your clients are less stressed and in less pain because of your hard work. Shoveling the driveway for a neighbor, making coffee, cooking dinner, washing clothes, being present, listening, helping, caring, offering a smile, hug, or compliment, these are the little things that make up the big things in life. What you do matters. How you treat people matters. Don’t underestimate your contribution to the world by just making someone’s day.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that things happen and not everything goes as planned. I may be booked to the brim with things to do and twenty four hours to do them in, but there are priorities in life and other things that can wait. The dishes, the laundry, the vacuuming is always going to be there. Taking time to call your family to see how they’re doing, sitting and talking with your friend over coffee, playing board games with your family, making time to share fun happy moments and connecting with people, these are the things that make a difference. People matter, how you make them and yourself feel matters. You will still need to vacuum and do laundry, but make sure you take the time out of your day to focus on the people you love and show it to them in little ways.