What If?

 What If?

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

 ~ Edward Everett Hale ~

With so much suffering and dysfunction in the world, how can I make a difference? Have you ever felt like this? I think most of us have at one time or another. There is no way we can fix all the problems of the world, right? Of course, we can’t, but what if we did one or two things a day?

What if those one or two things encourage others to do the same? What if we treat each other with compassion and kindness? What if that kindness and compassion to one person radiates to the whole universe?

A simple smile or greeting could make someone feel seen. Patient, non-judgmental listening might make someone feel heard. A timely, sincere check-in on someone who is struggling could make all the difference in the world.

This may sound idealistic and naive, but again, what if? You must be willing to plant the seed, knowing you may never know the outcome. Going back to my initial statement about the suffering and dysfunction of the world, how can we not at least try?

One thing I like to do is carry some simple cards with me that I ordered on www.dontgiveupsigns.com. These cards say Don’t Give Up or You Matter among other short messages. I might leave one with a tip at a restaurant, give to the person behind the counter at the coffee shop, or at the drive-up window. Sometimes, when I am out for a walk and pass someone, I will hand them one.  

Sometimes this brings on a smile, a show of gratitude, and occasionally tears. I have had more than one person tell me, “You have no idea how much I needed this today”. I am not performing grand gestures, just simple, simple gestures here and there. So, what if we all commit to one or two small gestures every day?

It feels good to be writing again. Until next time, remember this: If not us, who? If not now, when?