It is almost always the little things which make (or break) my day.
My always loving, ever supportive family told me 'small things for small minds' was the reason.
There are without doubt people who lead 'important' lives. I am not one of them. I don't have a life plan either.
I muddle along from day to day.
Yesterday was a pretty good illustration.
I went into town to do my usual shift on the crisis line.
As I walked through the city centre I saw a busker who has recently claimed a particular corner as his own.
As I went past he launched into rippling classical music. I had to double check that my eyes hadn't lied to me to me about his instrument. They hadn't. It was a recorder. A fairly beat-up and obviously well used recorder. So I stopped to give him some money and tell him how lovely it was. When I continued on my way we were both smiling. A win.
A block or so away I saw another regular. A European woman who I think is in her late seventies. She brings flowers from her garden to town in her granny trolley and sells the beautifully arranged posies. We have been chatting for months and she told me that it is getting too cold for her, and she will be back in spring. I am glad that I was there for her final day - and won't have to worry about her when I don't see her.
Nearly at the crisis centre I stopped in at the homeless community centre to drop off some food to go in the 'weekend packs' which are made up by the co-ordinator of the centre. She does a lot on a very small budget, with assistance from one other staff member. She wasn't there, but I was made very welcome, and invited to share a cuppa with them with the people using the centre. (The weekend packs are clever. A small collection of nourishing meals which can be prepared without access to a kitchen. And meals for the homeless are reasonably easy to track down during the week, and much rarer over the weekend.) More smiles.
We have a new group of trainees just hitting the phones. Nervous and excited. And needed. So my role was supervision. And the woman I mentored will be back to do another shift next week. Another win.
I finished my shift and headed home to discover we had no Internet. The ISP was having a hissy fit.
For a change the person on the help desk was helpful. Not patronising. Patient. He couldn't fix the problem though. Sigh. And talking to him I started to sneeze. And sneeze. And sneeze some more.
Some hours later, Internet access was restored.
I am coming down with a lurgy and am snotty and achy. And it was still a good day. Not earth shattering, but a good day. It seems that my introverted self has found a few places where I can interact and move on. Without being drained, and without guilt. Which is lovely.
My always loving, ever supportive family told me 'small things for small minds' was the reason.
There are without doubt people who lead 'important' lives. I am not one of them. I don't have a life plan either.
I muddle along from day to day.
Yesterday was a pretty good illustration.
I went into town to do my usual shift on the crisis line.
As I walked through the city centre I saw a busker who has recently claimed a particular corner as his own.
As I went past he launched into rippling classical music. I had to double check that my eyes hadn't lied to me to me about his instrument. They hadn't. It was a recorder. A fairly beat-up and obviously well used recorder. So I stopped to give him some money and tell him how lovely it was. When I continued on my way we were both smiling. A win.
A block or so away I saw another regular. A European woman who I think is in her late seventies. She brings flowers from her garden to town in her granny trolley and sells the beautifully arranged posies. We have been chatting for months and she told me that it is getting too cold for her, and she will be back in spring. I am glad that I was there for her final day - and won't have to worry about her when I don't see her.
Nearly at the crisis centre I stopped in at the homeless community centre to drop off some food to go in the 'weekend packs' which are made up by the co-ordinator of the centre. She does a lot on a very small budget, with assistance from one other staff member. She wasn't there, but I was made very welcome, and invited to share a cuppa with them with the people using the centre. (The weekend packs are clever. A small collection of nourishing meals which can be prepared without access to a kitchen. And meals for the homeless are reasonably easy to track down during the week, and much rarer over the weekend.) More smiles.
We have a new group of trainees just hitting the phones. Nervous and excited. And needed. So my role was supervision. And the woman I mentored will be back to do another shift next week. Another win.
I finished my shift and headed home to discover we had no Internet. The ISP was having a hissy fit.
For a change the person on the help desk was helpful. Not patronising. Patient. He couldn't fix the problem though. Sigh. And talking to him I started to sneeze. And sneeze. And sneeze some more.
Some hours later, Internet access was restored.
I am coming down with a lurgy and am snotty and achy. And it was still a good day. Not earth shattering, but a good day. It seems that my introverted self has found a few places where I can interact and move on. Without being drained, and without guilt. Which is lovely.
"There are without doubt people who lead 'important' lives. I am not one of them."
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ, EC. What I can gather by your kind actions is that you are a diamond in the rough. And a bloody good one at that. Keep your chin up xo
Wendy: Very bloody rough. My friend with the homeless hub does important work. Provides breakfast (for up to seventy people) Monday to Friday. Provides a safe place to have a shower, do laundry. Organises visits from legal aid, a doctor, social services. Listens...
DeleteAnd without doubt our politicians all think they are important. As do doctors. And lawyers. I am a little person. A fat and tall little person, but little just the same.
Note to self: Must not compliment EC again.
DeleteWendy: I am sorry. Just in case you hadm't noticed, I find compliments dofficult. I like them, but I don't believe them.
DeleteHere's my mother's tip for accepting a compliment: smile and say thank you. That's it. Oddly enough it works well for insults too, really shuts up the insulter.
DeleteI agree, Wendy and River... However find it just as difficult!!
DeleteI agree, Wendy!
DeleteIt's the small things that count, that add up.
I'm fascinated with the small details that make up life. Because, for most of us, the ones not seeking fame and power, our lives are filled with small details that add to the big picture!
neena maiya (guyana gyal): For me at any rate, the small things are more important (and more in my capacity and control) than the big ones.
DeleteImportance is only relative to the people you interact with and help on a regular basis. I am pretty sure many think you are extremely important.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: I don't think so. I hope I make a positive difference, but will disappear without a trace in the fullness of time. Which is fine.
DeleteYou are extremely important to me! I love your emails and your musings and your blogs (and the people who read and respond to them)... I love that you care about animals and the planet and strive to help others, unknown, far away ❤️❤️❤️
DeleteAnd precious days they are Child.
ReplyDeletedonna baker: They are. And I value them.
DeleteWe'll keep you anyway, oh fat and tall little person. We're the ones who tend our own little patch and keep the world on course, and show the ones who come what to do when we are gone.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Your comment (and Wendy's) have pulled me up short. I do think of you as a trail blazer. And don't think of anything I do that way...
DeleteSounds like you had a wonderful day excepting for the internet outage and the 'lurgy' symptoms (new word for me)
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: It was a good day. On balance a very good day - lurgy notwithstanding.
DeleteWhat a lovely day, apart from the dreaded lurgie.
ReplyDeleteHope it goes away as quickly as it struck.
In the middle of the night, on a medical programme, I learned that a drop of oil of oregano in a pot of steaming water will not only make breathing easier but kill the bugs in the lungs as well. Apparently it is an excellent anti-infallatory as well as anti-bacterial agent. XOX
Arija: Thanks for the oregano oil tip. I will try it.
Deleteyou know, your small things are just what the world needs. I dont want to make this about me but just to make a point, life has been awfully tough for me lately and even my friends have not really heard my bids for support. People who can hear and see a need and then go some way to meeting it are few and far between and very much appreciated so i say Bravo to you!
ReplyDeleteAlso, those weekend meals are fascinating, whats in them?
kylie: I am sorry that life has been tough for you. And that the people around are deaf. It is hard to ask for support, and harder still when it doesn't happen. Hugs.
DeleteThe weekend meals are super clever and well thought out. I will probably do a full post next week about the work she does. She includes small cans of baked beans (with a ring-pull lid) and a map showing where the free barbecues in town where they can heat them... And some healthy treats too - muesli bars and the like. I will put the whole list up for you next week.
You are NOT little to me!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: Blushing. Shame-faced. Thank you.
DeleteNot at all little to me either. And even little things add up to something pretty big.
DeleteImportance is defined differently by different people.I don't regard my singular self as any more or less "important"than other people.But I like to think that, in my own small way, I have contributed to very important endeavours.As has,I'm sure, that elderly lady with the posies and the busker with the recorder.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I do view myself as unimportant in the scheme of things - which doesn't matter. The little things (and people) are HUGE in my world. And the busker with the recorder was incredible. As was my slavic gardening friend.
DeleteWe all contribute somewhere, and in some ways we may not even realize. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeletee: It is just a nasty cold/flu thing. It will pass. And thank you.
Deletee: PS - you asked about books a little while ago. What genres do you like/loathe?
DeleteI hope you feel better soon, Child.
DeleteDefinitely a win. We all live small lives, and a win is a win. I enjoy the small stuff, also.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The small stuff is big to me. And there was a lovely sunset last night too. AND I have two books I am enjoying on the go...
DeleteI'm so glad you had such a pleasant day even though you're not feeling the best; it's so nice being able to interact with others.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to feeling better soon my friend.
And by the way your mind is not small to me, I consider you as a very intelligent person Elephant's Child my friend.
Lon Anderson: Thank you. I really didn't write this post hunting for compliments and am surprised and grateful for all the support.
DeleteJust thinking about your small day made me smile. And you are so important to me, EC. I can't help it. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: And a big thank you to you too.
DeleteI have been told many times in my life the quote, "Small things amuse small minds" but I can tell you that it is the simple things in life that bring me peace and contentment. I don't need to go on a big holiday or buy expensive clothes and jewellery. I just need a quiet day.
ReplyDeleteI love your post. It speaks to me about who you are. xo
Birdie: The simple things for me too. And a quiet, peaceful day. The purportedly Chinese curse 'may you live in interesting times' has always struck me as vicious.
DeleteOh no! I hope you don't have the man flu and it is just ordinary flu. Can I conclude, perhaps reinforcing my own view, that introverts don't mind and can be social, but they like to be able to switch off when it suits them, that is before it becomes tiring?
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I think it is just very ordinary flu - or perhaps just a cold though the aches suggest a bit more.
DeleteI like people, and am interested in them - but need to recharge on my own. Extraverts are energised by people which is the difference I think. And some people for me are almost instant energy vampires.
Oh, you've just put something into words that I've been feeling lately! "Some people are almost instant energy vampires." So absolutely true for me, but almost always they are people dear to me, so I can't just walk away. I'm happy to be an introvert but sometimes it gets very exhausting. Get well soon, EC, and just accept that you are much loved and needed...
DeleteCarol: I have some vampires in the family too. Sigh. And thank you.
DeleteYou day sounded lovely to me, other than the snotty part! I don't see how you say your life was unimportant because all I heard was how important you friendliness must have been to the people you were in contact with. The flower lady...she will think of you until spring!! I know she will!!! It is that simple humanity and decency the world lacks now...and you were out sprinking some about today. I hope your junk doesn't get you down!!!
ReplyDeleteBookie: Thank you.
DeleteIndeed you have had a good day. Sure does makes us smile.
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: It does.
DeleteIt sounds like a very good day to me (except the cold/flu!). I agree that it is satisfying to feel that one has done something which may have been helpul to, or appreciated by, someone else. As a fellow introvert I value my time alone greatly, but enjoy being able to choose how/when I interact with others.
ReplyDeleteI do hope it is only a mild sniffle, not a full-blown bug!
Alexia: Time alone is an essential. I like to interact with other people, but need time away from them too. Lots of time away.
DeleteThe cold/flu is big and getting bigger. But will pass.
Sounds like a great day to me....when all is right (or what we hope and expect it to be) in our own little every day world. When I was young I was always looking for some excitement...now excitement usually means something has gone wrong! (not exactly what we want to happen) Take care of yourself!!
ReplyDeleteSienna Smythe: Thank you. A quiet life suits me MUCH the best.
DeleteYou and I truly are kindred spirits! "It seems that my introverted self has found a few places where I can interact and move on. Without being drained, and without guilt. Which is lovely." Beautifully said!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: The blogosphere is very good to introverts isn't it?
DeleteEC, this is such a departure for you - the topic, I mean - and it is wonderful to read. Another introvert here; I like people and interacting with them but it does drain me and I must have alone time to "rest". Your day is my idea of a good one, minus the illness - we can all do without that. I hope it passes quickly (although time seems to slow down when we are ill). Take good care of yourself. And I'm looking forward to your future post about those meals for the homeless after you've gotten through your lurgy. Hugs *passes box of tissues and hot soothing drink* (I wish)
ReplyDeletejenny_o: The woman who runs the support centre used to work on the crisis lines with me. I liked her a lot, but since attending an information seminar at the centre I am in awe. She does SUCH good work. Such necessary work.
DeleteThank you for the drink and the tissues. Mind you, the lurgy has reached the stage where it is painfully obvious that tissues are made of wood.
Ouch ... When my nose gets to that stage, I slather petroleum jelly on it - it does wonders. Just a thought.
Deletejenny_o: I do. And the tissue have been impregnated with aloe vera.
Deletetry the vaseline before the nose gets to the ouchy scratchy stage. long before. it helps.
DeleteMy Lebanon friend and I were discussing how free it is to be unimportant and that we are all really completely nothing. We were looking at the stars and when you look into the universe you get a very good realization of what we are----teensy bits of nothing, in the vastness of space and time. So there's no use even pretending in my opinion, that we mean something, beyond our own lives. To me this is freedom. In the vastness of space and time, our tiny differences, one fatter or shorter or balding or this color that, are nothing too. And silly, if you think of it that way. How long winded I am tonight when very very tired. All I really wanted to say was, I like you, and I like that the little things make your days.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Yes. I feel very much the same. And thank you.
DeleteHow sweet, a seventy year old selling posies from her garden.
ReplyDeleteHaddock: Her posies are beautiful too. I don't know, and haven't asked whether she NEEDS the money. Which isn't sweet, but quite possible.
DeleteReading this made me happy and sad for you and it made me ook up the word "important". Now it says "of great significance or value". Now tht is you. You may now think it (which is a pity) but the things you do make a great deal of difference to the people you meet. You are opening oureyes to the real peole around you and doing something about it. I applaud you for that.. Now if eveeryone did that, the world would be in a happy state. Thank you for caring and please do not tell me that you do not lead an potant life. You do and plese on keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: I have learned from this post, and those who comment. Thank you.
DeleteHi EC - what a wonderful set of little things that cheered you and all whom you met up - and us too as we red through .. it's always the little things ... we'll never get to the big things if we haven't built a foundation first ...
ReplyDeleteWonderful and thanks for the inspiring read of small happy steps - cheers and I hope that 'cold' doesn't develop too much - wrap up warm .. and take care - Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: The cold is thriving, but will pass.
DeleteAnd the little things are magic.
You're right, the little joy-filled moments are the ones that bring brightness to any day. I have a couple of favourite buskers, one plays didgeridoo and tom-toms, the other can play almost anything on his saxophone. Both get smiles and coins from me.
ReplyDeleteI hope the lurgy doesn't develop into something horrendous, I'm getting my flu shot next Tuesday.
River: I have never, ever heard a recorder sound like that. He plays it like a flute? Incredible. If he is still there next time I do into town I will ask if I can take a video.
DeleteI should book in for a flu shot too. Lots of chemists here are doing them now.
Dear EC
ReplyDeleteI often think about the film 'It's a Wonderful Life' - it illustrates so well how much one life can impact on many others. You are doing your bit and that is valuable to others. Joy is hard to come by sometimes, so it is lovely to be able to appreciate those moments.
Get well soon and take care of yourself.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I have never seen that film. And there is beauty and wonder everywhere I have discovered - so long as I keep my eyes, heart and mind open.
DeleteThank you.
That is exactly it - the little things in life. That's what it's all about. Lovely post - I love the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteLynn: They aren't little at all are they?
DeleteLoved this post. All little things are important and make up the bigger picture!
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader: Thank you. Sometimes I think the little things are 'stand alones' and not part of the big picture - which doesn't detract from them. At all.
DeleteI understand why you say you're not an 'important person,' but the people you connect with (both in person and online) will disagree with that. Your life and your actions has an impact on us. You make us smile, laugh, cry, think, feel. Your small wins as you see them here, made me smile and think about how to play that forward with people I see. Hope you're feeling better.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. I am a firm beleiver that this world is (or should be) a community. No us and them, but only us...
DeleteGreat post! I think to those you pass each day, you leave a mark. You are to some importance to them. If you stopped showing up in places, you would be missed im sure.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Lisa: I wonder. I think of the song Eleanor Rigby, and wonder just how many invisible/lonely people there are...
DeleteGreat post .loved the pic
ReplyDeletehttp://inthebothv.blogspot.ae/
Shilpa Chandrasekheran: Welcome and thank you. No pictures to this post though.
Deletebusker, lurgy; yall have kull words down yonder.
ReplyDeleteR. Mac Wheeler: And I hadn't even considered those words as being unfamiliar...
DeleteWhat if you have the flu and infected all the people you met along the way or what if they infected you. I am determined to ruin you perfect day because I am jealous! You are a good person.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: You are more than likely right. Given how fast I came down with this bug I was almost certainly contagious as I went on my way. Do you feel better now?
DeleteYou touched many lives during your day. I'd say that's a huge win.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: And many people touched my life. Ripples in the pond...
DeleteHope you feel much better soon. Enjoyed your post and it seemed like I too was meeting these people. I remember several years ago when the summer tourists started coming to Riga there was this woman I couldn't determine her age, but she would find a spot on the street, put music on a recorder and then dance to get money from the tourists. Haven't seen her in the summers for a long time. Guess she's all danced out....
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Or is dancing somewhere else? I hope so.
DeletePlease believe me when I say you are leading a meaningful and significant life. The truly "small people" are those who babble on about the woes of the world, but when push comes to shove, they turn a blind eye, rather than trying to do something to help. You very quietly go about DOING something, and you do it because you care.
ReplyDeleteLike Mother Teresa said, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
Susan: I am learning. Thank you. Lots.
DeleteYou can rant all you want about being a "little" person but you are a giant in the realms of helpful, caring people. Of course, good deeds always get punished so you have a cold to show for your efforts. ;) I hope you feel better soon. I know you brightened the day of everyone around you. <3
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: And thank you to you too. So many people brightened my day...
DeleteKudos to you, CJ. In spite of some setbacks it sounds like it was a truly wondrous day and that you made a difference in a number of lives.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Thank you. It was a good day.
DeleteI think of you all the time - when I see a beautiful plant or butterfly or bird; when I read something interesting about wildlife, or the planet! You've contributed to my life in ways that I cannot list and you might never know... But trust me, you and your thoughts, ideas and opinions are a blessing in every way!
ReplyDeleteNicky HW: And a big thank you to you too. You have enriched my world. And my families world.
Deletethe older I get I realize even more it's the little things which make the most impact and are of far greater importance, you make such a difference in your community and are of a huge importance to probably more than you realize.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I think that the little things are more 'manageable' somehow. And no less powerful.
DeleteThank you for sharing this touch of your wonder,
ReplyDeleteMartin Kloess: And a big thank you to you too.
DeleteAll in all not a bad day from my perspective. No anger issues or panic ridden customers or crushing schedules. Several happy smiles can make all the difference. Sure, you lost your internet, but it came back, and other than the sneezy issues I'd say it was a pretty successful day.
ReplyDeleteJono: It was a good day. Some of the callers to the crisis line were in bad places, but I think/hope finished the calls in a better space with resources they didn't realise they had.
DeleteWhat a great post EC. I enjoyed reading this little recount of your day. It was real and by no means insignificant. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeletecarol in cairns: Thank you. And a wonderful weekend to you too.
DeleteEnjoyed reading your post. It is nice to lead a life without expectations. Need to make our living comfortable as it comes...
ReplyDeleteWeekend-Windup: Thank you. I do have expectations, but try and keep them feasible. And am lucky enough to lead a very comfortable life.
DeleteI enjoy listening to the busker5s when we go to the city. I am always amazed at how far the centers can strech a dollar. The schools here have stepped in and now send home weekend packs with the children in need. Yet, this doesn't feed the younger non school aged. Thankfully other places are stepping in. I do hope you feel better. Oh the woman with the flower cart! What a lovely image. A great spark for a heartwarming story.
ReplyDeleteGinger Dawn Harman: Some of the buskers I enjoy and others I scurry away from. This one is incredible. A recorder as I have never heard them played.
DeleteSad that centres need to stretch their dollars isn't it? I suspect when a pack goes home the whole family benefits. I hope so.
And my gardening friend grows some of the same things I do - and arranges them MUCH more artistically.
Happy to hear the weekend packs are designed so they don't even need a stove. That's smart thinking. I bet you're right on a lot of people benefitting from that consideration.
ReplyDeleteYour day does sound like a good one. Boo to the Internet, but sounds like you'll be resting a bit anyhoo. :) Hoping you feel better soon.
mail4rosey: Thank you. It was a good day.
DeleteWhat a lovely glimpse into your day and into your heart, which is what shows in the the "little" things that matter to you. Ultimately, the little things are most important. Big things don't happen that often. I think your family is totally wrong.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a god day full of the little things that make life. Now it's time to pamper yourself a bit to heal that cold. Feel better and thanks for this lovely post.
Myrna R.: The cold is thriving, but it will pass. And I agree with you about the little things. The big things are out of my control...
DeleteThis was heartwarming. It's always the little things, isn't it? Sorry to hear about the allergy though, wish you better soon.
ReplyDeleteHere to request you to swing by mine for a little thing which is hopefully a pleasant surprise.
Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. I will be over in a bit.
DeleteA good day. By the Small Gods they do happen, and when they do...! How wonderful it is. This day sounded brilliant, and I hope it's double, triple and onwards appear regularly for you dearie. *hugs her*. You have often told me I'm important, and I am, just like you, because you are important to me, see? I've been instantly connected to a song that you can find on youtube at some point, that's quite beautiful, it's the soundtrack to a film (Synendoche) and called 'Little People' by Jon Brion. Have a listen, I know you'll like it and get it too. Xxx
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: 'I know you...' What a heartwarming lyric that is. Hard to ask for more.
DeleteI agree with your other blog friends- small things add up and time spent with others in person or on line(if working) is important. A smile. A gesture. A sneeze. Life!! Cheers to you and get well soon
ReplyDeleteJoanne: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteLots of small things making it into a big day of beautiful things. Never underestimate the power of small things.
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: I don't. The little things are very, very big in my world.
DeleteApart from the internet being down and those sneezes you had a truly wonderful and heart pleasing day. It is those little things that make life worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI too sneeze (up to 20 times at a sitting sometimes) but fortunately with me it is only hay fever. Hope your sneezes don't develop into something nasty.
Mimsie: There is no such thing as 'only' hay fever. It can be truly unpleasant. I had a course of desensitising injections years ago and am mostly ok now.
DeleteI do seem to have come down with a nasty cold/flu but still had a good day.
Okay, so you wrote this Friday and already there are over a hundred comments for me to browse and be redundant by saying - you are indeed leading an important life. Proven by this lengthy comments section if nowhere else. But there is somewhere else, right here in my heart. Your day of small wins is my kind of important, and my kind of day, and reading about it actually just made my day. Hugs! And thanks.
ReplyDeleteTwo Tigers: The little wins shine don't they? Brightly in the dark corners...
DeleteSmall miracles for big hearts Soosie! You give me such joy hearing there is hope for this introverted soul. I was out weeding and all who came by made a point of saying hi, smiling and chatting....it brought me so much joy...nothing earth shattering but the world to me.
ReplyDeleteDonna@LivingFromHappiness: Those small interactions are lovely aren't they? Life affirming, not draining and confirmation that there is a place for our introverted selves...
DeleteWhat a beautiful post EC; you are a ray of sunshine.
ReplyDeleteKim: Thank you. (Wendy and others have taught me some manners. For which I thank them too.)
Delete