It’s the little things that count

Yesterday I was walking, together with my husband, next to a road in a beautiful green area. From up ahead we saw this runner coming towards us. When he was within talking distance, he said: ‘Better take another path, because there’s a resuscitation going on up ahead’. He didn’t stop running, so he passed us in no time. We thanked him for the message. Then we also saw the ambulances and police cars further on. So immediately we changed direction. There were others coming towards us, cycling and walking, in that direction, to whom we conveyed that same message. They all reacted by choosing a different way too. Because of this one runner, there were quite a few people who didn’t go past that place.

Being helpful

We were all helping, in a tiny way. Why?

The rescuers didn’t have to deal with us as extra passersby and now they could focus on their important task.
The victim wasn’t gaped at because of his or her vulnerable state.
We were spared the imprint of the heavy details, hoping that everything would turn out okay. Of course we were reassured by the fact that emergency services were present.

Cleaning up the mess

When we walk around our neighborhood, we usually take a bag with us. In which we collect some of the stray trash. It used to bother me a lot, seeing there was litter everywhere. Then I thought to myself: if I’m bothered by this, then I should do something about it. So I did, I started to pick up some litter along the way. My husband saw that, thought it was a good idea and joined me. Sometimes we see others doing the same. Just cleaning up plastic wrappers, cans, bottles, fast food waste, that kind of stuff. Little by little, day by day, we work together to clean our environment. Fifteen minutes to an hour or so, that’s all it takes. Not every day, but whenever we can. Sometimes it can be disheartening, when there’s a lot and we can’t even pick it all up. Or when a whole heap is dumped at a place that we pass frequently and have cleaned a number of times before.

Disheartened?

But then I just remind myself of what I know. I know that in the near future the mentality of mankind is going to change. Everyone will come to realize that we can help make this world a better place, by loving ourselves. Loving nature. Feeling connected with nature and to our surroundings in general. Feeling connected with all lifeforms around, not just people, but animals, plant life, the elements, everything.

When others are hurt, we feel the hurt too. We try to help relieve their pain if we can. Sometimes all it takes is to listen to their story. Listening helps too, you know? Just be there when someone has to process something. Coming up with solutions for them isn’t always helpful. You can offer some suggestions, but don’t put any additional pressure on the person. These options can work like seeds. Those seeds can come to fruition later, when the person is ready for it. When they think of what you mentioned and choose that. We help each other. Not because we expect anything in return, but because it feels good to do so. By giving to others we receive something back on many (energetic) levels.

It’s the seemingly small things, that we do or say, that can have a great impact:

It can be taking out the trash for someone who can’t walk very well.
Giving someone a compliment, because you’re grateful about something they do or have done in the past.
Coming up with a solution for something, that hasn’t been working in a long time, to optimize it. And to make it happen.
Or having patience when you’re standing in a queue, taking the time to really see and feel the surroundings.
Or by putting on a smile when you leave the house, or greeting the people you meet. Looking them in the eye, acknowledge each other. Connect, start a conversation with someone.
Instead of dreading some task that you have to do, try to change your perspective on it. Can you sing or hum your favorite tune, while you do it? Is there some ridiculous dance move that you can make to cheer yourself up, just for the fun of it? You might even be contagious and spread this joy you have created.

We really are all part of the solution. Let’s make this world a better place, together!