It's the Little Things

“It’s the little things…”.  I have heard this ditty over and over and must say, in my younger years, I didn’t really get it.  Now, as my age and IQ are rapidly converging, the little things are the ones that matter the most.

Take for example when a dear friend called to let me know that a tucked away recipe had slipped from a cookbook.  It was one that her mom had handwritten, in pencil, many years ago.  My friend’s mom has passed away and to see her mom’s handwriting, and to feel the emotions that only this kind of thing evokes, brought a tear of happiness/sadness, a high/low equal to a speeding roller coaster, and lots of memories – all at the same time.  Her calling me to share this gave me shivers.  You see, my mom has also passed away and when I find one of her recipes, complete with anecdotes and written by her hand, I have felt what my friend has felt.  She may not know it, but my friend has made me smile and through her unselfish sharing of this “little thing”, memories of my mom have flooded back.  It is many “little things” that add up to be quite a bit.

You can’t plan when the “little things” will occur, or by whom.  They usually take you by total surprise and leave you with a grin and a good feeling.  There is even the possibility that you can be the possessor, bearer or spreader of “little things”. 

Do you remember the movie from a couple years back, “Pay It Forward”? Silly premise at first, but the more you think about if someone does something good for you, you can pass it on to another, no questions asked and no paybacks required.  It doesn’t have to be quite as extravagant as in the movie, but simple, heartfelt “little things” can go a long way: sending a card and a note, or make a call to a friend who may need a friend; changing the toilet paper roll – without being asked; hugging your son – just because; getting up in the freezing cold morning to let the dogs out, so your snuggle-muffin doesn’t have to and then popping back into bed, with expectations and anticipation of them sharing their preserved body heat; take in a neighbors newspaper when they are away; call your parents (or adult kids), just to say hello and see how their day was; make hot chocolate, with extra marshmallows, on a no-school snow day, to drink while snuggled up with your kids, watching movies… all day, in your pajamas; not overstaying a visit to a friend’s house; lending a helping hand or a listening ear. 

The more spontaneous and less effort that the “little things” are granted, the better the outcome for both the giver and taker.  The less pretentious and the more grateful when you give or receive, ultimately the more fulfilling.  Know that not everything is received in the manner in which it was intended.  Assuming that all is done for the right reasons, don’t be dissuaded in your efforts and don’t expect full-on kudos and accolades – that isn’t the point.  Some folks have become jaded in their lives and may need to be gently won over to the other side.  Persevere and show by example… then pay it forward and know that the “little things” aren’t so little after all.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.                      

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-