Sometimes we fail to take action because we can't make the grand gesture. But really, it's the little things we do that make a difference to people.
Recently, a favorite animal columnist mentioned that his eldest dog had died. I wanted to offer my sympathies, but figured he would be inundated. Why bother? But I emailed him anyway. It was just two simple, but heartfelt lines of sympathy and understanding. I never expected an acknowledgement. So I was quite surprised to get a two paragraph response thanking me and expanding on what he had written in the column.
I had taken the time to write. And it had mattered.
The other day, I went to my corner convenience store to get my weekly lottery tickets. I always use the same play slips, stored in a worn vinyl sleeve. The clerk not only noticed that I removed my slips from a sleeve, but noticed it was tattered. She offered me a new sleeve.
I'm sure the sleeve came from the lottery commission. It cost her nothing. But it made my day.
Little things matter.
The bank cashed a check for me against their normal policy. My friend used her credit card points to pay for something I was going to buy.
These are actions I will remember. They mattered to me.
A quick Facebook birthday wish. An offer of sympathy when a job is lost or a loved one passes. Noticing when someone is down and taking the time to listen. Complimenting someone on a job well done or even just the attempt to do something new. These cost you nothing, but can make a world of difference to the person affected.
They say it's the thought that counts. But not if you don't act on the thought.
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