Simple But Significant
I tend to gravitate toward simplicity. Complicated just ruins my day and frustrates me. That might be why Math is so challenging.—at least College Algebra! There are way to many steps to get to the right answer! I like order, so I am a list maker by nature and even used this strategy when I had numerous steps necessary to get a Math problem complete.
I make them for everything; from the traditional grocery or shopping list, to cleaning and what’s in the freezer, or books I’d like to read. It seems to help keep me headed in the right direction as to what comes next. I don’t necessarily number them in urgency priority. I guess I figure that out as I go along.
Having a list, I’ve found, not only keeps me grounded but helps at the end of the day when I can see all the tasks boasting a huge scratch out, that I’ve accomplished something for the day. It seems to give added significance and purpose to what I’ve done.
We all need affirmation from time to time that what we do is not only necessary but worthwhile. One of the quickest ways for me to find myself sinking into despair is to have that feeling of worthlessness. And it might sound silly, but when I can’t “see” what I’ve done, I get this awful sense of failure! I feel like I’ve wasted time and often, when I’m feeling this way I am easily overcome with fatigue. It’s more physically draining than having worked hard!
Someone shared a story about a kindness she’d witnessed where a woman drove into this large parking lot, exposed two large Tupperware tubs which had holes cut into one end, serving as entrances, so the large pack of cats who lived in this parking lot and unlikely living space, could find food and ultimately even shelter. The tubs were pushed back out of the way, but accessible to the felines. It’s possible she could have rounded up all the purring critters, and taken them home. But that might not have been practical and this solution kept things simple!
I suggest, as odd as this story sounds, this woman had a simple, significant purpose and to carry out the task successfully must have given her great satisfaction. Isn’t that what we all really want out of our day to day existence? It goes beyond just “finishing a job.” We want to do the job, do it well, and know that it’s appreciated. I suspect the cats in this case, were extremely grateful for this selfless act of kindness.
People are of greater value than cats. I encourage you to consider the people in your life; those you see every day or even those you have minimal contact with, but are part of your weekly routine. Is there a simple act of kindness that would give you a solid sense of purpose? Sometimes we avoid people who make us nervous, like a disabled person, or a CEO who we are certain finds us unworthy of his friendship, or even a homeless person who we don’t know—and perhaps likes it this way!
Make a list! Be creative and write down the many significant ways (even the little ones!) you could keep simplicity in your life, have a sense of order, yet a solid sense of purpose. A disabled person might need your encouragement with a small act of kindness or even a smile! A CEO might need a simple ‘hello’ (good morning or afternoon), or small tin of cookies or cupcakes to brighten his busy day. A homeless person could probably use a $5-$10 gift card from a local fast food place.
We are all given gifts, and some would say “some perhaps more than others”. It’s easy to feel intimidated by someone who has much—or different from us. Regardless of your status—-or differences, be thankful for all your gifts…and share with others as you are able. You will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and the recipient will be filled with immeasurable gratitude.
Photo Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/kindness.html