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Small things, big impact

February 01 2024
© Michelle Christopher © Michelle Christopher

On the importance of the small stuff, and how these little acts can produce big change and have a positive impact on numerous levels. By Leon Eckford


Large macro thinking can be good. However, it can also be overwhelming. When I think of space, time and the universe I feel completely useless, ignorant and lacking any sort of insight.

I suppose the acceptance and admittance of this is a useful piece of personal honesty and genuine authenticity which a lot of us share. My mantra for 2024 is about thinking of small steps helping inform larger steps over a period, supporting growth and personal development.

Also, in 2021 I met someone who invited me to commit to small gestures within relationships, which has had a profound impact on how I communicate and build future ties with all kinds of people, regardless of the setting.

Small gestures are important for several reasons: their significance extends to various aspects of personal relationships, societal interactions and individual wellbeing. A kind word, a smile or a thoughtful note convey a sense of care and consideration for others. These actions prove that you are attentive to the needs and feelings of those around you.

Leave a post-it note for someone you love, just a sentence – make it meaningful, providing recall to a moment or memory together. These little things contribute to building and strengthening relationships. They create a positive emotional environment, foster connection, and enhance the overall quality of interactions.

Over time, these small acts can accumulate and deepen the bond between individuals. They also have the power to uplift and brighten someone's day. Whether it's holding the door for someone, offering a compliment or offering support, these actions contribute to a more positive and supportive social environment. Regardless of your place in life, community is important and, in a time of social turbulence on multiple levels, it’s vital that we reconnect with our deep yearning for connection.

In a broader context, small gestures contribute to the creation of a supportive and compassionate community. When individuals engage in acts of kindness, it helps build a culture of empathy and cooperation within a group or society and helps mitigate collective stress and tension. A simple act of kindness or understanding can diffuse conflicts, promote harmony and create a more positive atmosphere – whether at home, in the workplace or within a community.

Imagine if gratitude was widespread on all the different layers of social stratification?

Expressing gratitude through small gestures acknowledges and appreciates the efforts and contributions of others. This, in turn, fosters a sense of validation and encourages continued positive behaviour. We’d then be in a place where mindfulness isn’t a played-out buzzword that’s dropped out of the mouth of a selfish profiteer, we’d be actively engaged and showing awareness of our surroundings. By being present and attentive, individuals can better connect with others and respond to their needs in meaningful ways.

Finally, these little things that we do often leave an impression. While grand gestures may be memorable, it's often the consistent small acts of kindness, love or support that contribute to creating enduring positive memories and feed into the creation of a culture of kindness and empathy. When individuals model considerate traits they set an example for others, encouraging a ripple effect of positive actions within a community.

In summary, small gestures play a crucial role in fostering positive relationships, creating a supportive social environment and contributing to individual and collective wellbeing. Their impact, though subtle, can be profound and far-reaching and for me in 2024, before I get caught trying to save the fucking planet again, I need to remember: Small is Beautiful.

Even though I’m nearly 6’3”.

< Little things lead to change Issue 148: Missing People >
April – May 2024 : Compassion

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