We are faced with acknowledging how small we are when terrible things are happening. We are faced with our mortality, and our (lack of) impact, our (lack of) control. We have that overwhelming feeling that we are just one person. Everything becomes trite. It can all be reduced to “it could have been worse”. But could it have been better? Could we have done more? How could we have affected things more positively? What should we have done instead? How can we do better next time?
There is the temptation, in the smallness, to become complacent, to let our drop in the bucket not count: it's only five dollars / donating a pair of socks doesn't stop the war/paying for someone's coffee behind me doesn't do anything/one vote can't sway the course of this madness. But in the smallness lies the greatest power. Small donations can make a huge difference when added together. One pair of socks can provide much-needed comfort and support to someone in need. Paying for someone's coffee can brighten their day and put a smile on their face. And one vote can be the tipping point that brings about the change we need in this world. We may feel small and insignificant, but our small actions can have a huge impact.
The beautiful thing about showing up in the world is that it's not this 1:1 exchange; we exist in a mystical and strange currency: someone holds the door for you on your way out of your apartment building. You compliment someone's scarf in line for coffee. They tip the barista an extra couple of money. The barista asks how someone's day is going and they share that they're on their way to a job interview. The barista responds with a fifteen-second pep talk…
The beautiful thing about this type of currency is that it has the potential to create exponential goodwill and kindness. You never know where the ripple effect of your simple act of kindness or generosity will lead. It's an incredible reminder of the power of showing up in the world with an open heart and a willingness to connect.
Now more than ever, our small acts of resilience and softness create a tidal wave - in the moments of my life where it feels like the core of the earth has slipped out from under me, it has been the minuscule kindnesses of others both directed at me and witnessing each other's kindness towards each other - that have brought me back to myself.
We can make the choice to be beacons of resilience and softness, radiating compassion and understanding even when the world around us seems to be chaotic and unkind. In doing so, we can be part of a collective wave of positivity and strength that can help us all find our way back to ourselves and each other. When we make the conscious decision to be kind, to listen deeply, and to offer our support to one another, we create a ripple effect of connection, healing, and hope. We can reach out to those in need and be part of their journey back to a place of safety, resilience, and joy. We can be part of a collective effort to make the world a better place for all of us.
