Small Acts Can Lead to Big Changes

Never underestimate your power to change lives

Photo by Priscilla Gyamfi on Unsplash

Am I the only one who is feeling so discouraged by recent events that I question whether I can do anything that will make a difference?

It seems like there is no time to process my feelings and think about how I want to respond to bad news before I get hit with more bad news. This is true both in my personal life and in regard to what is happening in my country and the world these days. Can you relate?

Our anger, fear, and despair can be overwhelming and leave us feeling powerless. We need to honor and express those emotions, but refuse to let them keep us from taking action.

I recently came across a wonderful reminder that even small, seemingly insignificant acts can lead to big changes. In her book, I Am Her Tribe, poet Danielle Doby shares these words of wisdom:

"When you create a difference in someone's life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their entire lifetime.

No act is ever too small. One by one, this is how to make an ocean rise."

I encourage you to spend some time thinking about the small things people have done for you that have made a big difference, and those that you have done for others.

Then use those memories to help you figure out one small action you can take today.

Here are some possibilities that I came up with:

• Call or text a friend you haven’t heard from lately

• Give food or money to someone in need (or to a food pantry)

• Tell an important person in your life how much they mean to you

• Stand up for someone you see being treated unkindly

• Apologize to someone you have hurt

• Leave a comment to let a writer know you appreciate their work 😊

What comes to mind for you? Do you have other examples of small acts that can make a big difference? Is there a story you’re willing to share about someone doing something small that had a big impact on your life?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.