“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” ~ Mother Teresa
What are you doing right now?
Does it feel small and insignificant? Does if feel like you are really doing (being) something worthwhile, worthy?
Perhaps.
Or…perhaps not.
Sometimes you’re on your game, and firing on all cylinders. You stand tall, you plow forward with determination, you’re “on”.
Sometimes, though — your moments are really very ordinary moments. And, in those moments, you may not feel like that droplet of your being — that moment in time…that it matters all that much.
Have you ever felt that way?
Just A Drop
In the ocean of this thing called life — and everything going on in it (just think of every thing going on, at this very moment!) — does your little drop really make a difference? And, especially, when it’s just an ordinary moment of your day?
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” ~ Ryunosuke Satoro
You matter.
Your moments matter. Every one of them.
Every single one.
No Ordinary Drop
“I’ve seen a jillion miracles. They’re all around. Every green leaf is a miracle. Not long ago, I noticed a leaf falling. It floated down on the porch, and it was brown and kind of wrinkled. I thought, Boy, that’s a shame. It was once beautifully green and now it’s all over and gone. Then I got to thinking. It beautified the world, then it fell off and will go back into the earth and fertilize and grow many more green leaves. And I thought, I hope I can contribute like that.” ~ Jimmy Dean
Every drop that is your life — the biggest of drops that make big splashes all the way down to the smallest of drops that seemingly are unnoticed…they feed the ocean of you, the ocean of humanity.
No drop is just an ordinary drop. Your life is extraordinary. Your life…is amazing.
You are here — HERE — on earth, in human form! How amazing is that! How breathtakingly amazing — that you are here, having this human experience!
Every drop that is you — every one is part of something much bigger…part of this thing we call life (and more than just your life — part of the greater life of this whole cosmos!)
May the drops that are you bring meaning into your life…every single one of those amazing and extraordinary drops…
Thanks for the sweet reminder, Lance. I want to make my drops count. Insignificant, ordinary drops abound, but they don’t seem to contribute to the world. But you’re right: being alive is a miracle in itself.
Esther van der Wal´s Last Fabulous Post ..Keeping It Real: Authenticity in Storytelling
Esther,
…and every thing we do…it all matters…
Just as you do…
Every drop can be very costly in our life so we should focus on our work which will be prove so beneficial for us and it will help to improve our work power which will help to make good identity in office for long time.
sam @ goa carnival´s Last Fabulous Post ..Goa Carnival Date 2011 (5th to 8th March)
Sam,
Ahhh…the cost (in time, in value, in meaningful-ness) of what we do. That’s a great point. And it’s a great reminder, also, that we have a choice…a choice in how we choose to live our life…
Thanks for the great thoughts!
Beautifully written, Lance. I love the analogy and especially this line “No drop is an ordinary drop.” Our lives truly are extraordinary. Every moment is a gift, a creation, with more potential than we ever realize. What a wonderful way to start the day!
Thanks for your wonderful perspective.
Hugs!
Melody
Melody | Deliberate Receiving´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Love Your Sucky Job
Melody,
Thank you!
And may your extraordinary life continue to be filled with much personal meaning.
Every moment is a gift…
Hugs and love,
Lance
Thanks Lance — I want to do just that — make every drop count.
Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sisters’ Weekend, just ask and synchronicity
Thanks Lynn. And I love how you focus on the good that is within each day — what a beautiful gift that is!
I think I have but one drop left. Tomorrow however is another day.
Lovely Lance. Thank you.
Jean Burman´s Last Fabulous Post ..Return to Romance
Jean,
…you, dear friend, are filled with amazing drops to goodness and love…always…
xoxo
A lot of little drops add up to a puddle, a lot of puddles add up to lakes, and rivers and oceans.… every drop counts indeed.
Lovely of you to share such an inspiring and uplifting post Lance. Happy day and to amazing moments, which all matter and make up our beautiful journey of life
Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Book Review: In Search of the Miraculous – Healing Into Consciousness
Evita,
And just think…our drops, alone, create the ocean that is us. And then, combined with everyone else — wow! — what an amazing ocean of drops we have created!
Happy Saturday (and beyond) to you!
Thanks Lance you always seems to find the right words we all need to hear. I know I forget in those slow moments of my life how I am possibly making a difference in the world. Thank you for the reminder that every drop, every moment counts.
Jacqueline´s Last Fabulous Post ..Day 317: Like it for Good
Jacqueline,
…and you, sweet friend, shine so much goodness and love into this world. Thank you, for being a light of goodness (always).
Hi Lance~
It’s just me {dropping} by… smile!
I believe each day, each moment, is a miracle.
Thanks for the extraordinary thoughts shared today.
Indeed, each of our drops, big or small, can make a difference to someone.
I needed that reminder…
Take care, my friend!
Julie
Julie Ellis´s Last Fabulous Post ..{The Joys of Summer}
Hi Julie,
{smiles and hugs}
Our drops (whatever they are) make an impact.
You, dear friend, shine so much goodness into this world. It is a gift, having you here.
Much love,
Lance
I have learned that every drop of kindness I can do for myself and others count, Lance.
Thank you for writing this post — it is so importamnt for everyone to know that what they do, DOES matter:)
Cinderella´s Last Fabulous Post ..Prince Charles – Joining Gangs Is A Cry For Help
Cinderella,
What a wonderful place to be…in knowing that the drops of kindness you spread…they matter (and more than we can probably fully realize…).
May you continue to spread your goodness in ways that bring meaning to you and joy to others.
Hey Lance,
No matter what I do I only need to remember I make a difference. It doesn’t matter how big or small. That drop in the photo is enough. Enough. Instead of striving for more of whatever. I only have to remember. Enough. I have enough. I do enough. I am enough. I love, love, love the Jimmy Dean quote. Thanks for all that you do both on and off line.
Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..An Unforgettable Act Of Kindness
Tess,
Your friendship is so meaningful — thank you for all that you’ve given to me. And know that you touch lives in amazing and wonderful ways.…just the way you are.
Continue to shine, dear friend…
Lance
xoxo
just dropping by to soak in some of this goodness
and find my soul stirred and settled all at once
by these refreshing drops of aliveness!
I’m thoroughly sprinkled by your drops
and it’s fresh-shower-on-a hot-day good:)
splashing thanks your way,
Jennifer
Jennifer,
Mmmm.…loving the splashes!!
And — I love how you’ve likened this to a fresh shower on a hot day — that is such a great feeling!
Thank you, for being here, and for touching this space with your love and care.
Lance,
I love this. The way you explain it I’m visualizing a beautiful urn filling up day by day and drop by drop.
You’re right every moment is important not just the days we celebrate but every darn second.
Thank you for reminding me.
Angela Artemis/Poweredbyintuition´s Last Fabulous Post ..When the Universe Speaks – Pay Attention
Angela,
…every darn second!! –> yes!!! And — I love how you’ve stated that!!
You fill that urn of your drops with such wonderful goodness…always. What a gift that is!
Yes,
Every moment truly is a gift. It is key to appreciate the moment as it is now, as this opens up the door to the magic in life
Baker,
Mmmm…appreciating our current moments. Yes! And who knows just what kind of wonderful life magic that will open up…
Every drop has a ripple effect with our drop in the center. We never know who we affect with our beginning drop. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. (((Hugs)))
Patricia — Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s Last Fabulous Post ..Guest Interview of Nancy Fox-Kilgore, M. S., Sibling Bully Activist
Patricia,
The ripple effect — thank you for sharing that! Yes, we DO make a ripple, with each drop of our being. And what are we choosing to put out there into this world?
Thank you for being such a light of goodness…
It is so easy to think that you are just a drop. But I quite like the image that we are drops that band together and create this giant undulating ocean of greatness. There is room for everyone to join in, to find their space, to thrive and to attach their molecules to another so that we are each stronger. I also like the idea of waves swelling and crashing, that we are like that, pushing someone else to crest and then tumbling together and rolling around until it is our turn to rise to the top. You always exhilarate me with your thoughtful posts, Lance! Enjoy the day!
Erin
Erin Prais-Hintz´s Last Fabulous Post ..Quit Messing With Me Blogger!
Erin,
…just a drop…
And yet, each of those drops — the drops that are our life, combined with everyone else out there in this world, touch others in amazing ways.
And when our drops — when they come from the soul of our being, they touch upon what matters most to us — and in turn, bring even more meaning into this world.
Erin, thank YOU for being here, for your friendship, and for the joy you bring into this world (and to me).
Lance
xoxo
A very powerful post Lance! I do think sometimes we feel insignificant & we don’t make a difference. But then there is that one time when a person tells us we did & we had no idea — telling moments in time!
Jody — Fit at 53´s Last Fabulous Post ..“Authentically ‘Un-Contained’?” Are you?
Jody,
I think, perhaps, we have all felt this way — thinking that we are just an insignificant drop in this world. And the truth is, that is so far from the truth. We each have so much to give — so much we do give (even when it feels like we’re not).
Jody — your open-ness is always so, so meaningful here. Thank YOU!
Hi Lance,
We all count. Everything we do, counts.
We as individuals just need to make sure that .….it all adds up.
Get a little louder folks, make everything you do count for something positive. Thank you Lance, a terrific reminder.
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens´s Last Fabulous Post ..How is your Motivation?…..Is it time to turn up the “Volume” in your Life
David,
That’s a great reminder — a reminder that in the drops we create — we DO have a choice. How are we choosing to “be” in this world?
Thank YOU!!
Hi Lance,
Do you believe that Creation creates pointless creations? You’re worthy of being here. If not you wouldn’t exist. It’s one the most arrogant egotistical things that you could say. I’m not worthy, I don’t think so.
This is something that I posted on FaceBook and Twitter today in regards to feeling unworthy and insignificant in a big world.
Justin | Mazzastick´s Last Fabulous Post ..Find Your Passion By Following What Excites You
Justin,
I love that question — because — NO — the Creation creates everything for a reason. We are all here, with goodness in our soul.
We are so, so worthy! Thank you, Justin, for what you have shared here!
And — here’s to living our lives, knowing we are worthy, and that we bring worth through the drops that are our life…
It’s a very motivating story. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Andrew Walker´s Last Fabulous Post ..AmericanFlags Coupon Code
Thanks Andrew!!
This post has so much meaning in it Lance. Every drop does count. And we all do make up the ocean. let our drops be about loving and we could build a beautiful ocean and many rivers flowing into that ocean on drop at a time.
thanks again and blessing to you,
Debbie
Debbie @ Happy Maker´s Last Fabulous Post ..Communication Abuse: Are You Still Taking An Overdose?
Debbie,
Love, love, love your words and thoughts here today! Yes, when we focus on love — we create an ocean of such amazing goodness!!
xoxo
I’ve been thinking along these lines lately. Feeling small in a way, but very happy with that. Content. And significant, in my own little way. I was reading a children’s book yesterday with illustrations of dogs and what the dogs were “saying.” There was one tiny dog, who was saying that people kept giving him tiny things–a tiny bowl, a tiny bed, etc. He coudn’t understand this because he was HUGE! Just like that drop in the ocean. Lovely post.
Galen Pearl´s Last Fabulous Post ..Giving Up Hope…and Getting Somthing Better
Galen,
Love the dog story that you have shared!! That’s it — it is our attitude that makes such a difference. When we believe — really believe — that we make a difference, we bring even more goodness into the world!
And whether that’s really big drops, or really little drops — they all, every one of them, DO make a difference.
Galen, thank you so much for sharing this.
Much love,
Lance
I really like that analogy. I also really like rain. The more drops (moments) the better. Thanks for sharing.
Meg´s Last Fabulous Post ..Music Movement Monday– Florence and the Machine
Meg,
Hmmm…I think we might get some rain today!! I’ll be thinking of you…(and smiling)
And you, sweet friend, are filled with so, so much goodness and love — drops that are so meaningful…
Much love,
Lance
Hi Lance:
Wow, some great thoughts here. I know many of us feel pretty insignificant sometimes, but your post reminds me of how connected we are with one another and how we need to celebrate the ordinary moments. Great photos and quotes, too! Have a great weekend!
Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Musical Diversion: Turtle Island Quartet
Tim,
I love what you’ve focused on here — that we are all connected! So, so true — and our moments…they DO impact others.
You too — have a great weekend. It’s been gorgeous outside the last several days!
Hi Lance — thanks for this reminder — it’s amazing how often I can say “what I just did thought, felt, or did doesn’t matter,” unconsciously applying some weird standard of “mattering” — I guess, by the standard I sometimes apply, thousands of people have to know that I’m doing something for it to be important. I feel myself let go of tension when I remember how arbitrary that way of thinking is.
Hi Chris,
Yes, that’s it — it is not that what we do has to directly impact thousands of people.…these are our moments (each one 0f them). And I’m there, too — too easily extinguishing my own flame (or not seeing it at all).
Here’s to living in the fullness of our moments…
Thanks Chris — really appreciate your thoughts on this.
Hi Lance,
What a thoughtful post. I hope something that I do makes someone’s life a little better. There is power in a group. When we collectively give the same message, the volume goes up. Every contribution, no matter how small, though makes a difference. Thanks for the reminder.
Cathy | Treatment Talk´s Last Fabulous Post ..Life Lessons from the Highway
Hi Cathy,
Mmmm.…I love this, and how you are focusing on the power of collectively sharing our message. Yes, when we are on the “same page”, some pretty incredible things begin to happen. Just think — if our whole world focused on love…even just for one day…
Beautiful sentiments, Lance. A strong testament that we are bring value to life in whatever form it may take. I have sometimes felt that I don’t have anything of value to offer, but we so easily forget, or are just too hard on ourselves. Great reminder here. Thanks.
Davina Haisell´s Last Fabulous Post ..How Technology Has Changed Proofreading
Hi Davina,
…and sometimes we just don’t see how much good we are offering. Yet, we are…you are…
Great to see you here today, dear friend!
Joe Vitale says we are each a drop in the ocean of God. I love that. And even if I am a rather ordinary drop, I am part of an extraordinary ocean.
Val@Holistic MindBody Healing´s Last Fabulous Post ..Aug 15, Talk to the Trees
Hi Val,
…and we are each extraordinary drops (me, you, everyone!)!!! I love that which you’ve shared from Joe Vitale, also…thank you!!
And it’s great having you here at the Jungle!
I love this, Lance. It offers some great perspective. Seeing the drops shows how we are all one in the ocean of life. There is no separation from the drop that is my life and the drop that is yours. The most important thing is to contribute to the ocean by expressing our superlatively creative side in any way we can. The most important thing is to create — this is a most satisfying feeling — the evolution of Humanity depends on it.
rob white´s Last Fabulous Post ..Love is a Spontaneous Reaction
Rob,
Yes…all one in this ocean of life. And just think…if we all lived with this thought in our heart — how we are all one. Mmmm…how we might “be” with others…
And to your thoughts on creating — another resounding YES!! And we all have that creative part of us (even if we think we don’t).
I’ve reflected on this during those star lit nights, looking at the millions of tiny dots, knowing that I am a speck in it all. Yet still very much a part of the whole, as we all are.
Dr. J´s Last Fabulous Post ..Lab Notes: Protein Recycling Pathway Mutated in ALS; Happy Marriage Helps Heart Patients
Dr. J,
Oh…I love that thought! The stars…when we look up and see them, the world seems so expansive and whole…and a reminder of just how much each star (or each of us) lights the world up…
Very nice words Lance and it reminds me that I have not done my ocean meditation this season — I need to take a wee drive.…I am so drawn to water and I love the feeling of oneness when I put my whole self into the lake or river or ocean.…I think water is a better vessel of communion than wine for it draws us to our wholeness — the oneness.
Great images and words — great way to start my day for sure
Patricia — Patricias Wisdom´s Last Fabulous Post ..Powerful Discoveries On the DIY Healing Journey
Patricia,
Mmmm…your water meditation sounds so wonderful.
And water, it’s part of our being…part of who we are. May we all experience wholeness in our lives…
A very sweet reminders to us Lance. Yes, you’re right “No drop is an ordinary drop”, our life is a gift and every moment of it is a meaningful one. WE are each drop in the ocean of God.
Mamie@cellulite reduction´s Last Fabulous Post ..Getting Rid of Cellulite With Cosmetic Surgery
Mamie,
Mmmmm…a drop in the ocean of God…beautiful…
Love this reminder, especially when I have been feeling that things have been moving so slowly for me. Some days it can be quite hard to see that each drop counts. Thanks for your beautiful message about the significance of each drop. It’s nice to be reminded that each of us matters!
Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Overcome the Fear of Success
Evelyn,
You, dear friend, bring so much love to this world. And maybe that can sometimes feel like it’s unseen…yet it is so, so felt. I feel your presence in my life — and that’s in you, being love in this world, in my world.
Thank you, always, for being a light of good.
Dear Lance, thanks for this outstanding powerful and inspiring post. It’s a great “reality check” to keep in mind!
All the best. Michaela
Michaela,
Welcome to this Jungle!! And thanks so much for your wonderful message of support!
Great post Lance, as usual. I love the way you phrase things…its always very uplifting and thought provoking.
We are all a ‘drop of the good stuff’ and its important that everyone is able to realise it without feeling they are being arrogant or elitest. That its a natural way to be and that one can feel that they are extraordinary and yet at the same time feel that everyone else is too. Its something to celebrate
Be — Mindful Productivity´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Peace of London Art
Thanks so much!!
And…yes!!! We ALL are extraordinary in our own special way!! And when we “see” that, life just becomes even more wonderful!!
Lance, I have a friend I’d love to share this with. He’s feeling absolutely insignificant, not to mention hopeless. He can’t see how important his “drop” is in the world, and how much it beautifies/completes the “whole.” I’m worried for him; his suffering may overcome him.
So your post is timely, my friend. And just the energy from it reaches him, and alters his chemical make-up. This much I know.
At times, I, too, have difficulty remembering that my drop matters, but amazing people like you remind me. You help me pause in my day and think, “Yes, what I’m thinking, feeling, doing — it matters.”
Thank you, Lance, from one important drop to another!
Megan,
Know that I’m sending all sorts of good vibes to your friend. Being in a funk can be a real challenge…and sometimes just feel like it’s not getting any better.
And the thing is — even then — even then — we are still extraordinary (we just aren’t seeing it).
Drip, drip…
Lance
xoxo
Words to live by, from Sivananda, a teacher of Hindu spiritualism:
“A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences whether good or bad of even the least of them are far-reaching. “
Sonny — Kids’ Crafts´s Last Fabulous Post ..Make Animé-zing Chibi Girl Charm
Thanks Sonny — love the quote by Sivananda!!
It is the ordinary moments, as a writer, I cherish most. Perhaps because often that moment is not ordinary–something occurs later that highlights the ordinary moment and shows it as truly exceptional.
Jennifer,
Mmmmm.…so, so true. In the moment…it can seem really quite ordinary. All moments, though, are extraordinary in their own way. And some…some…really do turn into exceptional ones (and we may not even realize it at the time). Love what you have shared…I’m sitting here smiling and soaking in this very wonderful and extraordinary moment of your thoughtfulness…
I return your smile. Today I’m thankful for my friend Jas (aka Jen Slayden) for introducing me to your site and writing. It makes me think. I love that! Thank you Lance! Have a wonderful day of Thanksgiving.
Great article and such a wonderful reminder. The image is beautiful and touches my soul.
Thanks so much, Michelle — and it’s great having you here!!
Happy December!
Happy December to you too!
This is great Lance! I love the “one drop in the ocean” metaphor! We’re not made to be a solitary entity any more than a drop of water was meant to stand apart from the ocean. Together we are a force to be reckoned with! Hope you are having a great holiday season!
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