photo credit: kwerfeldein
The Little Things
It really is the little things
That mean the most of all…
The “let me help you with that” things
That may seem very small
The “I’ll be glad to do it” things
That make your cares much lighter,
The “laugh with me, it’s funny” things
That make your outlook brighter…The “never mind the trouble” things,
The “yes, I understand,“
The interest and encouragement
In everything you’ve planned
It really is the little things,
The friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life
And make it more worth while.~ Mary Dawson Hughes
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
Sign up for the Thoughts from the Treehouse newsletter and get additional inspiration in your email inbox!
Thanks for the reminder of doing little things.
We often think about changing the world in a big way. It is so easy to overlook the fact that we can also serve others through signs of generosity and openness in our everyday lives. A simple “yes, I understand” can bring us far better results than a length of words.
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Abundance Tapestry is Live =-.
HI Lance,
Such a beautiful reminder to really pay attention and DO the small acts of kindness. Its said that the ocean is vast and full of water, but what we forget is this ocean is dependent on the small and lovely droplets of rain to give it sustenance. Much like the sea of people all around us…each one of us has so much to offer, just one small act of kindness can make this world such a beautiful place, and make life so much worth living.
Thank you Lance once again, for such a beautiful reminder
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Possibilites&Individualities {Inspirational Quote} =-.
Totally totally agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just painted a canvas jet black and preparing my little kids hands with white paint to splash all over it
Husband prepared breakfast this morning — little thing.
Husband took kids outside so I could go grocery shopping without stress yesterday — little thing.
I appreciate them all, every day and it makes me such a happier person for it.
Thanks Lance and have a great day.
Miranda
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
Awesome Lance, the little things do make a big difference and remind us of how special just going for a walk is.
Thanks and enjoy Small Sunday delights:)
.-= Suzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunrises, Swimming and Saunas =-.
Thank you for such a beautiful reminder. When something is challenging it truly is the little steps that walk you forward. And when all is well, it’s the smile, the kind word, the effortless little gestures that are genuine and sincere that can encourage or inspire someone in their own walk. Thank you–enjoy your day:)
.-= Joy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Gardening.….. =-.
All of these “little things” are wonderful, but my favorite is:
The “yes, I understand,”
This phrase really struck a chord with me, because I think that deep down, we all really want to hear this. Not on a superficial level, but on a deeply-satisfying soul level. To be really heard, to be fully understood, is a gift more precious than gold or gems. Understanding someone, on a soul-level, is an act of love and compassion, and is much needed in this world.
.-= Jay Schryer´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Perfectionism Myth =-.
Little things add up and everything really does count. I love the influence that a smile or gentle recognition can have on another. It speaks to our connection.
.-= Tom Volkar / Big Link Rally´s Last Fabulous Post ..How To Find Your True Calling =-.
Hi Lance. This was a fantastic poem. A great way to start my Sunday!
.-= Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s Last Fabulous Post ..On Becoming Great =-.
I love everything you share
Blessings
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..Rabbit Rabbit =-.
Great Sunday thought! I belong to a church without a pastor (for almost a year now) and am in the position of scheduling supply preachers each week and asking lay people in the congregation to do things the pastor would normally do. My favorite phrase is one you mention above, “I’ll be glad to do it.” And on the flip side, having the grace myself to not be disappointed and move on when they can’t, saying, “Yes, I understand.“
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Ghostly, not too much and autumnal =-.
I’m with Jay… the, “Yes, I understand” did it for me. Lovely!
.-= Lisis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Posting at Porsidan: What Lies Beneath Perfectionism =-.
Often, I find myself with tunnel vision, focusing on the current slew of things about myself I want to improve. I become so lost within that I fail to see “without,” except in a basic way. But, to come outside myself far enough to really be as this poem so beautifully illustrates is surely the best gift I could give another, especially my loved ones—far more meaningful than the personal improvements I tend to focus on. It’s all a circle, and by giving myself away for the sake of another, my own self will be richly rewarded and, fueled by this, my personal growth will quite naturally follow. Thank you, Lance, for this reminder.
.-= Julie´s Last Fabulous Post ..More in Love Than Usual: Celebrating Fall =-.
That is so wonderful! I love doing little things to help people. I learned it from my Mom. I remember when I was little she would bring out donuts and soda to the trash men. She was such a beautiful caring person and I am proud that I picked that up from her.
The little things count the most!
.-= Erin Brooks´s Last Fabulous Post ..I BLOG-4-CAUSE! =-.
Hi Lance,
It truly is the little things that can make a world of difference. When someone offers us a smile or a small kind gesture or sentence it can shift an otherwise gloomy day in an instant and it might take 5 seconds of our time. My parents taught me well about those little things and I am consciously instilling that in my children. Everyone needs validation and kindness. You do that so well here Lance and I am so grateful for that and all you do.
Love, Jenny
.-= Jenny Mannion´s Last Fabulous Post ..Enriching Your Body, Mind and Spirit =-.
Thanks so much for this reminder, Lance
It’s perfect for a Sunday, that I can tell you. We just made lunch in the kitchen, while our daughter played the “cook” at the table. It was a simple, yet so powerful afternoon. That doesn’t mean the “big things” are not important, it’s just the the little things makes the big things easier to attract.
.-= Dragos Roua´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Overcome Frustration in 3 Easy Steps =-.
Wonderful words. I try put these ideas into practice…but I can do better. I will do better.
.-= Joanna´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday School =-.
Hi Lance!
What a lovely poem! The message is one of those beautiful simple things — the little things — that do so very much to inspire! It doesn’t take much to show you care. It doesn’t take much to spread a little kindness in what can seem to be a cold world. It doesn’t take much to warm a heart. It’s really only a moment. You don’t have to break a sweat, give up a huge amount of time, or shell out money. This is FREE! And it’s simple. The little things.…..ahhh what a fantastic way to start a Sunday and make this EVERY day! Thanks, Lance! You’re loving spirit is precious!
Hugs,
suZen
Beautiful Lance!
As I read those words I thought of all the “little things” that made such a big difference in my life in just the past couple of days. I truly believe our lives are as rich as they are because of all the “little things” — and seeing them and appreciating them of course.
And like Jay said, being understood like generally hearing “I understand” means a lot. I think this is why most of us gravitate towards like minded people so much. Diversity is awesome, but there is no replacement for really being understood
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Choice Point 2012 — Boston 2009 Conference — Alberto Villoldo =-.
This post is the story of my grandpa’s life. He passed away 2.5 years ago. It was so sweet to be reminded of him on this glorious morning. I want to treat others this way, but the key is to do it authentically. That can be hard. We can all do little things, but it’s when it’s from the heart that it truly makes a difference.
Lance
I love this poem and had it on my blog a while back.…but a little reminding doesn’t hurt.
Take care and keep inspiring!
Corinne
.-= Corinne Rodrigues´s Last Fabulous Post ..Your Greatest Risk =-.
Thank goodness for those “little things” as sometimes they’re all we have to offer. Your post helps me to recognize and appreciate the importance of all gestures that I might give or receive.
.-= Diane AZ´s Last Fabulous Post ..Shadow Shots — Downtown =-.
This is reminding me that home runs aren’t required to win the game. Singles and doubles, which are easier to hit than home runs, are often the deciding factor in baseball games.
And so I believe it’s also true in life.
Little steps add up to big advances. Little things add up to greatness in life.
So today I will smile at strangers, feel love in my heart, read and comment on one more blog than perhaps I ordinarily would, and will be content knowing I made a difference.
Thank you, Lance, and happy Sunday!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..Love Leaves Again =-.
Oh I really needed this poem today. What a beautiful thought and a beautiful photo to go along with it. Focusing on and remembering the little things is something I often have the most trouble with in life and being reminded of it with beautiful quotes, poems, and thoughts like these is so helpful. Thank you so much, Lance.
.-= Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..NaBloPoMo begins! =-.
I LOVE this …sooo beautiful…truly what it is all about!
.-= Trish @imaSUcceeding´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fall Is In Full Swing =-.
Oh the little things that make my heart feel all warm and gooey. Yesterday I watched my mom put my son to sleep. She was singing to him in Icelandic. A famous song all Icelandic mothers sing to their children. I just stood in the doorway and watched. It was the most beautiful thing ever.
Poetry has such a powerful pull. Thanks for this poem today.
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Hard, The Fun, and The Beautiful – Puffy Smile Edition =-.
Hi Lance,
This quote reminds me of the quote from Mother Teresa: “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” So yay for the little things that are done with all our heart and soul.
Hope all is awesome!
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Power of Redemption =-.
Ahhhhh,
wonderful reminder, Lance and thank you!
This has been a very difficult week for me and focusing on the small positives
have really helped turn around my spirit at times. I love this online place that
you created and I always, always, always leave happier than I came. I know that
you once said something similiar about my blog, so it looks like we have a symbiotic
relationship just like the nile crocodile and the nile bird
ps. I get to be the crocodile.
*giggle*
.-= Bella´s Last Fabulous Post ..One Of The Cutest Pumpkins ~ =-.
Hi Lance: It is about the little things. My grandmother and I are very close and sometimes we’ll go out to have lunch together and for a long time we’ll just both be eating or and not saying anything. And yet we both know that we’re having a good time just because we’re together. I think the more a relationship is based on the little things, the deeper that relationship is.
.-= Marelisa´s Last Fabulous Post ..Get A Motivation Boost From Nike =-.
One morning at church, I was walking through the sanctuary and a man that I didn’t know stopped me and said,“You are so beautiful. I just had to tell you.” That man will never know how much that meant to me.
Yes, the little things count too. Being kind, patient, courteous, it all adds warmth to a person’s heart. As I go through the day, I can give prickly ouches to people or soft yummies. I think I will give soft yummies and I will start with you Lance. Thank you for sharing your –oh so big– heart. You bring joy to so many people. What a gift you are!
Happy Sunday Lance,
Yes. It is those little things that mean so much. It’s those little things that are truly priceless.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..How Branding Works In Blogosphere =-.
An older gentleman open a door for me the other days. That was a little thing that made me smile.
.-= Yum Yucky´s Last Fabulous Post ..Pure Nastiness: Boogies in a Box =-.
Lance,
When I think of “little things” I think about how many extra “little things” I did for the girls when they were growing up. We made gifts for their friends birthdays, I did the flowers for the homecomings and proms, cookies for school parties, sewed clothes that were currently in style but to expensive to purchase and other fun stuff. I don’t know why my mind went here but it did. Happy times and happy memories all from the “little things.
“
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..89 Years of Love on Halloween =-.
Very inspiring quote, Lance. It’s the accumulation of the small things we do that will make a bigger difference than the big and memorable. That reminds me of another quote by Scott Adams that emphasized this point in a different way:
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Why You Shouldn’t Resort To Revenge—Even On People Who Deserve It =-.
Hi Lance:
Thanks for this poem. I strongly believe that life is about the little and simple things…those ordinary moments that really are more extraordinary than they feel. Those moments spent with a good friend, loved ones, etc. Thanks for getting the week off to a good start!
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Musical Diversion: Ryan Knorr =-.
@Evelyn — Hi Evelyn. It seems like our biggest impact is in doing those “big” things. Yet, it’s in the every day that we have the largest impact. Largest impact through the little things we do…interesting, isn’t it…
@Zeenat — Hi Zeenat. What you’ve written is so beautifully said. We’re all like those droplets of rain…and when we rain goodness and kindness, we sustain those we touch.
@Mimi — Hi Mimi. Love the little things you’ve shared. And what a difference they make, huh! Thanks so, so much for sharing daily examples here…
@Suzie — Suzie, it’s always good having you here! Something as simple as a walk, or even just looking out into the view from our window…and seeing the beauty that is there — all so, so good.
@Joy — I like how you’ve looked at this from both the challenging moments and the “all is good” moments. Both are different, yet it’s still those little things that really make a difference.
@Jay — Understanding someone takes an effort to go beyond our own needs, and really see and feel what another is saying. And when we can get there — to say “yes, I understand” and really mean it — that is such a deep connection with another. Jay, thanks for bringing that up, it seems so small, just three words — yet it’s so moving…
@Tom — It doesn’t take much and we can make a real difference. So true…
@Stephen — Great to have you here Stephen, thanks!
@Jeanne — Thanks so much Jeanne.
@Lynn — Lynn, thanks so much for sharing this story of how you have experienced this in your life, and through your church, in the past year. Those words, said with sincerity, mean a whole lot, don’t they.
@Lisis — Yes, I’m with Jay too — that phrase, when said with sincerity, is so meaningful.
@Julie — Julie, what you’re saying here is striking a chord with me. This idea of when we do these little things, and do them with our heart — there is this coming about to full circle — where everything else kind of falls into place. And not to say we can’t improve, because I do believe we always can work on self improvement…just that some of this will naturally happen by us simply doing these “little things” in this poem. Julie, thank you!
@Erin — And I think what you learned from your Mom is a great example also of how we learn so much from the actions we see others do, as opposed to that which we only hear. Keep shining that light of yours, Erin. I’ve witnessed the beauty of it, and you shine brightly into my world!
@Jenny Mannion — Hi Jenny. Five seconds…seems like nothing doesn’t it. And yet, sometimes it’s all too easy to forget how little of our time it takes to really make a difference. Jenny, thank YOU for your beautiful words here, I’m humbled by what you are saying. And know that I also am so honored to call you friend…your heart and soul are beautiful.
‘Little’ things that are part of daily life. Is it that we sometimes not value what is so in life, we want more, we want bigger, we want important so that WE count and thus we do nothing and underestimate ordinary things, that can so easily be done and can mean so much.
A smile does pick me up, a thank you does get noticed and all those acts of love are harvested and will be noticed and makes for healthy global warming.
So good on you for this global warming, may you warm the globe often, love Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s Last Fabulous Post ..Intimacy and sponsorship happen through listening; how well do we listen? =-.
@Dragos — It’s those moments, isn’t it, that make such an impact. To your daughter, this was like the world probably — something as simple as time together… Good to think about…
@Joanna — Hey Joanna. Yes, we could all do better. You know what I think, though? In fact, of this I’m positive — you do the little things so well. I’ve been the recipient of that, and it has been deeply touching…
@Suzen — Hi Suzen. What you’ve touched upon here is so true — these little things don’t have to cost a lot of our money, and mostly are just free anyway — like a smile or a helping hand. And what a difference they can make!
@Evita — Hi Evita. That’s part of it, that really recognizing the gifts we receive throughout the day. Sometimes, in the rush of life, we might completely miss some act of kindness sent our way…all because we were too buy to notice. Evita, you are reminding me of that tonight.
@Audra — What a touching story of your grandfather, Audra. Thanks so much for sharing that here today. And look at the effect he had on you — not because he bought you big fancy gifts, but because he cared. And that is so, so sweet…
@Corinne — Hi Corinne. It is a wonderful poem isn’t it! Thanks for stopping by today.
@Diane AZ — Sometimes we think we don’t have anything to give, because it’s not as “big” as the next guy. And the truth is, we never know how deeply meaningful our gifts will be unti we give them out…until we share our kindness with those around us. What a beautiful thought!
@Megan — Oh, the baseball metaphor is a good one here Megan! And during the World Series, no less! The guys who hit the home runs get a lot of noteriety. And the home runs can certainly make a difference. Still, it’s the smaller hits, done consistently that win the game. Megan, you ALWAYS make a difference, and you are always putting light out there into the world. Into my world. Having you here is a happy Sunday indeed…
@Caity — Hi Caity. Oh, I think you are doing it well Caity. Maybe it’s not a focus, and that’s something from within — still, another part of you is doing this. I feel that very much in your writing.
@Trish — Hi Trish! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Small things make such a difference, don’t they…
@Karl — Karl, that is very touching…that which you witnessed between your Mom and your son — her grandson. Thanks so much for sharing this very special moment — just a little gift from your mother, and still such a beautiful moment…
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. Mother Teresa was really onto something, and not only that — she lived it. And through her many, many small gifts…she changed the world. Thanks so much, Nadia, for shining your light here today…
@Bella — Alright then…I’m the bird (I choose the parrot!). Bella, yes when I visit what you have created, I’m touched in a way that is very meaningful to me. Your words and images are very connecting. So know that what you are doing — it’s so good. And that’s here online, but also in the offline world. You shine your beautiful light onto many…one at a time. I am honored to be a recipient of that light. And that I can somehow give a little back to you, that warms my heart. Bella, my hope for you is faith…faith in what this week brings…the good you will experience…I know it’s there…
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. It’s not always about filling all the moments with words. Connections come from something deeper, and that is the little things — yes! Done consistently, over time that relationship flourishes… What a beautiful one you have with your grandmother…cherish that always…
Hey Lance,
Hope your family had a happy Halloween!
This is such a great reminder! It is in the little things a simple smile, holding a door, carrying a package, letting someone go ahead of you in the check out!
Thanks for this timely reminder! :0)
Natalia
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. What a simple statement that gentleman shared with you. And look at how meaningful it was! Laurie, thanks so much for your friendship and for your deeply kind words. You are filled with love, and that have overflown into my life…thank YOU!
@Barbara — Happy Sunday Barbara! Little things make all the difference, don’t they…
@Yum Yucky — What a sweet gesture by this older gentleman, and I think it also fits this idea of slowing down — if he were in a rush, he wouldn’t have even noticed most likely. And look how nice this moment was!
@Tess — Tess, this is a wonderful thought, and especially the angle of how these little things have left lasting memories for you…memories you can go back to and smile. That’s something we haven’t touched upon here today, yet so true. What we remember are those moments that are touched with love…and I know that you with your daughters was very much filled with this (and continues today). You shine so bright into the lives you touch…including mine…
@Tim — Small things, over time…make a big difference. I love the quote you’ve shared, and that’s something I’ve thought often of — this ripple effect. Who knows just how far our actions may travel — good or bad. So, when we act with kindness, we spread kindness way further than we can fully comprehend…and that’s what is so amazing and awesome!
@360 Tim — Oh, that’s good Tim…this idea that ordinary moments really are extraordinary. Sometimes we’ll never know how extraordinary…but they are!
@Wilma — What wonderful global warming! Wilma, I love it!! Here’s to all of us spreading some global warming out there…in our acts of kindness and caring!
@Natalia — Hi Natalia. Yes, Halloween was much fun last night! Although it was a wee bit chilly!! Hope yours was good, as well. I’m sure you weren’t wearing as many layers as we were! Those little things really are the big things aren’t they — to someone, they are!
We can reclaim personal power by fully stepping into the little things that we have repressed and forgotten. When energy and will power is slowly restored with the small things that we have ignored (the result being that we feel good and engaged) , we can begin to tackle the larger things and loops in life that we are pushing away from us. (Lost aspects of the Soul)
So the little things is a good place to start to feel alive again. Then we tackle the big things to become fully alive in this One Moment. We align with what Is and everything is beautiful without questioning it.
.-= Bern ~ Walking in Stillness´s Last Fabulous Post ..Resurrecting Liberty =-.
Little things are precious. Even the moments. It’s all the little things that add up.
I just got back from my road trip and it wasn’t about the big things, it was all the little things that made it an epic adventure.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Road Trip 2009 =-.
Yes, they are, Lance and thank you for spreading the word about simple kindnesses. You know the older I get the more I realize that this may be ALL that matters–simply being kind. Gentle. Caring. Compassionate. Knowing this is all we need do in life brings much ease and joy.
YEP!! That Mary, she beat me to another great quote.
Tis a gift to be gentle, ’tis a gift to be kind, tis a gift to be the one to dust the blinds.
wait, is this thing on??
I think my last comment may have been gobbled up by something impish. It was of course, the wittiest, best, most delightful commnet I have ever left on this or any other blog in the known universe. But that’s just the way it goes sometimes.
Tally-ho!
Lance,
This is beautiful. A perfect quote for this day. For me today, it was all about the little things…my kids. Just watching them as we sang songs and told stories(and when I said they could have ice cream before dinner) made me realize that it is these small moments that make up what I love most about life.
Peace to you.
Katie
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Levity Project is coming to Chicago! =-.
Everything you do matters. Nothing is done without underlying intention to expand and grow inward.
.-= Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..Break the spell you cast =-.
Lance,
This was so wonderful to read. I just finished a blog of “little” things a ministry did for a group of homeless women. Very, very small things but they added up to sooo much in their lives.
The little things count beyond measure. Bless you dear Lance!
.-= Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..A day in the Park, A day in the Life =-.
@Bern — Love that thought Bern! Reclaiming our personal power starts with the little things…
@J.D. Meier — Your trip is a great example of little things being great things. As a whole the trip was a great one I’m sure — and a big thing. It was really made up of many smaller things with great meaning though — that collectively became something bigger. Pretty awesome!
@Jan — Hi Jan. If we look at the core of what matters, I too have to think that kindness is rooted there — in all it’s forms. And that can be such a small thing that makes a world of difference…
@Jannie — Jannie, you are a skilled poet! And…you bring up something so good — that being gentle and kind are where it’s at (so true). Sometimes that even means dusting the blinds too…
@Jannie — This thing IS on! Ha! You, my friend, were caught in a little testing phase I was doing. Just a little thing…thanks for being one super fine tester! You’ve earned a chocolate chip cookie (now, how shall I get that to you??).
@Jannie — Hey Jannie! Your comments — all of them — live on! And well, they are all witty and delightful…mostly just like YOU!
@Katie — Ice cream for dinner!! Okay, I’m coming over to YOUR house to eat! Hey, I’ll even join in on the storytelling! You are connecting with what matters, and that’s what makes life wonderful and beautiful…
@Liara — Yes!! Everything matters…big or small. And small to us, could be really big to someone else. Thanks Liara!
@Angelia — Hi Angelia. What you wrote about, those little things you did for the homeless women, was deeply moving. And it was, because what you wrote — I know came from your heart, and with great compassion and caring. Little things like that leave a lasting impression both on the receiver and the giver. Your soul is beautiful Angelia…