The little things count

Yesterday I did a little thing.

A few days ago I wore a necklace that cost me very little, but was pretty. Jack’s dayhome provider noticed it and commented on how colourful my bauble was. She told me it was “stunning”. I walked around in a happy cloud all day, feeling good about myself and my appearance.

When I bought my little blue glass necklace, I also bought a starfish shaped necklace in a beautiful brown colour.  I remembered an amazing story that I was told years ago, about a young man who chooses to make a difference to a starfish on a beach and thought the necklace would be a good reminder for me. The Star Thrower,  is a fantastic parable which I encourage anyone who works with kids to read.

Knowing Erin would love the little glass necklace, I put it in an envelope with a copy of the story. On the bottom of the story, I thanked her for looking after our little starfish. Jack loves being at her house and is learning so much. I gave it to her that evening and didn’t give it anymore thought.

This morning when I dropped Jack off, Erin gave me a huge hug. She thanked me profusely for the necklace, which she was wearing. She told me that she had never read that story before and it had made her tear up a little. What a great reminder of how important her job was! Many times she told people that she was “just a dayhome provider”. She said it was a great boost to her morale and that it made her feel appreciated. She said she had spent the entire evening feeling warm and cuddly!

So to recap:

A little comment made me feel great.

A little trinket made someone else feel great.

Someone else feeling great because of my little action made me feel even better.        And the cycle continues…

Never underestimate the power of the little things.