The Big Impact of Acting Small
We love the art and stories of “Flying Edna” specifically the “Everyday Angel" collection. A favorite piece is called “Important Work,” which beautifully and simply describes that it isn’t always what we think it is.
Photo by Unsplash, artwork by The Purple Thread
The idea of community is important. It can take shape as different neighborhoods we’ve lived in, schools we’ve attended, places we’ve visited, organizations we’ve worked with, and the people we’ve met through all of them. It can also be much more simple than we tend to make it.. a feeling or action rooted in empathy and kindness, more so than a grand to-do to be filed under “Volunteer Work.”
Sometimes we fall into thinking “important work” is something we do, when really, maybe it’s how we live our day-to-day lives that deserves a closer look. Maybe the most important work we can do is be aware of who we are when no one is around to pat us on the back.
This particular “Everyday Angel" by the Flying Edna studio is “a reminder that loving is the most important work you’ll do.”
“I want to do important work, I said. Then smile at people you meet, she said & play with dogs & tuck a blanket around someone who falls asleep. That’s not what I meant, I said. Of course, you did, she said. You just had a smaller idea of important.” - Important Work, Flying Edna
The simple things are the most important, and the important things are simple.
Important doesn't necessarily equate to grand milestones, achievements, or hefty donations.
Most important are the thoughtful, everyday gestures we probably already make, and the sacred time we choose to spend on the people we love and the things we believe in.
Maybe that smile or nod of yours is the only one someone else gets today, the reason they feel seen. Maybe it inspires them to do the same for someone else tomorrow.
Our Community Series will highlight uplifting efforts by people within their everyday lives, as well as behind notable organizations.
After all, they’re equally important.
Don't be scared to act small. That’s only your perception of it. Don’t think that it “doesn’t matter.” It does. It will. The impact from your small gesture is often bigger than you could imagine.
Photo by Flying Edna
Comment Prompt:
What’s your idea of important work? Have you had an experience where you gave or received something seemingly small or significant that impacted you or a loved one in a big way?