Thinking Big
I’m tired of thinking big. Everyone says… “Think big. You could do great things if only you’d:
- try harder
- work smarter
- grow up
- remember what it’s like to be a child
And on and on. It’s exhausting. I don’t want to be dismissive of their advice… ok, ok, I do. I want to scream, leave me alone!
Thinking Small
I’ve decided to think small. I don’t mean to think of myself only, but think:
- smaller in geography
- smaller in sphere of influence
- smaller in scale
Instead of thinking I have to change the world, maybe I could be kind to one stranger. Take one action that would show someone in my family that I love them. Think about that one person who is driving me crazy and send kind thoughts their way. Maybe big gestures and thoughts are over rated. Maybe small things can make a big difference.
I know one thing. Small positive actions can change things. Whining, moaning or yelling, rarely have given me the results I wanted. When I lightened up, found something funny to laugh at, tried to take myself a little less seriously… I made wayyyy more progress, than I ever did carrying on.
I’ll leave you with this.
Image credit: MLK Great Things 20 Funny Dog pictures
jess
March 9, 2019This hit me right in the feels. I’m about to graduate high school and go off to college, and coming from a background and location that holds high expectations for the kids it lets loose into the world, I feel like I absolutely must think big.
I think it also ties into how little I feel in the world sometimes. I’m afraid of being forgotten when I die, which sounds edgy, but it’s a very scary reality for me that I know I’ll eventually have to face if I keep going on through life in such a routinely, boring fashion. As a kid from the suburbs with no drive, no strong suits, nothing special or unique to offer the world, I get swept up sometimes trying to think of ways to compensate.
There’s so much more I could say, but I just wanted to let you know that your post was a lovely, well-needed reminder for me that for the time being, focusing on the small things is enough. You’re a real g, Debbie.
Olivia
March 9, 2019Hi Debbie! A friend of mine sent me a link to your blog, and being curious I clicked on it not knowing what to expect. One post in and I’m already hooked. I normally find myself scrolling through my instagram or twitter feed, and usually, I find myself exiting the app only to click on it a few seconds later because I’m not sure how to entertain myself before I clock out for the night.
This is an amazingly refreshing place. You’re so incredibly knowledgeable and wise about life, it seems, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you, for deciding to publish your thoughts. I can already see into the future, and I’m seeing a lot of mindset shifts because of you.
Deborah
March 14, 2019Hi Olivia, you are so kind. Thank you! I write this and never know why I’m doing it, but I just keep on. I get so much from others,that it seems only right to reflect and write down all the things that the wonderful people in the world, teach me. Thank you again, you have no idea how much that means to me. d
Deborah
March 14, 2019Hi Jess, thank you so much. I wish you knew how much your comment means to me. I write this blog… never knowing why…I just keep at it. I appreciate the way you describe your environment. I know that pressure to ‘produce’! Be something, someone, do something big. Yikes. It’s a rare individual who knows how they will contribute to the world at any age! In my experience, most people just do what they do (like this blog!) and never really know whether it made a difference to anyone. Only when someone takes the time, the way you did, to speak up, does the feeling of ‘usefulness’ become real. I wish I could alleviate your feeling of dread about the future. The fact that you are aware of this at such a young age is the very best antidote to this happening to you!
Of course I don’t know you, but I do know that each of us has a gift/s to share. Learning what they are and how to best share them is the journey of a full life. I believe in you and your gift. It’s a bit lonely as we search, but if we pay attention… we’ll find them and the joy that comes from living authentically. Keep going, the world needs you, just the way you are. D