Now in my early 70s, I learned along the way the value of making what I call small differences. Leaving a room or place or person a little better than I found them. In the ladies room I'll pick up a used paper towel that someone else dropped on the floor and throw it away. I make eye contact with the person checking out my groceries, ask about their school or what they do for fun so they know they're seen. I've sent a couple thousand greeting cards over the years to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors to celebrate milestones and holidays or just to say hi.
Being involved in small groups has amplified my reach and impact. Since 2009 I've run a business book club for a few small business owners. One of them sold his business a couple years ago and retired. He gives a lot of the credit for how well that process went to what he learned in book club. That included selecting a buyer who would take excellent care of his employees, who are enjoying their new employer. And the former owner chooses to stay in our club though he's retired. What each person learns through our reading helps them improve, which improves the lives of those who work for them or even just live with them.
I served on the boards of numerous nonprofits; helping them helps others. I gave many presentations and business / career workshops as a volunteer. I've had a few people tell me years later that one of my talks changed their lives. Occasionally I get an email or message from a former client who went through a leadership development process I used, letting me know things are going well and I made a difference to them.
To me, the key is learning what your superpower is and using it to help others. I'm good at organizing people, events, objects, and projects. I've helped friends and colleagues reorganize their homes or offices, just for fun.
I'm mostly retired now, but I still do small things occasionally when I see an opportunity. I'm currently knitting prayer shawls for a local nonprofit who gives them to the young women they help who are fighting eating disorders. I hold a weekly art practice Zoom call with a friend who is also learning watercolors.
I'm making sure my husband's and my affairs are in order. Taking care of us and our estate will be as easy as we can make it for those who will step in for us.
The biggest lesson I've learned from all of this is to do what you can and let the universe handle the rest of it. Set something small in motion, and it can take on a life of its own because all it needed was someone like you to provide the spark.
I'll never know the full impact of my life because I don't know everyone who has in some way benefitted from something I've done. Or who learned from one of my many mistakes. And I'm okay with that. 🙂
I love this comment, thank you for sharing so much! As someone who loves to take a big project and break it down into smaller tasks-- someone who loves to "finish" things-- it can be hard for me to sit with the knowledge that I will never know my impact as a teacher, a writer, and a parent. In that way, I am never "finished--" but that is also a beautiful and powerful thought. You've given me something to build on for my next post, and I'm grateful!
You are very welcome! I too am a finisher, and worse, a perfectionist 😁. There’s nothing like having fewer years ahead of me than behind me to make me accept limitations I can do nothing about. I’m not perfect at it, never will be, but so far I see it as the best way to avoid regrets and minimize lost time. If I read both of our posts correctly, I have about 30 years more than you do under my belt at the moment. I would have loved to have recognized this more clearly when I was your age. You’re on the right track to accomplish that!
Thanks so much Mary! I'm 43 but after having cancer as a teen I feel like I've lived my whole life with that scarcity of time mindset. More of a blessing than a curse, I think.
Thank you for such a heartfelt post!
Now in my early 70s, I learned along the way the value of making what I call small differences. Leaving a room or place or person a little better than I found them. In the ladies room I'll pick up a used paper towel that someone else dropped on the floor and throw it away. I make eye contact with the person checking out my groceries, ask about their school or what they do for fun so they know they're seen. I've sent a couple thousand greeting cards over the years to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors to celebrate milestones and holidays or just to say hi.
Being involved in small groups has amplified my reach and impact. Since 2009 I've run a business book club for a few small business owners. One of them sold his business a couple years ago and retired. He gives a lot of the credit for how well that process went to what he learned in book club. That included selecting a buyer who would take excellent care of his employees, who are enjoying their new employer. And the former owner chooses to stay in our club though he's retired. What each person learns through our reading helps them improve, which improves the lives of those who work for them or even just live with them.
I served on the boards of numerous nonprofits; helping them helps others. I gave many presentations and business / career workshops as a volunteer. I've had a few people tell me years later that one of my talks changed their lives. Occasionally I get an email or message from a former client who went through a leadership development process I used, letting me know things are going well and I made a difference to them.
To me, the key is learning what your superpower is and using it to help others. I'm good at organizing people, events, objects, and projects. I've helped friends and colleagues reorganize their homes or offices, just for fun.
I'm mostly retired now, but I still do small things occasionally when I see an opportunity. I'm currently knitting prayer shawls for a local nonprofit who gives them to the young women they help who are fighting eating disorders. I hold a weekly art practice Zoom call with a friend who is also learning watercolors.
I'm making sure my husband's and my affairs are in order. Taking care of us and our estate will be as easy as we can make it for those who will step in for us.
The biggest lesson I've learned from all of this is to do what you can and let the universe handle the rest of it. Set something small in motion, and it can take on a life of its own because all it needed was someone like you to provide the spark.
I'll never know the full impact of my life because I don't know everyone who has in some way benefitted from something I've done. Or who learned from one of my many mistakes. And I'm okay with that. 🙂
I love this comment, thank you for sharing so much! As someone who loves to take a big project and break it down into smaller tasks-- someone who loves to "finish" things-- it can be hard for me to sit with the knowledge that I will never know my impact as a teacher, a writer, and a parent. In that way, I am never "finished--" but that is also a beautiful and powerful thought. You've given me something to build on for my next post, and I'm grateful!
You are very welcome! I too am a finisher, and worse, a perfectionist 😁. There’s nothing like having fewer years ahead of me than behind me to make me accept limitations I can do nothing about. I’m not perfect at it, never will be, but so far I see it as the best way to avoid regrets and minimize lost time. If I read both of our posts correctly, I have about 30 years more than you do under my belt at the moment. I would have loved to have recognized this more clearly when I was your age. You’re on the right track to accomplish that!
Thanks so much Mary! I'm 43 but after having cancer as a teen I feel like I've lived my whole life with that scarcity of time mindset. More of a blessing than a curse, I think.
Wow! I’m sorry to hear you had to deal with cancer and very happy for your recovery.