The past two weeks the “Thought of the Week” has been drenched in a message of patriotism born from my passion for conserving and protecting our nation’s democracy how and where I can. It doesn’t help that Labor Day and the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 were within a week of each other…those events just supplied the soapbox for me to stand on and shout.
I received a question in response to one of the last two week’s thoughts, that I wanted to share and answer for a larger audience. The question was, “Nothing big has happened to take our freedoms and change our way of life in America…why are you so fired up?”
My answer:
The little things matter!
The great artist Van Gogh shared with us that, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
In contrast, wouldn’t it be true, that anything that is built by a series of small things can be destroyed the same way?
Here is a Japanese proverb I read often that illustrates how small things can lead to great loss.
“For want of a nail, the horseshoe was lost
For want of a horseshoe, the steed (horse) was lost
For want of a steed, the message was not delivered
For want of an undelivered message, the war was lost.”
The little things matter!
They matter in our personal lives.
They matter in our professional lives.
They matter in our relationships.
They matter in our countries.
Unfortunately, I know first hand that the little things matter!
I had a very close friend. So close, I stood in his wedding as his ‘best man’. We never had a falling out or fight. We didn’t disagree on religion or politics. We just got busy…too busy for the quick check-ins and hello’s. You know…the small stuff. Initially, it didn’t matter…we were too close to be separated by work and circumstance, or so we thought. Fast forward a few years and now our conversations are awkward. His children don’t know me. He’s different. So am I.
This week, reflect on this quote by Bruce Barton, “Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things. I am tempted to think there are no little things.”
Then let’s ask ourselves this question.
Is there anything we’re looking past or glancing over because we think it’s ‘little’?
Remember to stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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Well done Harris!
Well said, Linal! I’m thinking about Parenting a lot these days and this post says so much… I conclude that…Parenting consists of the everyday little things that together yields a harvest that will have a life long effect on our children. Ultimately, it becomes the stuff that those big things that they do are made of…i.e. integrity, respect, self esteem, etc. I’m feeling INSPIRED by your PERSPECTIVE! I love what you’re doing!