Every Mikkle Mek A Mukkle

This Jamaican proverb means simply, the small things count because the small things add up to big things. It’s similar to the saying, “Every little bit counts.” This proverb could apply to a myriad of different things from saving money, to cooking, to deeds. When you were a child, did you ever have a piggy bank into which you put every coin you procured until one day you had enough for your favorite toy or treat? Have you ever wondered why a pinch of salt made such a big difference in a recipe? Then there are the things we do for others or that others do for us.

Often, the material world has us caught up in getting big things now. We can sometimes find ourselves in a bind when we rush or take shortcuts to get the immediate “big payoff.” We really fall short when we fail to recognize the little things people do for us to show they care or when we fail to do little things for others because the flash of grandiose gestures blinds us from what is truly special.

Every deed we do, good or bad, has the potential of making a lasting impression on others’ lives, including those who witness them. Perhaps you’re a man or woman of meager means who can’t afford expensive gifts or fancy nights out, but you take the time to send a text, leave a note, or make a call to that special someone to let them know you are thinking of them. You might just say, “I hope you are having a great day.” It may appear to pale in comparison to a Rolex, unless the receiver read the message at a low point in his or her day.

Many years ago my brother had some old friends over and much alcohol was consumed. I took everyone’s keys and told them to grab a piece of the floor. It seemed logical, I didn’t want anyone driving drunk, so I thought nothing of it. Several years later, one of my brother’s friends who was at the gathering called to take me out to lunch. To my surprise, he expressed immense gratitude to me for taking his keys that night because he thought he was fine to drive, but realized that he wasn’t once I took his keys. To be honest, I didn’t even remember the incident…but he did. Making a difference in one person’s life is easier than you think. One small gesture, kind word, smile can be the difference between a good or bad day for someone, or even a good or bad decision that could change his or her life.

We can often get overwhelmed by ideals. If we think of how many hungry people there are in the world, we may come to the conclusion that the little bit we can offer will not make a dent in feeding them. But there are 7 billion people on the planet. Imagine what a third of us could do together.

We shouldn’t back away from the seemingly daunting task of being human because it is the little things that we do that add up to big things. If compassion is part of our daily dealings, then every little thing we do ads up to something big for humanity. It is the essence of being human, which we sometimes forget. Every smile, recycled bottle, minute spent with a loved one, kind gesture, and penny donated builds a resume of memories, love, and positive energy. If we see the universe as an ocean and every living thing in it as a drop, we can see how Every Mikkle Mek a Mukkle

Great Love, Great Adventure, Great Deeds

Once in an interview I was asked how I would define success. I would think I was successful if I was happy and helped others, but I didn't answer that way.  Instead, I rattled off what I thought was relevant to the position and left it at that. But I began to ruminate on that question. I have never measured success in dollars, status, or material goods. I always felt I would be successful if I had people in my life who loved me and if I was a good person who did her best to help others. So I wondered, have I achieved my definition of success? If not, what was missing?

After surveying my life and much introspection, I realized I still had things to do. I found that what was missing was 1) Great Love 2) Great Adventure and 3) Great deeds. In other words, I haven't lived my best life yet. Life, as they say, is short. I've seen so many leave this planet at such a young age and I always wonder if they lived their lives to the fullest. Daily I look into so many forlorn and exasperated faces as they work or drive to work, or speed away from work. Some of them have expensive cars that they drive to big houses. Their children are well dressed in famous labels and they communicate to each other on the latest ever changing gadgets. But their expressions and demeanor are not the same as the people in the commercials who tell them they have to live these lives. They've been bamboozled into thinking that this is what happiness is and if they want it, they'd better tow the line. Been there, done that, over it.

I would like to travel the world, and the country, even the state. I, however, want a unique experience. I don't want to book a hotel at a tourist resort and go on scheduled tours (unless, of course, the company was interesting). I had a fantasy of paragliding over the ocean the other day. Really? I thought. Why not. There are so many ways I can help others that I don't even know them all yet. So part of my great adventure is doing something great for at least one other. I would like to experience great love. I would like for it to be of the "romantic" variety, but great love is great love, and it will feel great no matter how it shows up. I'm not going to bother the universe or my Father the Mighty King with the details because they have given me things beyond my wildest dreams, so I'll leave it to them.

I'm not striving to get a Benz, wear the most expensive fancy clothes, or have the big house. We can't take any of the things we work so hard to attain with us when we leave here. So if I find, in my last days, that I have no money or things to leave loved ones in a will, I'll ask myself, 'Have I left great memories and impressions on those I've touched, and am I taking with me a fulfilled and joyful spirit into the next adventure?' If I can answer yes, I think I would have had a successful life. Love and light.