SMALL ACT, SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

A few years ago, my son-in-law and I laughed about his penchant for tooth flossing, after he admitted that he likes to keep them in handy places all around the house. Shortly after our time together, I was on my morning walk when I noticed a tooth flosser on the ground, so I took a photo and sent it to him with a greeting, “Thinking of you!” That began my practice of taking a photo each time I found one of these little tools, so I could send him another teasing text message.

But soon these funny moments became eye-opening moments. I never anticipated that I would find so many discarded flossers simply by paying attention. Our little joke gradually lost its humor; it seems that people care more about their dental hygiene than they care for our earth. One might cast aside a used flosser without any consideration… What harm can this one little bit of trash do? But here, just in my small part of the world, I have already found more than fifty (not all are shown).

Small acts can lead to significant impacts.

The lesson for me today is to be aware that yes, I am an individual, but I am also an integral part of a collective whole. One small act of negligence–casting aside a piece of trash, passing by a stranger in need, purchasing a product in a plastic container, assuming others will help so I don’t need to–will be compounded by every person who does the same.

Fortunately, a small, individual act can also grow into a significant impact for a better world. One small donation to provide hurricane relief combines with other donations to help more people. One thoughtful, informed vote combines with the votes of all who desire fair and just governance. One act of care for a neighbor inspires that neighbor to do the same.

Rather than taking a photo, I should pick up these flossers and discard them properly… one small change I can make to contribute to a cleaner environment.

In what ways will our small acts contribute to the world this day? Will we act with negligence, apathy, disregard? Or will we act with compassion, responsibility, integrity? Will we cause additional harm, or will we contribute to the greater good?

May we choose well.

We are here to change the world with small acts of thoughtfulness done daily rather than with one great breakthrough. ~ Harold S. Kushner

There is no small act of kindness. Every compassionate act makes large the world. ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

I think it’s an aggregation of all of the small acts that are really transformative. I think a group of small acts transform the individual. And maybe when the individual transforms, collectively we transform.
~ Chris Abani

(Photos by Karen. Quotes found at https://www.azquotes.com/)