Ripples

Never think your contribution isn't

 good enough,

big enough,

far-reaching enough,

because you never know how far your ripples may reach.

~ Amanda Fall

I saw this quote on Persistent Green yesterday and knew immediately I wanted to attempt painting it.  I think most people wonder from time to time if what they are doing makes a difference, if it is worthwhile and should be continued.  We just don't seem to take enough time validating each other and expressing gratitude for the effect other people have in our lives.  Can you imagine how a checker at the grocery store would feel if we took the time to say, "Hey, thanks for being smiley and bubbly!  It perked me up in the middle of an otherwise gloomy day."  

So, I have two remedies for this.  First, let's all commit to really taking the step to express those words of appreciation - even for what seems little and mundane.  Make it a rule that if something brings you joy, to take a moment to express gratitude for it... in a little or a big way.  And second,  have your cohort of support who can be there to regularly remind you that what you are doing is worthy and to be cherished.  Know who these people are and remind them what a difference they make in your own life.

Those little words, those little touches, may be exactly what a person needs.



Kaizen Wednesday: Wait the Worth

Each month of the year we are taking a single life growth area, and encouraging readers to break it down into a simple, attainable goal for the week.  Using the Japanese concept of kaizen 改善, continued improvement, the hope is that trying out small steps will encourage bigger life change.  This month, our kaizen concept is financial stability.  For ideas on steps you can take each week this month please read last week's post here.

This is a ring I have wanted for years.  I abosolutely adore it.  I love nature, I love the artistry, and I love the symbolism of the four seasons.  And although I could think of a number of reasons why I really deserved this ring - I work hard, why I could have this ring - it's moderately priced, and why I should have this ring- the inspiration it could provide,  I did not buy it.  For some reason, I just felt like if I bought it, if I gave it to myself right away, it would get lost in all the other meaningless little things I spend money on.  I really wanted to wait the worth of it out.

Until now.  I was blessed to choose a Christmas gift from my husband, and something told me this is the time!  So now on my right index finger, I have this little ring, as a reminder in all I do...

There is a time for everything

and a season for every purpose under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

And right next to that ring, on my middle finger I have a butterfly.. to remind me that true growth and change comes in the right time, and is definitely worth the wait...