Another post from the archives. As I look back at these, it’s interesting to see the same feelings and emotions applied to different scenarios. I have not changed the content of this post other than to add some pictures and logo.
Sometimes in this adventure called life we find ourselves looking for the one big solution that’s going to shake the world and solve all our, and hopefully everyone else’s, problems.
We search high and low for that grand speech or that monumental action. The proverbial magic bullet.
We know it doesn’t really exist, but that doesn’t stop the search. Perhaps it shouldn’t either. Maybe it’s good to stretch ourselves and attempt to exceed our grasp. We might not find that magic bullet, but we’ll probably find some pretty cool stuff along the way.
Since I’ve been out of work, I have had several conflicting thoughts and attitudes.
I feel an overall sense of relief, because looking back on it all, I was on a one-way trip in a very bad direction. The pace I was trying to sustain was totally unrealistic and the crash was going to come eventually. The longer it went, the worse I am sure that crash would have been.
But I also have those pangs of regret. Regret that I didn’t see what I was doing to myself and those around me sooner. Regret that I threw away 13 years of hard work over a stupid mistake. Regret that I will see my friends less because I truly miss them.
Overall, I see this as a great opportunity to grow professionally, but most importantly, personally. That said, human nature says at times we all get down on ourselves at least a bit.
I’d love to find that massive life-changing revelation that paves the remainder of my path with pots of gold, happiness and contentment, but the realist in me knows that true change requires time, effort and hard work.
Lately, I’ve had a few down moments, which is to be expected. But it’s the small words that I refer to in the title of this post that lifted me back up.
On Christmas I met the family for dinner at my aunt’s house. Everyone was there and it was nice to see them all. We exchanged cards/gifts and enjoyed just hanging out together.
When I got home, I opened the cards I had received from my family.
The one from my mother hit me the hardest.
I opened it and within was a substantial gift, but it was the few simple words she wrote that meant the absolute most to me. Even as I type this I am getting misty-eyed.
“Everything will be ok. You are a good man and I am so very proud of you.”
Folks, if there is a magic bullet in this world I think I found it.
Sometimes the big picture is so damn big that we can’t take it all in. We focus on some massive solution to help ourselves, our friends, families, etc., when maybe all that’s needed is a kind word.
Maybe our friend just needs to be reminded how awesome they are.
Maybe our coworker just needs to know that their efforts are appreciated.
Maybe a child just needs to know that their parents love them and are proud of them.
Never underestimate the power of a few small words. they could make all the difference to someone in your life when they need it most.
In this vast ocean we call life, sometimes it’s the small ripples that have the biggest impact.
The Beginning At Last 
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