Small Gestures, Big Impact

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” - Dr. Seuss

Small Gestures, Big Impacts by Denise Lyon and Susie Clifford

What does it take to make someone else’s day just a little bit brighter? It doesn’t come have to be expensive; it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. What it does need is thoughtfulness. It could be a compliment or a simple gesture of kindness, or just listening. Something small that says, “I see you and you are worth noticing.”

In a world of big gestures and grand stances, sometimes it is the little moments in life that can turn someone’s day around. Maybe even their outlook on life.

You never know the impact you may have on someone.

It’s easy to make the little moments in life just a little more special. Remember, too, that the calendar does not have to dictate celebrations. Let someone know you are thinking of them. A gesture as simple as opening the door can be uplifting.

Share

Bring a neighbor a latte Bring soup for someone under the weather Invite a friend for an afternoon tea or share a beer Bring treats to the office Pass along a good book

Snail Mail

Hand write a thank you note Send a card Compose and mail a letter

Recognition

Compliment someone Acknowledge accomplishments Notice a new haircut, etc. Make everyday special - use the good china

Connect

Call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while Be a good listener Say hello Share flowers from your garden

Lend a Hand

Hold the door for someone Drive a neighbor to the airport Help carry groceries Walk a friend’s dog Buy the person behind you coffee

My grandmother and I wrote each other letters every few months, beginning when I was 14. We lived a few states away. I graduated high school, went away to college, married and moved again, but we continued the correspondence for 15 years. When she passed away, I found every single letter I had ever sent her. I had no idea that our correspondence had meant that much to her. “

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” - Oscar Wilde

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” - Winnie the Pooh

One day I answered a knock on the door. A mother and her four animated girls were waiting with smiles and a plate of homemade cookies. There was a note attached that listed the names of the girls and the parent's cell phone numbers. After introducing themselves they went to every house on the block. They learned more about the people living on our block that day than I ever knew. That small gesture inspired me to return the favor. We ended up having “ a fabulous dinner of pizza and pasta (the girl's favorites) together at our house. That plate of cookies turned into a lasting and sweet friendship.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

I always get compliments on these cookies. Some notes - be sure the butter is cold and make sure walnuts are very finely chopped – with some pieces as large as a pea, but with some almost a powder. This helps with the cookie’s texture. Servings: 20

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut in 1/2 inch pieces 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt, or 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips * Optional 1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and very finely chopped

Adjust the oven rack to the top third of the oven and preheat to 300º. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

Beat the sugars and butters together until smooth. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and baking soda. Stir together the flour and salt, then mix them into the batter. Mix in the chocolate chips (*and nuts if desired).

Scoop the cookie dough into 2 tablespoon balls and place 8 balls, spaced 4 inches apart, on each of the baking sheets. Bake for 18 minutes, or until pale golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.

Adapted from “The Great Book of Chocolate” by David Lebovitz. Sourced from https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/01/chocolate-chip-cookies/

I woke up feeling overwhelmed with all the work I had to do for this house remodel project and lo and behold… my good friend took the time to send me some photos and videos of her adorable granddaughter! Those pictures really cheered me up and put a big smile on my face. I was reminded that enjoying life with our loved ones is much more valuable than any house renovation. So her simple gesture of sharing photos put me in a much better frame of mind for the task ahead.“

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” - Caroline Flack