In Praise of the Little Things

It's common advice, if not a well-worn cliche, to value the little things in life. Advice that I've shrugged off for a good deal of my life--too busy with "important" things like raising kids and a full-time job to take much note or time to appreciate little blessings. That's beginning to change. The slower pace of empty nesting and un-/under-employment have a way of changing your perspective. I definitely have more time than money these days so I'm on the lookout for anything that delights without dipping into the wallet.
Two such events occured in the past week.
Out of the blue I got a Facebook message from a woman who members of my extended family had taken in and under their wing when her family life was less than stable. She had located me on a niece's FB page and wanted to let me know how much the party we had thrown for her on her 16th birthday had meant to her. She had recently had a Sweet Sixteen party for her daughter and was reminded of her own party many years ago. For the life of me I could not remember throwing a party for her! After some mental prodding I remembered that she had been part of our family's annual summer gathering and included in the celebration of that summer's birthdays. It hardly struck me as something a 16-year-old would consider a memorable party. But to her that simple act of inclusion was significant. Significant to me was the fact that she would take the time now - 20 years later - to tell me - one who was not all that close to her - how much it meant to her. It reminded me that the little things I do for someone may not mean much to me, but they may mean everything - or at least great deal - to the recipient of my kind gesture or warm smile.
Yesterday I was on the receiving end of just such a kindness. I am hoping to established myself as a freelance writer-editer,but as this period of un-/under-employment continues I find my confidence in myself waning. So yesterday's e-mail affirming the letters I'd drafted for an author I greatly admire and respect, was just the encouragement I needed to keep on keeping on this career track. "Great job, good choices," were small but oh-so-satisfying bits of praise from a successful author to an aspiring one.
They prompt me to keep looking for - and offering up "the little things." Now that I know they are much bigger than they seem.