PEBBLE
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. ~Desmond Tutu, shared by Jean in Minnesota
BOULDER
By embracing our unique gifts and talents, and by sharing them authentically with the world, we not only bring beauty into our own lives but also inspire and uplift others. This is where our purpose resides, in the harmonious dance between our individual expression and the collective good.
~Caroline Carey, shared by Kelsey in Fond du Lac, WI
PONDER
I’ve had a chance to connect with quite a few folks over the past several weeks about the State of Things. Regardless of their opinions and beliefs about politics and society, they share a few common concerns: What can I do to help make things better? How can Little Ole Me have an impact on improving things when the world seems to be in such a Big Ole Mess?
We Ripplers may occasionally need reminders, but at our core we know that each of our Little Bits matter. Twenty six years ago (!) when we first initiated the idea of a Monday morning email containing two quotes and something to ponder each week, I chose the ripples metaphor as our theme in part because of the great line Robert F. Kennedy, (Sr.!) gave during a speech in Capetown, South Africa on June 6, 1966, (exactly two years before he was assassinated).
“Each time we stand up for an ideal, or act to improve the lot of others, or strike out against injustice, we send forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” (lightly edited)
A few weeks ago, just before the end of his term as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued his Parting Prescription for America that challenged us to focus on what he describes as three core pillars of community: relationships, service, and purpose. He makes a case that not only can these be healing for our society as a whole, individuals who take this advice can expect positive outcomes for their own physical and emotional health, too. (he cites numerous studies documenting their influence on premature mortality, heart disease, depression, anxiety, etc.).
It turns out that what we need most, both individually and collectively, is encouragement to keep doing the Little Bits that we each feel called to do, and to stay connected with others who are also willing to do their Little Bit, too. We do this, and we keep doing this, for ourselves, our communities, and the whole world. Rest breaks are encouraged, and so is asking for help.
How about we spend time this week filling the prescription that Dr. Murthy wrote out for us? Begin by asking yourself: What concrete steps am I willing to take to nurture relationships, extend service to others, and/or authentically live my life’s purpose?
