Bigger is (not?) Better

I have mom ears. I hear things in passing, some of which stick with me. One lately has been, “but what can I do. I’m just a little guy.”

It’s a hard habit to break, but as magical people (and humans as a whole) we have the opportunity to think past that. The energy you put into the world is not based on whether or not you are a “little” guy. Even a tiny pebble can make ripples in a pond.

I have been thinking a lot about what I can do, which of course is dependent on the situation. As a Kitchen Witch, I can certainly whip up something to ease the stress in my home or support healing. Beyond that, there are simple spells and rituals that can have a big impact. The key is patience.

There’s an old saying, “god grant me patience and give it to me now.” When, where, and how your efforts manifest may not be immediately noticeable. That’s where self-trust comes in. I’ve experienced times when a magical focus didn’t come home to roost for a year or more. The Universe has a sense of timing, and it’s sometimes frustrating.

Today I want to give you ideas about things you can do anytime you have a free moment:

Make calls: to an old friend, to family, to your congressional representatives, to companies (to offer praise or complaints), to potential business partners and clients (for follow-up matters), etc.

Emails: These follow the same principle, but the internet provides a wider range of options. You can contact a group to find out about community activities and efforts, for example. Or, find a charity you can support even with a buck or two. Everything that holds true for calling also applies to emails. Oh, and don’t forget Op-eds.

Letters: Old-fashioned but valuable. When someone gets a handwritten note, somehow, there’s a greater impact. Unfortunately, my handwriting sucks, so I usually type my letters (sometimes with an apology about my physician scribbles).

Community involvement: Every community has groups and events. Look at your city or town’s website and find out what’s happening in your own backyard. Add your one voice to many to create a harmonious choir. If you can’t get out of the house, explore the various online avenues available for group communication.

I would add to this - get to know your neighbors. When I grew up, we talked and shared across the fence. When I moved here, we had two neighbors with whom we would share homegrown or homemade items, as they would. Our children played with theirs. It is sad to see more and more people shuttering, so to speak. Fortunately, our neighborhood is changing again, returning to a more interactive atmosphere. We love it.

Self-development: Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? Once again, the wonders of the internet open that possibility to you. Or, practice the arts and hobbies you already have to master them fully. Art is a language that anyone can understand without words. Dance, sing, make music, and merry. Share your gifts. It may be just what the doctor ordered for someone.

Prayer and Positivity: When I think of prayer, it doesn’t have to be directed toward a Deity. It can be a conversation between you and your higher self or you and the universe. As for positivity, try using affirmations and be mindful of how you speak about yourself. Some days it’s hard to find the good, but try. Even if you just like the socks you picked out.

Use Your Words: Don’t always swallow your insights and opinions. Yes, there are some things you shouldn’t bring up at weddings, like politics, for example. However, sometimes we just stop talking out of fear and lack of self-confidence. This is me. I have a full conversation planned in my head and just step away. I’m working on it.

It’s okay to feel yucky, sad, or angry. Your emotions matter. It’s how you handle them that makes all the difference. Work through them, try to understand them, and endeavor to find a way to harness that energy in more effective ways.

Don’t spread yourself too thin: I am one of those “ooh shiny” people who are working on one thing, then see another. There’s a temptation to jump in with both feet, but it’s important to pause and evaluate priorities. The things you value, your goals, can’t be achieved if you have no energy left for them.

Maintain your spiritual practices and path. It gets easy to let them slide. You’re busy, you’re tired, you’re apathetic… all normal. Take a break, but limit it to a reasonable amount of time. If you don’t use those proverbial magic muscles, they lose tone and strength.

Lastly, stop being so hard on yourself. All of us want to leave the world a better place, but it’s not always “bigger is better.” The little, everyday things make an impact, and sometimes change another person’s life for the better.

Smile. Say hello. Compliment strangers on their shirt, tie, shoes…whatever catches your eye. Be polite to everyone, including (if not most importantly) folks like those who bag your food at the store or clean your office.

I hear in my head Horton Hears a Who, “People are people, no matter how small.” No one is truly small.

Have a great week.

Trish