Real Opportunities Are Small
My bride mentioned that I don’t rinse the sink after I wash my teeth. You’d be surprised how much debris accumulates in the teeth while eating breakfast. I’m negligent with a good heart. It’s not malice. It’s neglect.
I’m thinking big thoughts when I do mindless things. I can’t notice a small opportunity like a dirty sink.
“Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important.” T.S. Eliot
I rinse the sink every time now. But she doesn’t thank me! I’ve been doing good for months and still – not a single word of gratitude. Yesterday I had a discomforting thought. I never thanked her for rinsing the sink.
I don’t know how long she cleaned my toast debris. But I know I never thanked her. Not one time.
Real Opportunities
Act Small
The real opportunities in life are small. Big thoughts lead to self-importance. You don’t notice small things when your mind is solving big problems. Kindness doesn’t feel important when finding solutions is all that matters. And who has time to be present?
Defeat Distraction
Oblivion is negligent distraction. Neglect is a small step from malice. I’m not present when the Water Pik drills debris from the gaps in my teeth. My mind is focused on the conversations of the day.
You might be oblivious if…
- You walk past people without noticing them.
- You’re surprised at people’s reactions to you.
- You don’t ask, “How are you?”
- You push your agenda without seeking wisdom from others.
- You view dissent as offensive.
- You listen to solve, not learn.
- You don’t say thank you.
People are opportunities, not interruptions.
My wife is my treasure. But being full of my own concerns turned into neglect.
Self-importance neglects the most important people.
How can you seize small opportunities today?
Still curious:
The Five Opportunities of Good Fortune
The Little Things Really are the Big Things | Psychology Today
