The Small Things DO Matter

Nice post -- what you give will come back to you in too many ways to count

It is the small things that matter in the big picture. They are also the cause of some of the deepest regrets when we don't do them. That is why whenever Nestor and I have to leave to go somewhere without the other, we make sure we give a hug and a kiss, we say I love you and see you later. I was not able to do that in my selfish years as a teenager when my mom died, a bitter hard lesson to learn that from.

Happy birthday early! I am going to be 51 tomorrow.

Wow, very inspirational and I Thank you for that!  You look GREAT for 52...very young!  Happy Birthday!

Cheron Lange

Aloha Sally,

So very well said,  and you know I've observed how giving you are to this community and others for over two years now!

I think maturity brings on "Awareness of how I affect others is one thing I am conscious of every day now."  

Sally ! This is the one thing that sets me apart from many in my area.

I push myself harder to do the 'little things' than anything else in my career. Little handwritten notes, the stopping to help with answers - even if they dont benefit me directly, the phone calls just to check in, the stop bys with smile-makin trinkets - and yes, the way I talk to my clients too.

Love this post, and just from following you on here for a while now I knew this about you already :o)

Cheers my friend !

Sheldon

Wow, Sally, what a great reminder!  I personally need to stop and think of a nicer or more diplomatic way to say thngs.  Nicer is always better.

Sally, so well put. It is sometimes the little things that count the most. Sometimes it comes from a complete stranger, and it can make or break your day and move out in ripples.

Andrea: It sure can...and it makes my day when someone else remembers a small thing for me too:)

Linda: Nice is good...diplomatic is good, just being civil is the best :)

And you look like you are twenty.  Ah the looks of a 20 year old and the wisdom of a 50 year old!  Speaking a certain way can cause problems or express concern.  Tone is important 

You are so right Celeste and you don't look 52.  You are lucky.... good genes...

WooHoo, You're just a pupette. I'm at least......5 months older than you :) It is the small things that matter and that people notice and remember. A kind word never hurt anybody.

Sally..

These are nice inspirational thoughts on a quiet Wednesday evening.

Sally,

I just turned 50 this year and heard everything you just said.  Unfortunately, I too, learned things the hard way...But, I'm finally in a good place and enjoying life!  Whoever said, "Patience is a Virtue" knew exactly what they were talking about too.  And the little things said and done on a daily basis most definitely matter.  Good blog...

Heather: And that's why we pay attention to the details..the small stuff..the stuff that matters :)

Scott: Exactly...and most times much more...like sleeping well at night.

Katerina: And it's our words that carry on and on....so those small things do matter Katerina. I'm glad I'm the person I am today, where everyone and everything matters and especially how I affect others. It does matter and that's why AR means a lot to me, because it's the people behind the words that matter. It's how I choose my friends.  Happy Birthday :)

Cheron: It's the Japanese on my mom's side :)  All I ever hope for is throwing a little positive reinforcement here... :)

Lynda: I'm so glad we got to meet and that you and Marlene were able to come to the gathering. It meant a lot and those 'small things' do matter and put our time here in perspective. It's the connections for sure!

Sheldon: Our attitudes througout every day life carries through in our business....and it surely means something when we are remembered for a small token of appreciation. It works both ways too.

Russ: Okay, guys...this wasn't about my looks (maybe I shouldn't have said I was going to be 52 lol)  Anyway, slap a little hair dye and a bunch of night creams and a little photoshop topped with Japanese genes from mom and this is what you get. lol!  Anyway, definitely do not look 20 and I'm all embarrassed now :)  TONE IS the important part of conversation...no matter on or off line :) Thanks Russ.

Kathy: Right? I don't know about right...but I believe it's good for me :)

BB; A pupette :)  It IS what people notice....at least the ones who have awareness :) Thanks ...I appreciate you :)

Richard: A quiet Wednesday afternoon...it's 3:24 now and my daughter just left...now it's quiet ...hearty har har!

Peggy:  I think it is about age too huh?  Experience to say the least :) So many young folk rush through their thoughts and allow things to fly out of their mouth (keyboard) without really evaluating the effect they have on others. Not caring was my thing when I was young. It was a way to put up giant walls so I could pretend nothing hurt me. Doesn't work that way. It comes back to bite one in the behind...sooner or later :)  I appreciate you too!

Indeed. I am slowly but surely learning what my grandmother has been telling me for years now: It's not what you say, but how you say it. It is something that does not happen overnight, but comes with putting forth a conscious effort to do it every day, until it becomes second nature. I'm glad you shared this with us Sally, and Happy Birthday to ya!

You are right (at least in my experiences so far) the small stuff means so much to people and one little nice gesture or even just common courtesy can go a long way.  Plus it makes you feel good. =) 

Thanks for sharing - a reminder is always welcome.

Hi Sally~  The little things really do make a huge difference.  You and I are almost the same age, and I have to admit that maturity really does put a different spin on things, and our perspective changes. Things that I thought were so important when I was younger, are no longer that important in the scheme of things.  

Sally -

It's all called "Growin' Up!"  It appears as if you have.

But . . . naaah!  You're not gonna be 52!  No way!

Only old geezers like me are 52!

Early Happy B'Day!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Wow Sally an amazing blog and this one deserves the feature.. This post is so you.. You walk your talk and it is all you,

no pretense..no games..just true blue honest.....thank you for lifting our spirits and writing positive,inspirational blogs. I am touched that you cared enough to call me from Hawaii, as you stated it's the little things that matter.

Society forgets that today ..and that is a shame...because it may be the little thing that makes the big difference, especially done in a understanding, caring manner.  It is no wonder ..that people love you....

Sally, we're in the same late blooming communication canoe!  All we can do is to keep practicing our listening skills, yes?  ^_^ Hau' oli la hanau!

Hello Sally and I really like your list, thanks for sharing and congrats on the feature!

Vegas Bob

Hi Sally: Interesting post. Makes one think a bit. We cannot please everyone but yes lil things matters and to be true to oneself helps. I agree with Vicky. What is important is different now. There are so many interesting comments here. At 53, like others here, I hope not to make the same mistakes again! Its a great age..but to be honest I rather be 44! Regardless, it does not hurt to give a little. I wonder: "what kind of moisterizer you use?"lol  

Sally,

I suspect your secret is the same as mine - we stopped being childish as we grew and gained wisdom. Yet we magically managed to retain some childlike qualities - wonder, zest for learning and most of all the ability to laugh, laugh, laugh.  "Small things" are huge from a child's perspective - and, boy, do they matter!

Hi Sally, I totally agree, it's the little things that have made the biggest differences in my business and relationships...those smallest of tokens conveying the greates of care. Happy upcoming bEARTHday! Wow! 52 sounds young to me!!!

Woo Hoo, 52 , imagine that. Well if it is any comfort, you have the wisdom of much much older women and the heart of a very young women discovering life. You are so right about the little things. The things that cost nothing are also some of life's most valuable. Like, remembering to remind you how wonderful you and your family are. Like remembering to just say Hi once in a while and Hope you are doing OK. The "Thanks You's" and remembrances. It is and has always been and most likely allways will be the "Little Things" that matter the most.

Wow how awesome..Thanks for reminding us

Woo Hoo and happy b-day early!  You are an inspiration to all of us.  It is great that as the years go by, you have gained great wisdom.  Some people just get older! 

Thanks for sharing this with us. I really appreciate the personla stories. I think we can all relate to them at one point in our lives or another. If we just accept that we are in the right place and right where we're supposed to be, I bet a lot of people would be a lot happier...

William W. It sure is William. I didn't understand that when i was younger....or the 'think before you speak' scenario. I sure do now. We can be assertive but not bark at people. We can give our opinion and not bark. I know that now. :)  birthday not until Sept. but I'll see you then won't I :) :)

Jenn: if not for those small tokens of recognition some may not have a brighter day :) It is a feel good...everyone needs a feel good. :)

Vickie: It sure does doesn't it? I was a tyrant and ran my parents ragged for sure. Funny though...my husband keeps telling me that I'm immature so our age difference doesn't matter. You think that's a compliment? haha.

Dean and Dean: Oh, yes...we do grow up ...eventually. On the other hand some don't either. (I know a couple of them in my immediate family lol) We aren't old...just mature :)

A post that is wise beyond your years.  I find the older I get...the less I know and the more I appreciate the subtleties and little things in life -- my son's smile from getting a pack of baseball cards, my daughter aceing a test, my dog wagging his tail when he sees me, etc.

Great post, Sally.  So insightful.  I have found that it is the little things that make me the happiest.  I don't need a dozen roses.  Flowers picked from the backyard work just fine.  My son just brought home his report card from 9th grade: 5 A's and 2 B's.  His dad couldn't have been prouder.  Even brought him to tears.

Hey June: Okay, now...pedastals are not my style lol!   Sometime, we all need a call, an email a little lift. Most of all...we don't need to trip on others. Life on AR is still like life outside. There's good and bad and happy and sad. It's up to us to separate our thoughts and do what we would 'normally' do. I don't normally buy into people's crap outside and I had to learn not to here. Being real...that's all that matters. :) 

Maria: Late blooming lol. Okay.. my birthday isn't until Sept...I was just trying to make a point? Now, the point was at almost 52 I've learned lol! I'm going to have some fun with that one! A hui hou kakou malama pono.... and we will meet again...but in person!

Vegas Bob: Then bring on your surprise guest!

Lloyd: Can't please everyone but I can take care of me first and everything else will follow. I really think carefully as I am at the point of my life where I want to enjoy it....not create havoc for myself and everyone around me.  I am okay with my age.  I use .... Arbonne ..... and my half Japanese ancestry helps :)

Irene: Oh, I like that one...didn't know how to describe that part. I did retain some childlike qualities and i do love to laugh!  It's those small things that I missed in earlier years that really make me aware to enjoy them now. I stop to smell the flowers, the coffee, the clean air, ocean salt air and more! 

52? Wow, I would of said MAYBE 40!

Mara: wonderful! And that's how it should be. BEARThday sound like something I'm starting to be more aware of. that's definitely another story.

Oh, my William. Yeah...like you didn't know lol. Discovering is the first part...doing something about it makes it rich :) I love free. Friends for one ...like you. Valuable Friend to say the least. Hi William! Thank you! Hope you're doing well! Funny, these little things bring big gifts. Can't buy friendship for sure :)

Joannie; Sometime, the small reminders bring brighter days with an aha moment. :)

Joan: No kidding!  Getting older with no wisdom is like no change and no growth. Thanks Joan..you've been a long time member and support for many...including me :)

Christianne: These are the stories that makes AR the 'more than' social ...of a social networking site. We are what makes this platform rich...the personal stories that tell a story. It's ALL RELEVANT to Real Estate...believe me. How'd you like to work with someone you knew nothing about? Exactly.

Chris: Oh, believe me....I'm more than wise. I'm practical and realistic. The older I get the more I grow :)  My dog smiles :)

Heather: Thanks Heather. I don't need a dozen roses either. My daughter dropped by today. A smile and a childish shreik was all I needed today. lol!

Whatever Greg. That profile pic was two years ago. I stopped smoking, put a few pounds on...and got two years older. lol!  Darn, you got young quick lol!

Sally: WoW... you suprised me... :)

Yes it is the small things that count... great information

Sally, Jamie Buckingham said, "It is better to be kind than right." Your post elaborates on that sentence beautifully.

Sharon

 March 28, 2009.  One of the simple things that made me happy. To see everyone else smiling..most of all, my daughter, Dori.

Roland: How?  Hmm. Okay...it is the small things ....:) :)

Wonderful Sharon!  These are one of those nights I'll sleep very well :) Thanks for your input!

Yep -- as we all get older we get wiser -- thanks for the post. Hope all is well.

Hi Carolin! How's your daughter doing? 

 hi Sally, re "Someone asks me for help and I'm very busy... at the very least, let them know I'm busy but will get back to them shortly"...

 A little commuinication goes such a long way. "Crazy busy" has become normal for me but even a brief email saying "got your note, will reply with details tomorrow" keeps most people happy. Speaking of happy...

 Donuts aren't goof for my body either, but I don't smoke, drink or do drugs so chocolate, cookies & donuts are my vice of choice and I don't plan to goive them up anytime soon. But I should hit the gym more often. ;-) Nite...

P.S.  Great family pic, the simple things are the best. It took me a long time to figure that out but eventually even I get it.

marti!  Me either!  My last vice was smoking which I gave up 2 year and 5 mos ago (come Saturday) so me balooning a good 15 more pounds is better than those toxins in my body! You're sweet I'm sure. :)   And that ...little communication goes a long way is the absolute truth. No kidding. ....even I eventually got it lol!

Sally - With time we sure gain wisdom.  I agree that the small things really matter, it is amazing the impact you can have on someone else by just doing a simple act.

Sally - this was another one of your wonderful inspirational posts. Interesting that some small things matter and can relaly make a difference. And yet some small things are too small for us to worry about, and we shouldn't sweat about them. Knowing the difference is important.

Jeff

Jennifer: We sure do. It is amazing. You wouldn't believe some of the things my husband does to crack me up!  I appreciate him :)

Jeff: Thanks buddy. :) Don't sweat the small stuff. Did you read that book?  I wrote about that before lol! You make a good point. There was two sides to all this ...as a matter of fact. :)

What a great post Sally! I agree as well, it is the little things we say that make a difference but also the things we don't say can have an impact on others as well! Your awesome readers help drive this point home as well. 

52 years ago, lots of great realtors were born (smile). Good post and love the personal images that help show realtors are more than robots with keys, calculators and refrigerator magnets. We are people, humans, learning and sharing with emotion, passion, hard work and family values.

GOOD MORNING SALLY!  I agree with Greg - you don't look your age - and they say - attitude is a key to keeping your mind and body young!  This post reflects that -- I've always tried to follow this advice in life! -- Gabrielle

Thanks for the words of wisdom.  I am truly aware that the older I get, the things that I thought were important don't even matter. 

FOr sure...it's the little things that count in life. I was brought up learning this from my mon and grandmother.

I always feel so good when I've done something to make someone's life happier in some "small way"

Patricia Aulson/portsmouth Nh Ral Estate

I pride myself on my ability to me stubborn every chance that I get. I have always had to learn things the hard way myself. Congrats on the feature!

Sally - We always cherish the smallest things in our lives , so in retrospect it is the small events that mean so much to others. I think this is why Etiquette is so important and it is a simple practice that should become second nature in our lives.

Congratulations on reaching a wonderful milestone , you have a beautiful family and they have wonderful smiles. It was a joyous occasion and it shows on everyones face.

Good lessons especially give a little, gain a lot. FYI, Only 52? I think younger women are hot! 

Well said Sally.  Take a breath and think about how to say things and you will get more accomplished.

Sally - what a lovely and wise post.  And the picture of your family is beautiful.  You are a very kind, sweet and dynamic and.. smart woman. Since I've been on the rain you have been consistenly writing thoughtful and inspiring posts that speak to the heart and mind.

Mahalo!

Sally - beautiful family wedding shot and very interesting post ... one wonders if we should not be born old and grow young - it is amazing how much wiser we are now once we have reached the age our parents were when we failed to listen to their advice or chose to ignore it.

Sally - great point; small things do matter. As I once heard someone say "inch by inch, eveythings a cinch!"

The more we isolate ourselves with modern technology the more the small things turn out to be big things.  A little effort can go a long way toward making someone else feel good about us and themselves. 

The more we isolate ourselves with modern technology the more the small things turn out to be big things.  A little effort can go a long way toward making someone else feel good about us and themselves. 

You are so right...it is the small things that make the difference.  Sometimes the little thing we do and think nothing of ends up being of huge significance to someone else.  The little blessings we share along the way make all the difference in the world to those around us and leave a lasting lifelong impression.  Awesome post, thanks for sharing your thoughts and I love the wedding pic...you all look fabulous!!!

Exit: It sure does. It's not to say we enable people to stay on a pity pot but we can not make it worse for someone who may not be able to handle life's situations and curve balls.

Julie: That's a fact. I've picked up the phone when I get contacted from someone and they may be going through a little emotional turmoil.  I can extend a helping word or two...it doesn't hurt.

Jackie: That's a good saying too...a little bit at a time...a little of something can grow into something big :)

Kathy: I know for me I had to find my comfort with me zone. My mom and dad had good down to earth morals and values although some things i had to change around. It took awhile...but bit by bit I turned my thinking around and what defines me as a me today :)

Thanks Anna: There are all types of people on AR ...just as there is in real life. We gravitate to the ones we connect with and many like positive and inspirational types of posts to read. It uplifts them when thier soul gets weary. Others like blunt and negative toned posts because that's how their personality is. That'a fine....I choose simple and to the point...although with a mellow tone....That's who I am NOW.  We all have our trials and tribulations through life. I tend to believe the younger ones here are where I was at at their age. :)

Paddy: No kidding...I remember when...I was young. Everything was drama oriented and so much time and energy wasted with proving my point...wanting everyone in the world to think like me. The day I changed my life around was the day that I realized. I had to care how I affected other people. What was the outcome going to be when I changed that around? Wow... my whole life was not negative oriented. What a concept huh?

Joe: Oh, goodness. :)

Laura: Funny how the little things mean more when we 'grow up'. The simple things sure make life more enjoyable don't they? Common sense taught me that being assertive did not mean to bark and have a mean underlying tone to my demeanor. It meant I express how I feel and set healthy boundaries. Etiquette is a good thing. I can get along with everyone although i choose who I hang with :)

JL: That's because you're still young lol. Believe me...you'll understand when you 'grow up' lol!

Patricia: There are givers and takers in this world. I gave all my life....but for the wrong reasons. (i.e. keeping a mental bank and expecting something in return) I give because I want to and I don't even expect any appreciation. But it sure is nice when someone acknowledges and says so. Emotional payoffs for sure!

Hey Sonya: No kidding....the things I used to trip on aren't even trippable anymore. Granted, I'm by no means numb...I am full of emotion and I'm human like the next person. But I draw the line on too much and put a stop to it quickly. I remember when I started blogging on ActiveRain. I tripped badly. I did not know what the heck was going on. When I grasped the fact that for me....I had to react like I would in real life. (and I don't physically, verbally or mentally react in real life so why would I here?)

Gabrielle: Believe me...I don't act it either lol!

Andrew: And I thought more my age would gravitate here on this post lol! And I think I would like to repeat your comment here:  Good post and love the personal images that help show realtors are more than robots with keys, calculators and refrigerator magnets. We are people, humans, learning and sharing with emotion, passion, hard work and family values.

Terrie: And you just added another important factor as well. What we don't say can have an impact as well. It take a small thing...a little apology when we do affect something the wrong way. That goes far as well....

I love this!  This showed compassion, empathy and still being on target for the small things in life that can surely change someones day around....or not.

The "small" things tend to add up. Whether it be in real estate or relationships I notice it's the little things. Pertaining specifically to marriages... I am amazed at how the little things can add up very quickly. Sometimes for the worst. Anyway I like that pic that you posted of your family.

Sally,

Wisdom does not come easy.  A lot of the times its learned in the trenches.  It looks like you developed good tools to work with and have applied them to your life and work.  Some people go through life and miss the point. That was a great post, you could add that to the keys of success.  By the way your daughter Dori looks like my daughter, Hapa's. Congrats on the wedding.

Steve

Sis - I read in a book once one of the wisest quotes I've ever read, "We are where we are supposed to be."  I often wonder why I'm where I'm at, but I believe in a higher intelligence and know for damn sure that it isn't me.

Sally, Geez you do look good. I have to agree with Russ. Although the much larger meaning did shine through like a star in the night.

I love what William wrote:  the wisdom of a much older woman and the heart of a much younger woman.  You are truly an inspiration to us all at AR, even those of us who are a few years older:)  Happy Birthday!

Sally - Terrific Post! Very inspirational. Woo hoo Never would have guessed 52! I'm older than you. ha ha... I know  I know....

The little things are the most important things in life I believe. It's what makes us ourselves and makes us individuals making a difference in other peoples lives everyday. Nice Post Sally and Happy Pre-Birthday! lol

Hope you take a day off. You deserve it! 

Sally, Important lessons for all of us if we don't already know it or forget....I have always found that people never forget a kindness, no matter how small.  They also never forget if you don't make the time for them when they need you.  I have my bounderies but I do make time for my clients always, new and old.  It means a lot to them AND to me.  Beautiful post.

Sally, taking time for the little things is always important and duly noted by those you affect.

Sally, "little things do mean a lot," and it's interesting why it sometimes takes years to learn such simple lessons.  It's amazing how many ways we touch others. The great Native American, Chief Seattle, is reported to have said, "All things are connected." I think that explains much.  Our actions, regardless of how small, touch others in ways we cannot imagine. 

Lana: It's all relevant. Key is communication for everything in life and business for sure. I sent you an emai...noticed you were originally from here. :)

 Steven: Daughters sure can put us through a lot but times as that ....make up for all lol!  I do think many miss the point, the boat or whatever you want to call it. Whatever I've learned I apply it to me...whatever works shows from the inside out. It works...I promise!

Lil Bro...yup...those fairies get the best of me...that's for sure :)

Lisa: I'm glad the meaning showed through...Maybe I should have not started it out with my age lol!

Diane: Aww...:)

Bob: We do make a difference. In our profession we take special care with our clients...it's not just a sale...it's a home. It's an important decision. It's the care we put into it...with those small things :)

Carole: I know it means something to others...because it means something to me when a small thing is noticed and a small thing is done. I get tickled to say the least.

Gary: No kidding...little do some realize...those little things ARE noticed.

John: Everything we do...when we interact with others touches them in some way or another. How we affect others may make a difference in theirs ...or our ....lives.

Someone said, make your words kind and sweet in case you have to eat t hem!  Another positive thought that I remind myself from time to time.  Be kinder than you have to be.   

Beverly: I don't mind eating mine :) Kill with kindness.

Small kindnesses make the world go around Sally.  A smile shared while you hold the door for someone, or a compliment on someones looks can make a bad day better.  I love this post.  xxoo

Sally,

Thank you for the inspiring post.  I believe in everything you touched on.  We are finally getting back to "old school" ways of interacting!!  Do what you say you are going to do.  Pretty simple. 

Thanks again Sally,

Tucson Marshall

Hey Marshall: It's all the little things that we can do that make a difference (the positive) in someones life.

Susan: It does Susan...it's the kind thoughts, words and so forth that can change the course of ones day ...for sure.