There’s a little saying that most people are familiar with that goes something like this: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” In a certain context, I can completely agree with the sentiment. Don’t get so hung up and bothered by meaningless little things that don’t really matter in the long-term scheme of things. However, I’d like to put forth the equally valid proposition that you really should sweat the small stuff. Let me give you a recent example. There were a few guys sitting at a table having a normal conversation. I noticed one of the wives came over and looked in her husband’s cup and saw that his drink was almost empty. She took it, went and got a refill and put it back on the table for him. There was no acknowledgement whatsoever for what she had done. Not a simple “thanks”, nod, wink or anything. He definitely saw her do it, yet he didn’t have the simple courtesy to say thanks. It wasn’t any big inconvenience on the wife’s part – just a simple gesture of affection/caring. This is the little stuff that you should be sweating. I don’t think there was any underlying expectation of the deed on her part. However, I can’t help but think that these little things will eventually build up and become the “big” stuff down the road.
I think we could all learn to be a little more appreciative of our friends and loved ones. I’m certainly no saint in this regard and could improve some myself. I think I’ve let some things slide over the years until they became bigger than they needed to be. I’m still a work in progress – hopefully I’ll get better. I do have a lot of things to be appreciative about. First and foremost, there’s my family. I’ve got the best wife and daughter – this year has really proven that to me. I’ve got some great friends and relatives, too. We’re all healthy and hope to stay that way. We’re all looking forward to a great 2010.
Happy New Year everyone!
