The little things mean a lot

Often when I walk the streets of our fine city, I like to spot, observe and make mental notes when I see someone doing something, shall we say... just something “nice.”Many times it is just a little thing, seemingly insignificant. Insignificant in the big picture, yes, but when you stop to think about it, maybe not so much.

These “little things” actually make a huge difference. A quote I heard years ago that has always stuck with me is, “little things are the hinges upon which great things occur.”

Another way to think about it might be in military terms. Think not, Major Problems, or Corporal Crime, Lieutenant Looting, and not even Private Parts-all folks clearly with issues to deal with, but instead let us go to the highest form of the military and welcome in: General Niceties.

Yep, the greatest of honor goes to these people we have seen just doing something nice. Not extraordinary, nothing with extreme bravery, just small things that definitely make a difference when grouped together as one.

Some examples follow, and all are actions seen recently on the sidewalks, streets, stores and restaurants of Chicago.

The person holding the door for a stranger who is not just right behind them- but who they see coming maybe 5 seconds behind them. And still, they stand there waiting to hold the door for them.

The person who looks the waiter in the eye and says thank you when they come around and refill your water glass.

The guy or girl, who sees the Amazon or UPS delivery person with a big load coming into a building and stops what they are doing to hold the door for them as they enter through the double doors.

The person who stops to listen and applauds (maybe even tips!) the street performer, while also happily acknowledging their existence, and appreciation of their talents.

The folks at an outdoor concert who purposely search for a spot where their chairs will not be blocking the view of others behind them.

The person walking at an intersection, who waves a car through for a right turn, before they themselves walk across. Didn’t have to do that. They have the technical right of way-but they did anyway.

The person who says, “no thanks” and makes eye contact with the volunteers on the street passing out information or trying to push their particular product or cause. No one says you have to stop and talk to them- but no one says you can’t at least be a little friendly and acknowledge their existence either.

The person at the grocery store, who while waiting in line with a larger load of groceries, lets the person behind them with just one or two items go in front of them.

The spectator at a sporting event, who has the gall (the much appreciated gall) to walk up to a nearby spectator and tell them to please stop using profane language.

The person who sees someone accidentally drop a clothing item, or something that fell out of their purse, and they chase after that person to let them know they dropped it.

The person crossing the busy city intersection, who says “thank you” as they pass by the policeman or policewoman who is stopping and directing the traffic.

The person who at an art show or street fair, purposely stops by the booth where no one is at, just to start a conversation and help that individual feel part of the event. Even if they are not interested, they take the time to talk and ask about the exhibit.

The person at a restaurant, upon leaving asks to quickly talk to the manager, and when doing so, says they just wanted them to know how good a job their waiter/waitress did. Always making sure to get their name of course.

The person at the grocery store who returns their cart to the cart storage area AND takes another one that was loose nearby-and returns it as well.

….Again, all of the above are actual things observed in recent months, and all, although just simple slight gestures, make a real difference. 

Another way to think about it?

Let General Niceties put Major Problems and the rest of the subordinates in their place.