“It Was Nothing” Really Matters
“Perhaps there is only one person’s voice lacking for peace to come to the world.” ― Joseph Jaworski from the book Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership
I have written previously of the drawer where I keep cards, letters, and pictures that have been given to me over the years from patients, students, residents and colleagues. When I’m feeling the need to be reminded as to whether this incredible but also demanding and emotionally draining work makes a difference – whether it “matters,” I go through that drawer and pick out a few to read.
As wonderful as those reminders can be, I have found myself recently wondering about the impact of the work I am presently doing. It often feels so small in the big scheme of things. Is it truly making a difference? Does it really matter? Amid my ponderings, this week I received a surprise and timely gift in the form of a note from a colleague who has now participated in 2 different leadership programs for which I served as faculty, separated by 14 years. The most recent program ended a few weeks ago.
In her note (edited, abridged, and shared with permission), she writes: “I recall meeting you at the Chief Residents conference in 2009. At the time I was unfortunately too intimidated and overwhelmed to absorb much wisdom. Thus, I’m thankful to have learned so much from you throughout this year – a year in which I was ready and eager to grow …. I wish my developing “growth mindset” could go back to 2009 and gently nudge my then ‘fixed mindset’, teaching her that vulnerability isn’t weakness and imperfection is a gift. Alas, I can’t go back. Instead, I’m choosing to go forward with expanded perspectives. Thank you for the life-changing experience!”
As my heart expanded in reading her validating and encouraging words, I was reminded of a story I first read many years ago in the book Synchronicity by Joseph Jaworski regarding the potential for seemingly inconsequential contributions to have great “impact” in the world. This story is a particularly timely reminder given current events. It goes like this:
“Tell me the weight of a snowflake,” a coal-mouse asked a wild dove. “Nothing more than nothing,” was the reply. “In that case I must tell you a marvelous story,” the coal-mouse said. “I sat on a fir branch close to the trunk when it began to snow. Not heavily, not in a raging blizzard – no, just like in a dream, without any violence at all. Since I didn’t have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was exactly 3,471,952. When the next snowflake dropped onto the branch–nothing more than nothing — as you say — the branch broke off.” Having said that, the coal-mouse flew away. The dove, an authority on peace, thought about the story for a while. Finally, she said to herself, “Perhaps there is only one person’s voice lacking for peace to come to the world.”
Remember, just because you don’t see the result of your actions doesn’t mean it didn’t matter. So be intentional and care-full in how you show up today. It is likely to matter greatly to someone, even if you never know. And while you are at it, think about all the times that others have positively impacted you through their words or actions and did not know it. It is likely to matter greatly to them to hear about it. I think there is a note or two I may need to write this week. How about you...?