Many of my friends are interested enough in their exercise programs to count the distances they walk. Technology has aided them; I see regular updates, direct from their Fitbit activity trackers, on Facebook or Twitter.
We all love aids that assist us to reach our goals, keep track of our progress, or record our productivity. They are handy and help us measure various aspects of our day-to-day lives. I’m keen on lists – those in my head and those written on paper. There’s immense satisfaction to be had from crossing out items, once accomplished.
I’ve been thinking, though. Maybe it’s not enough to measure our busyness. Surely there are other, more important, parts of our lives that should be counted?
What a tough year this has been. So much worry, conflict and sadness. It’s no wonder that small moments and simple gestures make our lives shine.
Who counts the kind words that are spoken to a friend? Does anyone measure the simple smiles and hellos given to strangers in a shop or when we are out walking? The number of times we say ‘thank you’ to people with whom we work? Or the comfort, given freely, offered by a quick hug from someone in our personal bubble?
Do we even observe these actions in our lives? I wonder if the act of counting makes us notice them more. If that’s the case, let’s start tallying all these things.
I’m guessing we’ll realise there simply aren’t enough of these actions in our lives. Don’t you agree there’s always room for more kindness in our world?
My Fitbit died a while ago and my preferred model is no longer available so I no longer track my physical activity but a gratitude journal is one way of recording and acknowledging small kindnesses.
True. It also helps us actively look for the positive things in our lives.