
A dear friend of mine – Denis Hernon – used to say to me,
“Damien, can you leave that which is essential and attend to what is important?”
In the midst of life’s challenges – can we choose small ‘one steps’ that make a difference? Can we choose small ‘one steps’ that leave this world a better place, that invite another to smile, that build up, that create, that build bridges, that break down walls, that calm racing hearts, the en-courage, that ally fears, that build trust …..and all without expecting anything in return? Can we? Why not?
What would happen to me and within me if I managed to do half of the litany I have written below? Here’s my 100+! What would be in yours?
Smile
Gift someone with a smile – no strings attached
Smile when you stuff up – who cares!
Plant a tree
Tend a garden
Walk in the woods
Stop and really listen to that bird song
Admire a flower
Check in with a fragile friend
More importantly – spend time with that friend
Really look at the beauty of a flower
Go walking with a friend
Plant a flower garden
Phone a long lost friend
Write a letter to someone you need to say ‘sorry’ to
Write a letter to someone you need to thank
Express your love in the smallest of things
Set the alarm and rise early – greet the first glimpse of the new day
Look up at the stars
Write a poem – who cares if no one ever reads it – write from your heart
Dance when no one is watching you
Dance when someone is watching you – just dance
Pray
Forgive self (one tiny little step at a time)
Forgive another (one tiny little step at a time)
Let go of hurt (one tiny little step at a time)
Let go of anger (one tiny little step at a time)
Listen – really listen to the heart of another
Listen – and expect nothing in return
Listen to the sound of rain on the roof
Listen for the sound of birds in the dawn
Re-watch your favourite movie
Bake your favourite cake
Bake a cake
Greet a stranger – the response does not matter
Snuggle up tight to a loved one
Say thank you – you don’t need a reason
Look at the name tag – call the shop assistant by name
Pick up that litter
Deliberately notice the small things – look and look again at the people around you, gift them and honour them as your eyes Namaste

Take the phone off the hook – or put the mobile on silent
Waste time with another
Visit an elderly family member
Sit in silence with another
Share a joke
Record an elderly family member’s story
Just do that Random Act of Kindness – RAK
Take a risk with love
Reach out
Go within
Meditate
Spoil yourself
Spoil another
Tick off a bucket list item
Cook a creative meal
Bake scones
Be lovingly silly
Hug
Teach someone to truly hug
Tickle someone you love
Hold hands
Brush off the cobwebs on the dancing shoes
Savour a glass of wine – do it with a friend
Host a meal with friends
Go walking at sunset – enjoy a twilight
Read THAT book
Listen to your favourite sonata
Go out on a date – your age does not matter
Be romantic
Be spontaneous
Journal
Tell the people of your heart that you love them – and if necessary – use words
Teach yourself a new skill – learn a new skill
Volunteer your time
Be kind to the Earth
Slow down – take your time doing something you love
Take a bath – enjoy a leisurely shower
Sit in silence
Text a friend your favourite line from your favourite movie or poem
“Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Olive
I just did it!!!!
Gift that special book that you no longer need to another – no reason, just do it
Be kind to yourself
Dress up when you next ‘hit the town’
Be kind to your body
Accept a hug
Challenge injustice
Spend time with a baby or the elderly – enjoy the presence of both
Wander in nature
Build a sandcastle
Write a letter to the editor in defence of the powerless
Take a random photo that shows the beauty of nature
Attend a rally for a cause close to your heart
Attend a vigil – light a candle
Begin a new family ritual
Begin a tradition of story telling
Spoil yourself with the long lost art of saying ‘no’ when you really need to
Do a crossword with an elderly neighbour
Give a shoulder a squeeze or ruffle some hair
Face a fear
Do something that scares you but whispers ‘yes’ to your crazy spirit
Be grateful
Make a list of all the things you are grateful for – stop when your heart has got the message
Look closely at the beauty around you – appreciate your eyes
Listen deeply to the sounds of life – appreciate your hearing
Touch gently the face of a loved one
Walk tall
Walk with courage
Attend to what is important
March to your own drum
Break bread
Take this journey – like all journeys – one step at a time
Make your own list! Set out on the adventure of doing some of them if not many of them and write a book about your journey to a better world for all!
Champion
Is Denis the br Denis
You are very inspirational
Stumppy doing well
Be blessed
Signum Fedai