"I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish
small tasks as if they were great and noble."
- Helen Keller
This quote of Helen Keller's hangs on my bulletin board above my desk; I see it daily and it inspires me in the way I choose to go about my day.
Many years ago I laughingly told my husband that I wanted to write "philanthropist" as my occupation on our income tax return. That was a 'great and noble' goal, indeed! Reality is such that I never will proclaim that to be my occupation, but that doesn't mean I can't accomplish small tasks that make a difference.
My clients deserve my utmost care and attention to the sale or purchase of their property. Choosing to cheerfully give my best to their transaction, large or small, gives it nobility.
I will never endow a symphony hall or a wing of a hospital, but the small task of joining in street clean up days to make my neighborhood more pleasant can be done with a smile.
I cannot end homelessness or hunger in my beloved city, but I can bring Christmas joy to a family or two each year.
I can do the little things for my family, like carrying my daughter's yoga mat up Nob Hill so she can meet me at yoga directly from work. I can support my husband's love of choral music by helping with his group's fundraisers.
I can smile and say hello to strangers I pass walking up the street.
I have come to realize, it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."
Thank you, Paul Henderson, for inspiring us with your September contest on Active Rain. If you haven't yet joined in, you have time before the end of the month. What inspires you?
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