Our recent trip to Alaska was an eye opener for many reasons, not the least of which was the wonder and vastness that America still has to offer people from the lower 48. It is also still a place of great entrepreneurial spirit and probably opportunity for the hardy who can deal with the challenges of longer, darker colder winters. In the summer, albeit short, is when the opportunity arises for many to show their wares.
For me, in addition to the beauty and solitude of nature, the takeaway was the spirit of the people and the way they are able to do all the little things to make their lives easier, better, but not always simpler. In a wild area like Alaska, not taking care of the little things can bring big disaster in a hurry, and it reminded me to consider the value of doing the little things. This value came forth even more in a New York Times review of the new documentary of Fred Rogers, the longtime host of PBS’ “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” The review talked in glowing terms about how Mr. Rogers used little lessons and characters to subtly storytell big ideas whether it was race relations or personal tragedy. His example of “always looking for the helpers” when disaster struck remains one of the most quoted lines in easing the fears of children and adults when things are darkest, and he is right, the helpers always seem to be there.
Back to Alaska and doing the little things. There were two talks we heard during the trip that really brought to light the value of doing the little things. One was by Iditarod Champion Libby Riddles, who went through all the struggles and unforeseen challenges she went through to flip the sled racing world on its ear and become the first woman to ever win the Iditarod. One of the biggest keys to success? Checking the dogs every day for bits of ice in their paws. It wasn’t about over hydrating or having the sleekest sled. It was about making sure that every little piece of ice was free and clear so her team could perform not just well, but painlessly. The little things like that, and taking the time to prepare, made the difference.
The second example of doing the little things came from a Park Ranger named Nicole Schaub, entitled “Bearanoia.” Nicole described her eight day solo kayaking trip around beautiful Glacier Bay, and all she had to do to frankly, keep from getting herself into trouble by staying focused on the task of well, staying alive. Beautiful waterfalls led to icy whirlpools, sudden rain had food get moldy, open cans left by a friend led to visits from…bears…and solitude even in twilight can play tricks on the mind. A trip of discovery wandering around, even as an experienced kayaker can quickly lead to disaster when the little things, like tying smart knots, are left to chance. However she pointed out that doing the little things, and doing them early and simply, led to an amazing self-discovery and kept her safe, alive and telling her tale. Big country, little things.
Those little things, sometimes thousands of them, go forgotten in a world were sometimes we rush to be the boldest and the loudest. I’m reminded of those little things that are important every time I hear the song “It’s My Job” by Jimmy Buffett, or read a great piece like the one in the New York Post this week on radio engineer Chris Majikowski, who has done his job and hasn’t missed a Mets game in over 25 YEARS. Little things, big results.
I have always been a big believer in the little things, many times they go unnoticed by a large crowd, but they all add up. Sending a handwritten note, saying please and thank you, holding a door, recycling, they are all little things that aren’t bold but can make a big difference.
For all the issues people have with Facebook these days, there are two little things that I do on the platform every day; I look at The Birthdays, and pick off a quick note to some of the folks I know. Especially early in the morning, it’s a nice little touchstone. Then I go to the “Memories” tab and look back over all that has happened in years past on that day; the things you may have forgotten, the people you know, the places you have been. It’s not loud and overstated and boastful, but it gets the mind going and serves as a reminder of where we have been, and who we have been with.
Little things, people and places, from Alaska to the Citifield, they all add up.
