So I finally went to the movies to see The Fault in Our Stars. I was wondering how the movie would compare to the book and I was not disappointed. I swore walking in and taking my seat that I would not shed a single tear. That did not exactly turn out to be the case.

We all want to be remembered. We all want to feel important enough to leave a mark on this great big world. We want to know at the end of our life that our existence had meaning and that when we take our final encore at the end of our lives people will stand up and cheer as the curtain drops.

I think most people are defined by something. It may be a job or the number of friends they keep. They may be defined by what they do or dont accomplish. I hope to think it is the little things that sometimes go unnoticed that really define whether we led an important life. The way we live and the way we act changes and influences people around us. Do you make people bitter or do you make people better? For every act of kindness and compassion and encouragement you extend to another gets passed on to yet another and another. It is these subtle actions that slowly and steadily lead to a better and kinder world. They not remember your name and they may not remember your face but you will become a beautiful catalyst in the collective face of kindness.

Any way you look at it, it is hard to think about our own death. It is hard not to examine the years and the moments and fear we wasted our own precious time. In a busy world filled with distracting technology, it is not even out of the question to wonder if the loss of our human presence will even be noticed. Even while we are alive we feel isolated and forgotten. It is so important to do the the little things that matter while we are fortunate to have people here physically in our lives. A phone call, or a moment of your time will mean so much more than your attention and presence at the side of a casket. They won’t feel the touch of your hand then and they won’t feel you standing beside them. That is something we all need a great deal of while we are still alive.

Let this be a gentle reminder to give the most important gift you can to those around you….your time. People know how busy life is so when you take time out of your busy life just for them, that alone will make them feel important and believe they matter. Be kind to the people around you. Love them and offer your attention and you will watch them blossom before your eyes.

Life is tragic any way you look at it. Our stories begin and end the same way. Its what we do in between that makes all the difference. Be present each and every day. Slow down and enjoy the moments. Because in the end, it is not the big things at all, but rather the little ones, that really matter