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The Little Things That Make Life Better

 by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH

There are so many small things that shape our lives—for better and for worse. Today, I want to focus on the little acts of service that other people do that make my life just a bit easier.

You know the saying, “It’s not easy being green?” That’s how I feel most days. This week, I was accidentally caught in two different pictures at my day job. The first was in an Instagram video someone was filming. I walked right through it at the end of the day, carrying my big pink purse, wearing a grey sweater that hit right at the widest part of my hips, and somehow looking 50–60 pounds heavier than I actually am.

I’ve always believed that when someone doesn’t like you, they portray you negatively—even in photos. When someone takes an unflattering picture of me, I call it a hideograph. And that first image was definitely pushing the hideograph scale.

A few days later, we had a team lunch, and again I was caught on camera. But this time, the picture actually looked like me. Then, during an evening out with friends, someone asked me to jump into a photo. I have no idea how that one turned out… and honestly, I decided not to worry, because I can’t control it anyway.

Putting myself out there every day isn't easy. 
Today, I was criticized for my smile. 
I know I have a nice smile, so I shook it off. 

As a business owner and influencer, I spend a significant amount of time worrying about how I appear on social media. People prefer aesthetically pleasing images, and it’s on me to present myself well. Surprisingly, most of the people who have helped me with photos have been men—because women often tell me things like, “Oh, you look fine covering half your face,” or “I didn’t notice that giant stain on your white shirt,” or “That sideways wide-angle shot isn’t that bad.”

I’ve always been self-conscious about photos. I never feel like I look good. I use filters sometimes—just like photographers do—especially when I’m not wearing makeup (which is often) or when the lighting is bad. So I’m incredibly grateful for people who take pictures of me that actually turn out well.

It still surprises me that I’m an influencer with a social media presence. I can hear people now: “How can you talk about walking or health or fitness when you’re not thin?” or “What authority do you have?” Just yesterday, someone told me I couldn’t possibly have trained doctors or nurses. I have a master’s degree in public health. I’ve trained more healthcare professionals than they realize. I’m sorry it’s hard for some people to believe—but that doesn’t make it any less true.

So today, I’m grateful for the people who show me positively—especially in images. That small kindness makes an enormous difference.

10 Services I Am Grateful for Today

  1. The electricity that gives me light, power, and the ability to work.

  2. The workers who maintain the gas lines that heat my home.

  3. Rideshare drivers who get me to and from work safely.

  4. Bartenders who not only serve but are also friendly and kind.

  5. Servers who remember my preferences and make me feel welcome.

  6. The people who hike into remote areas to put up cell towers.

  7. Trash service that keeps my home free of clutter and debris.

  8. Street cleaners keep our roads maintained.

  9. Construction workers who create safe buildings and drivable streets in all kinds of weather.

  10. Customer service workers listen to complaints and compliments all day long.

The Best Thing That Happened Today

I’m grateful I had time this afternoon to take an impromptu nap after my shower. I woke up feeling refreshed and renewed.

10 Things I Am Grateful for Today

  1. Spending time with friends I hadn’t seen in a while this weekend.

  2. Living in a relatively safe town.

  3. My education and the fact that I defied the odds and earned a master’s degree.

  4. My business lets me use my education and experience.

  5. Being taught to value other people, their work, and their experiences.

  6. Friends who text just to say “Good morning.”

  7. I enjoyed the dinner I cooked tonight.

  8. The lights are glowing in my living room.

  9. The blanket I crocheted, and I am snuggling under it now.

  10. Having a job to get up and go to tomorrow.

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