Allison Moore
Little Gestures
When I first agreed to participate in the "This I Believe" series, I wasn't really sure what I was going to write about. Throughout my life, and especially during my four years at Mercyhurst, my belief systems have evolved as I was exposed to new surroundings and new ways of thinking. A few ideas and drafts later, I still found myself searching for the right topic. Little did I know I would find it where I least expected.
Last week, my great aunt passed away from cancer. As I sat there during the funeral mass, I listened to the priest deliver a touching sermon highlighting the amazing aspects of my aunt's life. Pointing to the casket, he posed the question, "What are people going to be saying about us when we get here? In the end, isn't that what life's all about? " He went on to talk about how as humans we often lose sight of the little things in life. We spend our time dreaming of opportunities to make "big impacts," and while being a positive force on a grand scale isn't necessarily a bad thing, we usually neglect the "little impacts" that, in the end, can truly shape the legacy one leaves here on Earth.
In our fast paced, individualistic lives, it is easy to become wrapped up in yourself; it is easy to create your own little self-interested universe where your needs and wants are put above all else. Unfortunately, this is how most people live their lives, and while they may not realize it, our society actually perpetuates and encourages self-absorption. So as I sat there listening to the priest speak I really gave his question serious thought. What will people have to say about me when I'm gone?
Listening to loved ones recall fond memories of my aunt, it became clear that she never neglected the little things. She would never forget a birthday, anniversary, holiday or special occasion. She would go out of her way to ask you how you were doing, make you feel important and, in true Italian form, would never let you leave hungry. With tears welling up in my eyes, I looked around to see all those who would miss her and realized that they were mourning these small gestures. My aunt never cured a disease, ended a war or stopped a famine (although she cooked enough to probably do that). She was a simple beautician and housewife who, through a genuine effort, brought joy to everyone who knew her. Then it hit me: I believe in the power of little gestures.
Throughout my life I've tried to make a positive influence on those around me, but like many others, I have found it is often difficult to take a step back from your own life and problems. But the beauty of little gestures is that one can easily adopt them without having to restructure their entire life. It's as simple as asking someone how they are, smiling at a stranger, sending a card, saying thank you, cheering up a friend, calling your parents or letting someone know you love them. Sure there are big problems in this world that need addressed. But think of the immediate improvements that would come from no longer neglecting the little gestures. So go ahead … after all, how do you want to be remembered?
About Allison Moore
Allison Moore is a senior political science major with a minor in history. In the fall she will begin work on her master's degree in Political Management at George Washington University and hopes to have a career in government. What she loves most about Mercyhurst is the sense of community and belonging facilitated by her peers and its amazing faculty.