Smiling at a passer-by. Saying thank you to someone who opens the door for you. Extending a compliment to a stranger. All of these actions, although meaningful, are not tangible. What do I mean by this?
Having worked in customer service for most of my life, I am accustomed to offering a friendly, efficient experience to guests and customers. On many occasions, I would turn their frown upside down (cheesy, but true). I excelled at this; it became my mission to turn a negative into a positive. Many customers, as a result, remember me as the person who kept them loyal when they were prepared to never return. This filled my bucket.
For years I also trained staff and taught English as a second language. Students, after their contract, would often come in to thank me for the impact I had on them — some even giving me cards and gifts — many of which I have to this day. That too, felt good.
Although these special moments live in my memory, they aren't tangible. You can't see or touch a feeling. With art, you can. One of the reasons I love art and to create is because art connects feelings with something tangible that can affect you and others for years - and generations. It can tell a story, share a feeling, and leave a lasting impact like few things can.
There is something to be said about creation. To make something with your hands — whether it's a garden, a delicious meal, or artwork — making something has such a rewarding after-effect. Perhaps this is why people love to share their harvest, dinners, and creations with others. The feeling of knowing you had direct involvement in the creation process is incredibly rewarding. Sharing, making it only that more meaningful.
Sadly, many people do not have the pleasure and privilege of doing just this. They are the unsung heroes who do things that often get overlooked. They are the people behind the scenes who help with technological or medical advancements. They are the ones cleaning the kitchens in our favourite restaurant. They are the ones designing our favourite produts or capturing images of the galaxies. We get to enjoy the fruits of their labour, not knowing who was involved in making it happen or the years invested in the process.
Every single one of us has a role to play on this big spinning rock. Some like to donate millions to get their name on a building, whereas others make changes — often more impactful — without the need for accolades.
It is for those of you who do things that often go unnoticed or unappreciated that I write this — to honour you and your efforts. You may not realize the impact you have on the world, or on those you have touched — but like my student from long ago, there are people who carry something you did with them forever. Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep doing it is that you do. Because while your image may not be cast in bronze, you have left a lasting impact on more people than you may realize in their minds and their hearts.
-Julie
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