I think it’s the honesty.
The straightforwardness.
People smile for my camera when they feel happy. Not because Cameras mean smile.
I think it’s the simplicity of their to do lists:
Work the ground. Gather the food. Cook the food. Eat the food. Talk with your family. Talk with your neighbors.
I think it’s the eyes of the people who live there.
And the fact that in them, you can see the universe.
A cockroach scurried across the floor, past the midwives’ feet and under a cabinet.
We were sipping coke lights and talking about their hobbies. Farming and sewing.
Me: Do you guys not try to catch those?
Her: There are so many of them. One won’t make a difference.
And I started thinking about that. Does one make a difference?
Does it?
Habits seem overwhelming sometimes. They seem like this unbreakable pattern. But habits are only a series of individual actions. Every time one is about to do something, one has a choice.
Do I do it or not?
Do I stop now or keep going?
Problems seem overwhelming sometimes. They seem like these insurmountable issues. But problems can often be broken down into smaller, more approachable steps.
Do I take one of those steps? Or do I sit paralyzed?
Does one step even matter?
I like to think that it does. That one step is not only indicative of existing power and courage, but gives birth to power and courage.
Take a step today. Say ‘yes’ when you feel like saying ‘no’. Say ‘no’ when you’re stuck in the habit of saying ‘yes’.
Wash one load of laundry even if you have 4 more to go.
Your whole wardrobe may not be clean but you can wear your newly laundered shirt with pride.
Because you took a step.
And one makes a difference.
Photo from Zambia by Spangshot Photography.
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