Friday Inspiration

I spent the week in Salt Lake City at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals spring conference, working with other program directors to share ideas, hear best practices, and get inspired to raise more money for the kids at children's hospitals across the country. I'm always excited to spend time with CMN Hospitals staff, the hundreds of people who feel so passionately about helping children, and this trip gave me a boost to do more and do better for the kids at our hospital. This adaptation of a Mother Theresa quote perfectly encompasses the dedication of my colleagues and peers, as well as of the people who support our efforts. CMN Hospitals' campaigns are often a dollar at a time, meaning that all of the small things that you do - purchasing a Miracle Balloon at Costco or Rite Aid, making a donation on National Pancake Day at IHOP, sponsoring a student through Dance Marathon - add up to the great things that happen at children's hospitals every day, and they're only possible because of the love of people who care.

It is also true in so many other aspects of life. We often worry that the small things don't make a difference or that if we can't do it all that we shouldn't do anything. Through my job, I hear these concerns from potential donors or volunteers on a daily basis, and I have concerns about my own capacity to support causes that I believe in. In my personal life, I worry that I'm a bad friend, daughter, or sister if I can't dedicate a lot of time to my relationships. But this quote reminds me that every touch, compliment, gift, extra hand, or smile makes a difference to the people in our lives, and that it's important to always do what you can. It's okay if our gestures can't be grand because as long as they're genuine, no matter how small the effort seems, the impact can be great. As I always say, it's the little things...

Happy weekend!