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Terry Freedman's avatar

Good post, Sharron. You know, there's a Jewish proverb: The work is not for you to complete, but neither are you free to not take part in it.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Terry. I've never heard that. Makes sense to me.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yes. It means that you can’t use the excuse “What difference can little ole me make?” to justify not doing anything.

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Linda Brown's avatar

Excellent ideas on helping even just one person, great piece.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank. you, Linda.

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Beautifully written Sharron and truth is in every word. Unfortunately, kindness is missing or at the very least in short supply, so often times in this world we find ourselves in. It gifts the person receiving it but also the person giving it. You have a big, wonderful heart, darlin'. - Jim

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You are a very generous man, Mr. Wilsky. Thank you.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

As always, your posts resonate with me because they have the universal quality of generosity without necessity for return. This morning, I had just finished registering to listen to and thesis for people who are foreigners in this country. This is something I do because those people are speaking a non-native language and trying their best to do all of the things that are sustainable and help others in their own countries. The first time I did it, I was skeptical. The next time I was totally committed and now I do this every year and you help, with your postings to motivate!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh, good. Thank you for sharing this with me, Jill. I am glad you found it meaningful.

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Wade Terry's avatar

Wonderful thought. Motivating. Rewarding. I’ll put a smile on someone’s face today.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Good plan! It really doesn't take much, does it?

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James Ron's avatar

Timely, indeed, Sharron! If we are inclined to help in any given situation, we'll find a way.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes, we will! Thank you, Ron.

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Heather Brebaugh's avatar

Beautiful and thoughtful, Sharron. Thank you for this.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Heather! How nice to hear from you! I hope you are well, my friend. I'd love to know what you are doing these days.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Practical suggestions, Sharron, and insight. You always do a magnificent job of coordinating photos and music with the subject matter. I find that if I can let go of thoughts about me and my life, I am more sensitive to the needs of others and more willing to offer help.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You are on to something, Ken. It is surprising how our own troubles are eased when we turn outward and attempt to ease the troubles of others. Why don't we remember that more often?

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C J O'Hare's avatar

Beautiful - if only we could clone you Sharron!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Eeeks! No, Conor. One of me is definitely enough. Trust me.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

So, there's a lot a person can do to make a difference. Good piece.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks for reading this post, Sue. It was a bit long, but it seemed timely, especially in California right now.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

It was indeed timely. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with being timely, isn't, as the old world order collapses ... again. Such stories can give us hope, though, as we struggle with our feelings of helplessness.

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Terri Gabriell's avatar

Great Thoughts Sharron. A beautiful post and I hope we all take it to heart. Thank you!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Terri, so much.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Very good Sharron. Kindness is catching. As you said, so many people are starting the new year with utter loss and catastrophe. My heart goes out to those affected by the fires.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

👍🏻🩷

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Justin Deming's avatar

This is beautifully written, Sharron. It is so sad that people seem to forget how easy it is to be kind. Small acts of kindness are, in my mind, the most impactful.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

YOU, my friend, are one of the kindest people I have ever met. Or should I say "never" met! Well, you know what I mean.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

Beautiful Sharron. I believe each one must create a chain of good will.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I like your metaphor of the chain. We are all linked, aren't we? Thanks for your kind comments, Yael.

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Richbee's avatar

The fish story: woman making a difference to one at a time. But got to think. What if they were grunion fish laying their eggs at high tide?

I have not heard anything about this fish and catching them to eat. Is there still a grunion run?

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Good question, Richard. I have not heard of a grunion run in a long time - though I know we have had them here in our bay before. There is also a phenomenon where millions of sardines enter our small craft harbor and immediately die. I have witnessed this several times but do not know the science of it.

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Richbee's avatar

That’s perhaps food for seagulls unless poison plankton got to them. The world is troubled.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Troubled. And how! We will survive. We always have.

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Richbee's avatar

Endless is fiction dealer word. I’ll wait.

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T. D. Wolf's avatar

That was my thought too!😊

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George P Farrell's avatar

The world can be changed, one small act of kindness at a time.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well, George, I think so too. Thanks for your comment and for subscribing. Welcome to 🌿Leaves!

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