How many times have you had an experience that confirms to you that we live in a small world after all? It happens to me several times a year and probably more than that if I was really paying attention. I had an experience recently that, once again, made me realize that the world is much smaller than it often seems.
I’ve been publishing the My Cup of Cocoa blog for a little over a year now and have made contact with people around the world through the blog and connected social media sites. It is amazing to me that my posts have been read from people as far away as India, South Africa, and Australia. Some readers connect to my pieces about quotes or about self-care. Others enjoy my posts about journaling or books. In fact, my top posts in 2017 were mainly about one of these topics.
It was a post about books that started my latest “small world” adventure. A reader, named Maureen Driggs, found a pin on Pinterest that led her to My Cup of Cocoa. I think it was the 15 Books to Teach Kids Gratitude post. Maureen reached out to me via email and told me how much she enjoyed my blog. Maureen is the author of The Marvelous Mrs., a children’s Christmas book that teaches a lot about the power of gratitude. She offered to send me a copy, and I was happy to receive it. I have an ever-growing collection of Christmas books. Maureen’s description of hers sounded like it would be a welcome addition.
I received the book in January. So it was a little late to write about for Christmas, but I love the story. This is a smallish, paperback book that talks about the important jobs Mrs. Claus does to prepare for Christmas. It also reminds us to gives thanks to all the people who make our Christmases special. I like that it acknowledges the little things that are done, often behind the scenes, that make a big difference. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in Christmas stories, children’s books, and gratitude. The illustrations by Karen Anderson Phillips are lovely and sweet with a softness to them.
The book is available on Amazon. The link below will take you to it. Please note, I participate in Amazon Affiliates and may earn a small amount on the sale of this book. See my disclosure page for details.
Here is where the small world part comes in. I gave Maureen my mailing address so she could send me an autographed copy of her book (Thanks again, Maureen). She could have been anywhere in the world, but it turned out she lives less than 25 miles from my home. I have been in her neighborhood more than once. There is a fantastic children’s bookstore not far from her and a lot of other fun shops as well.
It turns out Maureen and I have more in common than geography. We’re both California natives and we both work in an elementary school setting. We both love reading and sharing our love of books with children. Unlike me, Maureen is also very musical. In fact, she is an elementary school music teacher by day and a musical theater/choir director and piano/voice teacher in her “spare” time. She recently wrote an original musical, “The Delicious Secret”, which was performed in Santa Clara, California. I haven’t met Maureen in person yet, but I’m hoping to get the chance soon.
Smaller World, Happier World
What I really love about this experience (besides getting a new book for free!) is that when I put something positive out into the world, it was returned to me in a fun and unexpected way. It made me wonder, what do I have in common with my other readers? Maybe there are people out there who aren’t close to me geographically, but are in other meaningful ways.
I believe that when we make connections, we make the world smaller. And when we make the world smaller, it is safer, friendlier, and happier. I also believe that humans have much more in common with one another than our petty differences often lead us to believe.
I wonder what I have in common with the rest of my readers. How are our world’s connected? In what ways do those connections confirm that we really do live in a small world after all?
Do you have a “it really is a small world” story? Share it in the comment section below. And please share using the social media buttons. Thanks for reading!
