Small is Mighty

Never doubt the power of small - small is mighty

Seriously...who decided that bigger is better anyway? They don't speak for me. I mean, it's rare that I'll opt for a single over a double, but the most I ever got out of 'going large' at the drive thru, was GETTING large. I'll tell you more about that in another episode!

Big things come from small beginnings.. Here are some examples of small is mighty;

Recovery

Physical and mental, including addictions. One small action such as confiding in a friend, making a call to the doctor or health services or even just admitting you have a problem and need help. All small acts that can have huge and life-changing outcomes. Small is mighty.

Text Message

One small and mighty text message can change the complexion of your entire day.

When your phone randomly pings for no other reason than to let you know that you are loved, who needs a mariachi band? This is a text from my amazing friend Clair. How lucky am I to have her in my life?

A Few Cells

In 1928 Dr Alexander Fleming returned from a holiday to find mould growing on a Petri dish of bacteria. He noticed that the mould seemed to be preventing the Staphylococcus bacteria in the dish from growing. He went onto identify that the mould produced a chemical that could kill bacteria. He named the substance penicillin.  Small is mighty.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles is an American gymnast. With seven Olympic medals she is the most decorated gymnast in history, and is widely considered the greatest of all time.

This female powerhouse is 142cm. In old money, that's 4 feet 8 inches.

The Splendid Fairywren

Splendid fairywrens live in groups of 2 to 8 individuals and remain in their territory defending it year-round. Helper birds assist in defending the territory and feeding and rearing the young. They are tiny but use a 'threat posture' along with their birdcall to ward away predators.

I wrote this poem in 2019 for a very special work colleague called Tasha, diminutive in size but with the heart of a lioness. Small is mighty.

The Splendid Fairywren

written with love for Natasha.

The Splendid Fairywren looks out from the nest,

Surveying its’ dry shrubland habitat.

A songbird at nature’s behest,

Today she watches. She is listening.

Little ones she guards have not yet found their voice,

‘Stay quiet small ones, for your Mother has flown!

The shrubland is scary but you’re not alone’.

Not alone.

‘Keep your voice still in a world full of noise,

Let the magpies screech and the snakes rattle,

For you must be strong when you enter the battle’.

The Splendid Fairywren looks out from the nest

Where she placed herself quietly without any fuss.

To protect and to nurture, little ones lost,

Such a tiny bird with so large a wing.

But how can you carry others when

You need lifting too, our little blue wren?

The Splendid Fairywren looks out from the nest,

She senses foreboding in the air.

Black hungry eyes, and penetrating beak,

The inevitable predator seeking the weak.

Leaves they tremble when the sound is heard,

Of the shrill magpie trill from the dread Butcherbird.

Fly! Fly! Fly little fairy!

Carry yourself away,

Seek out some quiet cubby

Let him find a different prey.

Hurry little bird, there’s no shame in fleeing,

Before the dark, dreadful shadow envelopes your being.

The Splendid Fairywren glares out from the nest,

grooms her plumage defiantly and puffs out her chest.

The little ones watch, they are learning.

She is ready.

The black Butcherbird swoops noisy and deadly,

With fatal intent and hunger driving him on.

The Splendid Fairywren braces,

fills her lungs,

and floods the air with joyful song.

Fly! Fly! Fly hungry hunter

Carry yourself away,

Seek out someone weaker

Or you’ll not be fed today.

Take with you your anger, it weights you my friend,

And if you can release it, your soul just may mend.

The Splendid Fairywren is hidden amongst the trees,

No peacock parading or strutting hen. She listens, she sees.

Her heart is the bravest when fear remains,

And she musters her strength and sings louder again.

~Jayne Dale.