Think It, Do It

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 132

Apr 03, 2025

Hi Take Pen to Paper Readers,

Let me clarify my title, “Think It, Do It” (I’m not encouraging impulsivity just because): When it comes to doing good for others, if you think it, do it.

Twice this week, this concept was brought to my attention. I made a note to write about it as soon as the connection occurred.

Don’t you do that? Make a note about something you want to remember as soon as you think it? A thought will leave you as quickly as it comes to you. So many of my thoughts would be lost to the universe if I didn’t write them down.

In this newsletter:

We let friends fall to the wayside.
One thought can generate one action.
I needed a puppy and a milkshake.

Friends Lost In The Shuffle

I’ve written about this before. Having led a nomadic life, I’ve made friends in many places, but I’m not good at staying in contact.

When I think about reaching out, I go through all the possibilities. Should I call, text, or send a card? What will I say? Is this a good time to contact them?

Then, the big questions surface.

Is this the right phone number or address? Do they want to hear from me? Do they remember who I am? (Our brains are wired to think the negative.)

Do I or don’t I? Then, decision fatigue sets in. There are too many factors to consider, and nothing gets done.

Act In The Moment

I was listening to Gretchen Rubin’s More Happier (at min. 36) podcast when I heard a solution to one of my problems: staying in touch with friends far and wide.

One of the podcast participants recommended that if you think of a friend, that is the moment to text them, call them, or whatever your go-to method is. It doesn’t matter what you say. Your words don’t have to be eloquent; they just have to be your words in the moment. (Listen to the podcast.)

When you see something that makes you think of a friend, snap a picture and send it to them!

Oddly, I do this with family members but not necessarily with others. Why not?

You can make your actions as big or small as the situation allows. The important thing to remember is that acting on the thought is what keeps the connection alive.

Act On Your Thought

I played a part in a perfect example of thinking and immediately taking action. Sadly, it was not me thinking.

The school nurse came into the office to use the copier. She muttered a few mumbles and grumbles, then apologized. “I’m just having a bad day.”

The office clerk asked her if she needed anything to make her feel better. The nurse responded with a smile, “I need my puppy here to pet and snuggle.” We are all aware of her love of animals. Not a volunteer day goes by that she doesn’t ask about my dog.

As soon as she left the office, the clerk asked me, “Would you like to run an errand?”

I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for, but I agreed to do her bidding.

“Drive down to Walgreen’s and buy a stuffed dog, then go to Chick-Fil-A and buy a chocolate shake.”

“What kind of stuffed dog do you want me to buy?” I could feel the possibility of decision-fatigue rearing its head when faced with a wall of small, big-eyed puppies.

I was encouraged by the words that I couldn’t make a bad choice in this situation as long as it had big eyes. This was about lifting someone’s spirit on a bad day.

I set off on my errand. I successfully fought off the questioning that comes with over-thinking which stuffed dog to choose (color, ears, mouth). However, I did pick up each one to see how soft and cuddly it was.

The puppy and milkshake did their jobs. I was happy to play a small role. Everyone involved strengthened their connection and got a little boost of happiness.

Don’t lose your good thoughts to the universe. It’s as easy as taking action as soon as you think it.

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good:

It’s good to act quickly on small, good thoughts. Don’t give yourself time to doubt or lose the thought. ⏱️
It’s hard to go wrong when you act on small, good thoughts. They may lead you to seize opportunities, present a creative solution, or give you a sense of control.
"Give freely of yourself always to your family, your friends, your community, and your country. The world will pay you back many times over." - Sandra Day O'Connor.
We must push ourself to think positively because of our negativity bias.
Why are those big-eyed stuffed animals so popular? The Ty Toy website has the answer here.
And, here is a short history of stuffed animals. 🧸
I am grateful to see and participate in acting on a good thought. Even as adults, we continue to learn from our peers.

Thank you for reading. This week, take action on a good thought.

Until next time,

💚

Susan

Have you ever been the recipient of an action that started with a small, good thought? How did it make you feel? Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts.

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