For example, you meet and talk with someone, you chant for someone’s happiness, or you write a postcard or letter to someone. Perhaps someone you arranged to meet didn’t show up, but you continue to stay in touch and meet with them again and again. These may seem like small things, and you may sometimes feel you’re not getting anywhere. But when you look back later, you’ll see that none of your efforts were wasted.

From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 238