Hey there, Sunshine!
While contemplating what to write about this week, I heard “kindness matters” which got me thinking about all of the people that have made a difference in my life. Throughout the years there have been soooo many kind words, gestures and sentiments that have been bestowed upon me by colleagues, loved ones and strangers alike. In fact, there have been so many that I could probably write a whole book (or maybe even a whole series) on the kindness I have received.
This got me thinking about all of the negative experiences I have also had and I noticed something … there have been many more kind and loving experiences, but for some reason, my magic, magnifying mind seems to gravitate to focusing on the bullies and their malicious words and deeds.
Why is that? Why is that we tend to focus on the negative rather than the good? Some would say it’s the human condition, others might say that that’s just the way it is.
I say it’s a choice.
We get to choose. We get to show how we show up. We get to choose how we respond. We get to choose where we focus our energy.
AND… We get to choose how we show up … regardless of how others respond to us. We don’t do it to seek their approval or to receive some sort of validation, we do it because it brings joy. We do it because it is our true nature. We do it because it is who we are.
WE GET TO CHOOSE…
AND I CHOOSE KINDNESS.
This reminds me of the “Starfish Story” by Loren Eisley. Have you ever heard that one? It’s about a young boy who is walking upon the beach that has hundreds of stranded starfish strewn upon the shore…
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,
“I made a difference to that one.”
Consider for a moment what you could do to brighten someone’s day today. Perhaps it’s a kind word through a phone call or email, perhaps you could help someone with a daunting task, perhaps you just hold the door and smile at those passing by. You might even consider performing a random act of kindness. Leave someone some flowers, or candy or a gift card without letting them know it was you. Write a note of appreciation. The possibilities are endless.
As for yourself, consider focusing on the kindness given to you by others today. Focus on the little things as well as the big. Allow yourself to receive from others with a grateful heart. Who knows?! You may even feel inspired to write yourself a note of appreciation. 😉 After all, whatever we put our attention on grows.
Whatever you choose to do, choose kindness, my friends.
IT MATTERS.
