So many wise words are scattered this time of year.
“Leave spoonfuls of joyfulness for others to find” Jenny Maryl
“It is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.”
Mother Teresa
And as Tiny Tim observed, “God Bless Us, Every One!”
It’s that wonderful time of year when our thoughts turn to others. While giving presents can be fun, sharing our time may be the best gift of all for some folks.
A few of the lines from the poem “Sharing” by Maude Preston might speak to you.
“There isn’t much that I can do, but I can sit an hour with you,
And sometimes share a sorrow, too – as on our way we go.
There isn’t much that I can do, but I can share my hopes with you,
And sometimes come and laugh with you – as on our way we go.
There isn’t much that I can do, but I can share my life with you,
And oftentimes a prayer with you – as on our way we go.”…
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This week we are likely to spend a bit more time thinking about all the wonderful people who make our lives better. You know your favorites, but in case someone has slipped your mind, here are a few others to consider.
*Janitors *Receptionists *Mechanics *Coaches *Nursing assistants *Childcare workers *Construction laborers *DJs *Editors *Fast food cooks *High school principals *Ice cream servers *Snow shovelers *Butchers *Caregivers *Organists *Truck drivers *Pizza makers *Librarians *Bank tellers *Bus drivers
Keep thanks on the tip of your tongue, and you will never miss an opportunity to say THANKS!
In our fast-paced and often stressful lives, it can be easy to forget the power of a simple smile. “A smile is the light in your window that tells others there is a caring, sharing person inside.” These words by Denis Waitley capture the essence of a smile.
It may seem like a small gesture, but it has the power to change someone’s day. You can spread joy in just a moment with an ability that transcends language barriers. Your smile can have a powerful impact on people, making them feel seen and valued.
Celebrate World Kindness Day with a smile!
Those who knew her, described legendary author, Maya Angelo, as a good person, a woman who pushed for justice, education, and equality. She wrote beautiful poetry and was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.
Angelou spent her early years studying dance and drama but dropped out of school at age 14. When she was 16, she became San Francisco’s first female streetcar driver. After returning to high school, she then became a single mother. Later she earned more than 30 honorary degrees.
President Obama remembered Angelou as “a brilliant writer, fierce friend, and a truly phenomenal woman.”
In a CNN 2009 interview (15 years ago), Angelou said :
“Our country needs us all right now to stand up and be counted. We need to try to be great citizens. We are necessary in this country, and we need to give something – that …
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A silver lining to saying goodbye to summer is often when pumpkins and the first golden leaves appear. Instead of lemonade, we might order a spiced latte. While days at the beach are a thing of the past, long drives to “see the colors” create lasting memories.
How to make it an even better season? Sprinkle it with kindness. Pay for the latte of the person behind you in line. See if there’s someone at a nearby living assisted center who would be thrilled to ride along to see the leaves. Candy bars are a rare treat for those who are homeless or live in a shelter. Scatter some kindness in a way you’ve never done before.
Welcome to Autumn!
“This Labor Day, I sincerely want to thank all the laborers who make my life – and the lives of so many others – better. I appreciate your hands and minds, but I love your hearts.”
Jack Uldrich…
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If every single person who has liked you in your lifetime were to light up on a map, it would create the most glitteringly beautiful network you could imagine. Throw in the strangers you’ve been kind to, the people you’ve made laugh, or inspired along the way, and that star-bright web of you would be an impressive site to behold. You’re so much more than you think you are.
You have done so much more than you realize. You’re trailing a bright pathway that you don’t even know about. What a thing. What a thing indeed.
Donna Ashworth, Author & Poet
All day long we do little acts of kindness, but are they perceived as being genuine?
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