We are all here for each other in ways big AND small

Sometimes, the smallest of kind gestures has the ability to make the biggest of impacts. This video speaks to such gestures in a "paying it forward" kind of way. 

As I watch this video, I am again reminded that we are all connected and that we all matter. It shows acts of kindness in their simplest form and how it spreads/grows from one to another. My hope, dear reader, is that after viewing this little flick, you walk away feeling the power within to do a small deed. 

These deeds take little or no effort. 

You can even just start out with giving a stranger a smile. Yep, it's that easy!

Next time you're out and about, keep your eyes and heart open and the opportunity will be sure to present itself. In doing so, you will find the peace of mind within, that you made a bit of difference by planting this seed of kindness.

Stay Open. Stay Kind. Stay Beautiful.

Quotes......

To be full of grace is a most wonderful place to be in your heart.
To take the time to reach out to another.
To give without expectations.
To have peace of mind in knowing that you have made a difference.

Balancing Acts.......

And there has been no more prevalent time in my life for this struggle (within myself) as it has been with my teenagers. It's quite the balancing act, for sure. As a parent you must learn to let them go. Even if it is just bit by bit. Each time you loosen the reigns, they grow a little more. Sometimes, you may find that pulling back is just what's needed, in order for you to then, give them even more leeway. It's a constant dance of back and forth.

I'm still in the midst of this give and take phase. I know my children will thrive and most probably turn out to be fine, but I only hope that I will survive this particular journey.

You see, dear read, I'm quite attached to my children as I'm sure many of you are, and the thought of them not being here with me always, is hard for me to wrap my thoughts around. I know reality will kick in soon enough and the fruits of my child rearing labor will ultimately come to fruition.

And yes, logic tells me that this is what is supposed to happen, and that the Universe will be better off as a whole for it. I guess that last thought is what gives me peace of mind. The knowing that they will be contributing great kindness, love and empathy to all that they encounter, throughout their lives.

And in this, I will know full and true pride.

QUOTES......

"If you want a kinder world, then behave with kindness; if you want peace in the world, make peace within."

~Dan Millman

Compliments given freely and often.........

The gift of a compliment to another may seem as an incidental gesture to you, but could have great impact on the recipient, whether it be stowed upon a loved one or a complete stranger. I find it odd, that for some, giving compliments is not an easy task and that they actually struggle with it (almost to the point of resistance), and for them this is a great shame. When you give out compliments freely, you in turn brighten your own life. You feel as though a little bit of good has been done, for you have put a smile on someone else's face and maybe even a spring in their step. When the opportunity for complimenting someone arises, don't shy away. Instead, preform this act of kindness with a great big smile. Feel free to be complimentary!