I recently went for a walk
up the hill from where I live, which got off to a rocky start because I had an
excuse of not having enough time for it. However, once I got going my
head cleared up and then enjoyed the beautiful nature landscapes around me, while
reminiscing about where I was when I heard an old song playing on my music
application. As I was headed back down, I could see a man walking closer
towards me and as he passed by me, I said good morning and he smiled as he walked
on. The man looked a bit tired and was carrying a large black plastic bag
which I figured had his belongings in it. I then paused a bit and looked
back as I watched him continue walking up that hill and I wished that he had a
blessed day. As I continued on my way home, I contemplated how I was
reluctant to go on this walk and it was all for my own better health.
Unlike the person who walked by me and appeared to be walking out of necessity.
It is a moment like this that always makes me count all of my blessings, no
matter how small I think they may be. All of us can easily forget how
much we have to be thankful for and all it takes is a quick look around our own
surroundings to realize that other people would love to have our life. I
also thought about the devastation occurring in Ukraine and how the people are
being forced out of their homes and country, while travesties are being
committed around them. When I saw a picture of Poland and the train
stations awaiting refugees with several donated strollers placed there for
babies who may need them, it also warmed my heart to think that in the most
difficult times there are people who continue to do good things for others.
I know that the news of the world can be tough to absorb, especially when the
focus is on what is going wrong, however, I hope that you fine tune your
personal filter to what may be going right around you. I believe it is
the only way that we can make some balanced sense of what our lives are filled
with. Also, we must remember the great heart-warming examples such as
those people in Poland and to do good for others, even if it may seem like a
very small effort. Many of us know of folks in or around our inner circle
that could use some help in one way or another. Think about how you could
be a blessing to others and remove yourself as the focal point, even if for
just one day. You will see how quickly that shifting of focus can
brighten up your perspective and almost immediately bring to mind how much good
that is already part of your life. Note that small efforts can add up
quickly and the result at the end of a short time period, can paint a different
picture of what truly is valuable in your life. Hence, when making a list
of your to-do things for the day or as you are planning for the weekend ahead,
add in there one thing that you could do to help someone else.
Perhaps you can randomly pay for someone's cup of coffee at your favorite
beverage place, pick up a tab at a drive through for the person behind you or
donate a small amount of money to a favorite charity/cause. You can
also donate some of your time to something you find meaning in, as it all is so
worth it! As much fun as planned festive events may bring you, I
guarantee that your heart will feel much fuller along with a greater sense of
joy, when you begin to take inventory of all the things that you could do to
make others a priority. I wish you much success in your efforts to
brighten up someone else's day and I trust that your greater sense of joy will
be growing exponentially as a result.
“Spread kindness, caring, and compassion and create your own paradise. Infuse it with joy and you’ve created heaven on earth.”- Amy Leigh Mercree
