Say what you may about social media – sometimes it is a wonderful way to share a positive message. Today as I was scrolling Facebook I saw this quote posted by a friend I’ve never met in real life but with whom I share a connection because of our love for those with Down syndrome. Patricia and I have been “friends” on Facebook for a long time and I believe it all stemmed from a shared blog post about our sweet Carlton. So today when I saw this graphic on her timeline, I had to share it on my blog as well.

.

.

Steve Carell gave a commencement address at Northwestern University while receiving an honorary doctorate of the arts. This little snippet from his speech struck me as being so spot on. Kindness is not always in fashion in our world as a whole but in MY world it is ALWAYS appropriate. Today I had four conversations that come to mind where I was able to share kindness in a very natural and genuine way. Were those people changed because of our interaction? Probably not, but I do think that they all walked away with a smile and feeling a little bit lighter. And isn’t that how we all want to feel ? A little lighter and and little bit more positive and filled with joy?

Taking care of one another is such an important thing to do and even if it is a small gesture like making sure someone has an ingredient they need for a recipe or picking up something for a friend while in town to save them a trip — it is important. It’s those little gestures that stay with a person and it is those small gestures that linger on in memory.

I love the sentiment in this quote that it is important to laugh often and cry when necessary. That is some good advice. Ask my husband if I laugh a lot. Just give me a funny animal video and I am hysterical for awhile. Sometimes I think he worries about me when I get on one of my laughing jags but boy –does it ever feel good. The same with crying. Sometimes it is just is the right time to let a few tears out.

So thank you to Steve Carell (and Patricia for sharing it) for these words of wisdom that seem appropriate to share on a Wednesday in June. Take care of one another and share some kindness today.