I am not going to say anything new on the blog today but maybe, just maybe, it will reach someone who needs to read just exactly these words. I’ve been thinking a great deal lately about life and how I am living it. There has been so much going on lately that really has had the ability to take its toll on me but fortunately I have not allowed that to happen. I have spent the past few days with family on a fabulous vacation. If you know me at all, you know that anytime I am with any of my family I am in my happy spot. Add a beach and it is even better. Today I am going to share a few of the things that I have taken to heart recently.
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Take the time to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Take the time to just be. Take the time to be there for others. Take the time to soak up the moment. Just. Take. The. Time.
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Sometimes it is a sacrifice to be a friend. To be available. But it is almost always worth it even if it means making a trip to be with that person. This applies to friends as well as well as family. I didn’t make a trip to see my sister last year for a special time together and I am putting it on the calendar this year. Make the trip. Sacrifice what you can to be available when you are needed. It is the best gift you can give.
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My Lenten discipline to write 40 notes is always a great lesson for me in sharing myself with someone. I can not tell you how many times someone has responded that a certain note I wrote and sent arrived just at the right time. If I listen to that “urging” I am allowing myself to be used to bolster someone else just when they need it.
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Not a letter writer? Make a call. You just never know when someone needs to hear your voice, your encouragement, your wisdom and your love. Just do it. Make the call when someone comes to mind.
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Listening is such an important skill and it can be practiced and learned over time. Sometimes the willingness to just listen to someone can turn around an entire day. Engaging with that person is a way to share your love with them and allow them to feel that what they say is important. There are so many lonely people out there who are just starved to have someone listen to them. I truly try to be open to that and keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities to share with someone who just needs a kind word and a listening ear.
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Finally, be kind. Just be kind. It does not take much to practice kindness. Just open a door. Smile at the clerk. Compliment a neighbor on their hair or their outfit or anything. There are a million ways to practice Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) and most take absolutely no money. Look for opportunities to just be nice. It will turn your day around.
So nothing earth shattering or new here today but common sense thoughts that can help guide your day. Make it a priority to encourage and each out to others. Maintain relationships and nurture them with love and kindness. I guarantee your life will be much fuller as a result.
