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 week with family on vacation and spent probably the best week of vacation that I have had in a very long time. So today I am going to share a few of the things that I have taken to heart recently.
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.
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. As we approach Mother’s Day I have planned a very quick trip to Ohio to see my mom. No, it is definitely not a convenient time or an easy or inexpensive trip to make but it is so worth it. This applies to friends as well. Make the trip. Sacrifice what you can to be available when you are needed. It is the best gift you can give.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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24 Comments
Leave a commentAll great points and worth a reminder. As I have become older (and yes I am a bit older than you) I find I have become more mindful of all of these things. Taking the time and money to see my mom for her 90th birthday at Christmas is something I will never regret. Enjoy your time with your mom on Mother’s Day and give her a hug from me. xo
Do you think we get wiser as we get older? Or that we just have a different perspective? I have always gone the extra mile when it comes to friendships, etc. but recently it has really struck me just how important they are.
I still do some pretty stupid things so I don’t think I have gotten any wiser. LOL But I certainly have a different perspective. I, for one, have stopped sweating the small stuff (for the most part). Friendships have always been and always will be a huge part of my life and I do my utmost to keep in touch no matter where I live. xo
You are a great example of a really good friend. Distance does not need to define a friendship as I have found time and time again. If you make the effort it pays off!
Fantastic! Very important words. So often this is taken for granted. In talking with some friends the other day, we were discussing ways that we can share our perspectives and how that little comment might not mean much to us, but that insight can mean the world to the person who is hearing our words. Great column!
Renee–exactly! I think sometimes the things that we say that “we” think are insignificant end up being the most significant thing to someone else. I know in my own experience that has been the case. Someone has said something or believed in me and I have treasured that for years.
Very nice reminders today, Beth Ann. I’m so glad you’re going to see your Mom this week. Safe travels, my friend!
Thanks, Dianna! I was hoping I could work out a trip to see her and had to squeeze it in between some other obligations but even if it is a short visit it seemed like I really needed to be with her this weekend. So blessed to be able to do what I feel like I need to do —not everyone is able to have the flexibility that I have at this point in my life.
This is so true. As I said to someone yesterday while he was moving some cinder blocks with his young son. He needs to cherish those times because they can gone in a flash!
🙂 I am sure every moment can be cherished in different ways, right? I can imagine that moving cinder blocks ranks high up there on the list of fun things to do!
Not for him! As I tell people that I have no idea what my parents got me for Christmas in 1965. I also know that when I look back at things I wish I would have had more of my late father’s time. I understand why he had to be gone so much. He was a beat cop in a major northern city during the 1960’s and 70’s. It got so bad that I was at football practice one day he pulled up in his squad car one day and of course the instant reaction was something was wrong. He walked up to my coach and said the following ” my son and I live in the same house and I haven’t spoken to him in 6 weeks” Of course neither one of us knew that some 45 years later I would close the lid on his casket.
Wonderful and beautiful words of advice. Thank you for the reminder that even the small things–like a note or call–can mean so much.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I find that it helps me to write stuff like this down so that I can be reminded as well as my readers. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read and comment.
Excellent reminders, Beth Ann! Just the sort of thing we *all* need to be reminded of on a regular basis, too.
Thanks, Debbie. It is really quite simple, isn’t it? The be kind part is easy and free and can make a huge difference.
Thanks Beth Ann, for these great reminds. I am a big fan of just be kind. It takes no extra time, money or energy. That is one of the best gifts you could ever give anyone. So happy you can be with your Mom this Mother’s Day that is so important.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving the kind words, Shirley. I try to practice these myself and it is amazing the difference that it can make. I am very happy to be able to go see my mom this weekend and hope she is happy to see me!
A wonderful reminder!
Thanks, Val. I definitely need reminders to practice this every day.
Thanks for the reminders! A great post.
Thank you so much, Joyce. Common sense really but it bears repeating.
If we all would just do this, imagine how much kinder our world would be? Lovely and meaningful post, my friend.
It’s all pretty simple and I really am aware of being in the moment these days and reaching out when I get that nudge. Sometimes you never get a second chance to make the connection.
[…] to be able to physically be there with her this year and I suspect it is a part of my whole “Take the Time – Make the Time”philosophy. It is important to make those memories even if they are far different memories than I […]