“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Charles Dickens
Today is YOUR day to reach out. I promise you won’t be disappointed and the person(s) you help won’t be either. And maybe, just maybe they’ll reach out and extend a hand to someone else in return to pay it forward as well in an expanding circle of ripples.
“If you make it a habit not to blame others, you will feel the growth of the ability to love in your soul, and you will see the growth of goodness in your life.”
— Leo Tolstoy
Take control of your responsibilities and challenges. Make it your choice today; from this point forward – it really does feels good from the inside out. Try it on for size today. Wrap your arms around it. Make it your goal today and for the rest of this month to see the best in yourself and be responsible for your actions. If you make a mistake, take ownership of it. It’s really okay. Reset. Take a breath and start over from there.
Let’s keep it simple. Journal the next two weeks. Notice the changes. Come back and visit this entry….and answer the following:
There’s a change in your stature, what have you personally noticed?
Personal relationships shift – family, friends, and colleagues – are you noticing a change in any of these since you’ve taken a stance? Have you been keeping a journal of any of these?
How does this new responsibility feel?
What have you learned?
Your GREATNESS is growing!
Universe Today
“In the external scheme of things, shining moments are as brief as the twinkling of an eye, yet such twinklings are what eternity is made of — moments when we human beings can say “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” “I forgive you,” “I’m grateful for you.” That’s what eternity is made of: invisible imperishable good stuff.” Fred Rogers
These are the exquisite moments that exist every day. Hundreds of moments, maybe thousands of moments often overlooked because we’re too busy, hurried, harried or occupied. These are our “teaching” moments with our children. A “loving or sharing” moment with our spouse.
Sharing a Recognition of Greatness with a family member or even a stranger can often make the difference in their day for good or bad. Often these statements only take a mere five to ten seconds of your time and if you really want to get wordy, 30 seconds of your time by adding on values and traits you want to see that person exhibiting or admire in that person. For an example of this, see this blog. Wouldn’t you have loved to be on the receiving end of Howard’s recognition?
Next time you’re out and about, take a few seconds to say thanks for a job well done in a very specific way. Not just “thank you” or “good job.”
Don’t miss an opportunity for a “twinkling” today – share one with your loved ones
“Never forget the 9 most important words in a family:
“I love you.”
You are beautiful.”
“I am sorry”. H Jackson Brown Jr.
These are important keys to creating and solidifying relationships. Our large family is spread across several states and time zones. Our schedules don’t often jive and it’s hard to get together even for a phone call. I treasure those times when we do join for a family dinner in a home or at a restaurant, gather around a phone for a few minutes to “catch up” on the news – or even better with technology being what it is, using Skype® to conference with the kids, the folks, brothers and sisters.
While texting seems to be a great way to get messages back and forth — it seems to lose something. I really do like some “face” time and seeing who I am talking to and seeing how the grand-kids are growing and changing from week to week or month to month. We really do need to visit more frequently — HINT HINT!
And one more thing, I still treasure, is the old fashioned card or letter — although I don’t write many, I still enjoy sending a beautiful card and letter filled with a handwritten sentiment – and I hope the recipient enjoys the same.
florencegrisworld.com
“… The future is an empty canvas or a blank sheet of paper, and if you have the courage of your own thought and your own observation, you can make of it what you will. ” Lewis Lapham
Where and what are you going to do with your blank canvas today? Will you fill it with bright colors, pastels? Or muted, earthy tones? Will come back and add layer upon layer as go throughout the day?
You are the artist, the author. It is your choice. This is truly your canvas to fill or leave blank. What will you choose?
“Your presence and unique style makes an enormous difference in the
world. Raise your gifts for all to see, as an inspiration to others to
be all they can be. Your authentic life inspires others to soar.”
Soulseeds
Take a look at this short clip. Do you see the gifts of greatness in each of these two teens? Do you feel the teacher might have been inspired in pairing these two together? Did the teacher see their gifts and how they complimented each other? AND how they might give back to each other even more greatness and build even more inner wealth in each other?
What gifts can you share today?
“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed
to help you discover who you are.” Bernice Johnson Reagon
It sure can be uncomfortable, and unnerving yet — that “fear” you feel can be just that nudge you need, that extra bit of “fuel” to get you out of the comfort zone. Use it to move you forward. Let those challenges also be part of your “education” and then share your experiences with others so they may not have to go down those same pathways.
Change is inevitable in this journey of greatness. Clear the path you want to take — discover where you want to go and take the that next step forward. Honor the person you want to be! BE YOU! Stand in YOUR GREATNESS – and while you’re doing that, keep moving forward.
“The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.” Mark Twain
It’s not always easy on a gloomy day to find a lot to be cheery about. But I love to remember the scene in Singing in the Rain where Gene Kelly is dancing in the rain. And it reminds me of the many walks I have taken in the rain and the joy I found walking and jumping in puddles — maybe not the ones I brought home with sopping wet clothes… but I thought about things I could do and worked through things and often felt a whole lot better by the time my “walk” was done — and then a plan was usually hatched as well. I know was usually smiling by the time I walked through the door at home again.
I have learned over the years if you choose to lose yourself in the service in others and you can’t help but find a smile on your face and the faces of those you serve. Your heart will definitely grow in the process. Remember it doesn’t have to be something big — or even cost a lot of money if you’re strapped for cash. Often, it’s those “gifts” from your heart that make the greatest difference.
Take a few minutes to watch the clip. Be sure to notice the last few seconds of the video clip – what do you notice? Did you see it? As many times as I’ve watched this movie before, how many times has that act of kindness escaped my view? It won’t again! There was a new rainbow born in the movie for me this week. How about you?
Happy Spring!
“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided,
but for the feeling that you cherished them.” Richard L. Evans
While it may seem important to keep up with the Jones’ and get the latest and greatest in technology or style — the greatest gift you can give your child is a treasured, nurturing relationship. It’s never too late. Start today.
“Kindness gives birth to kindness.”
This thought and many such acts of gracious kindness have been repeated over and over by many, throughout the ages – there goes that rippling again! Simplistic? Yes. It’s simple to do. The more we give away, the more we get in return. I truly believe that and I truly have been the recipient — maybe not in monetary gain, but in so many other ways.
Give a little more, stand a little taller, and more will come your way… as paraphrased from a song by Nancy Hanson and Sam Payne. You definitely will be better for it. Think of those who paved the way for us with their generosity, courage, and other gifts – and without them, we would not have the gifts we have today.
Give a gift, large or small today. Pay it forward — be it a smile to a stranger, a hug, a donation to your favorite charity, some time at your child’s school, or an organization of your choosing. Just do it and let the ripples begin….. be the difference today and every day. Make it happen.
Greatitudes 