For a few weeks I have been dealing with a very difficult situation… but I have been trying to put my best foot forward and show up as the person I really want to be.
This has not been an easy time… but I have been blessed to find myself supported by friends and family. It’s probably silly to even say this, but I did not know that this support was available. I truly have been brought to tears by the kindness that I’ve been shown.
Perhaps that is why I am always eager to show kindness whenever I am able. We all have troubles… and that is a part of life. The hard part is that others around us are often unaware that we are struggling and therefore don’t show us the kindness we need… or deserve. It’s not that they are uncaring… it’s just that we are all so caught up in our own “stuff” that we aren’t even paying attention.
A few years back, I took a class on Emotional Intelligence. In that course we explored a number of areas where we could be “more present” in our daily lives. Oftentimes, what was required was pretty simple: just notice what is going on around you.
Last week it was my birthday and my daughter, Alexandra, and I walked to Starbucks for my “free” cup of coffee. As Alex sat outside with our dogs, I went in and waited my turn in line. I noticed the young man in front of me appeared to be homeless. As we waited our turn, he took out three dollar bills and straightened them out in his hand. When it was his turn, he ordered a large coffee. The barista told him his total was $2.57 and at that moment, I stepped in and said, “I’ve got this.” The young man turned to me and gave me a huge smile and thanked me. I told him, “It’s my birthday, and I want to treat you.” The smile on his face… and his birthday wishes for me more than made up for the small price I paid.
We all make choices everyday. We can choose to be kind… or not. I ask that you always choose kindness. It might not be easy… but it will be good for your soul. And what could ever be wrong with that?
Pie a Day Give Away 