February
15, 2014
Today, do
this…
Today it’s
weekend. We are all going in different directions to accomplish everything on
our list or on our minds. Mindless to other people’s lives for a short time,
only mindful of ours. It will all get done (or it won’t), but there’s many things that we can accomplish meanwhile. Jodi Foster once said during an
interview that her mother told her to “always be kind” in life. Out of
so many quotes and suggestions and advice over my years, that one always stays
with me. I think it’s because it’s so easy to do. And to remember. If we wanted
to define it in more words, the only ones I would use to further enhance it
would be to say, “always help.” Help others, help the world, help yourself.
That says so much in so little. Less is always more with me. Unless it has to do
with kindness and helping. Then more is so much more.
So when
you go out today, take your recyclable bags to the grocery store or even
department stores and convenience stores and farmer’s markets. If you don’t
have any, buy them today and use them. If you see someone in the grocery store
parking lot finishing up with a cart, take it over for yourself and bring it
into the store. If you see an upfront parking space and someone else is vying
for the same one, pass it by and park elsewhere. Thirty more steps are good for
you. You’ll be helping yourself and another at the same time.
When your
child wants to show you something before you jump out of the car for yet another
errand, stop and turn around and let them show you, instead of on the run. It’s
a simple moment in time and I promise it won’t be wasted. Before you choose a gift for yet another birthday party, ask yourself if it is a
gift that will make them feel good. Does it smell good (candles, flowers),
taste good (their favorite food), sound good (music) or make good (crafts,
something pretty to look at)? Make it “feel” good.
Another
thing to do today is to think positively throughout your day. I love being a
preschool teacher. I couldn’t list all the reasons here. But a habit you create
within yourself while teaching children is to always be looking for the good. The
positive actions, the kind behaviors and the kind words. You compliment them
all day long on the good things you see them doing. When I leave school, I’m
still doing it subconsciously and consciously. I drive away looking for
blessings. The clear sky yesterday. The trees reaching into it. So when you
have an opportunity to complain about the long lines or the crowded roads, look
around while standing there and look for your blessings. Your cart full of
blessings. Your healthy legs to stand. The fact that you are driving a car and
not waiting at one of the bus stops. The laughter and silliness of your
children while they pass the time. And always be that mom that not only tells
her daughter to “always be kind,” but be the one that shows her how to do it.
The
blessings travel right along with us all day long. See that and be that. All
day long. ~~Katherine A. Rayne~~
www.backtobeingawoman.com
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