I am such a big believer inGratitudeOver the years it has helped transform my outlook on life.
I practice gratitude daily.
I write my goals for the dayand then make my Gratitude list.
Some days I can feel the Gratitude deeplysome days it feels a little further removed.But on those days when it feels like it's escaping my heartI still write my list because
the practice ofIntentional Gratitudeworks best with consistency.
The more effort I put into finding the magic in my lifethe more magic there is in my life.
At night when I have trouble sleepingI go through my dayand make note of all of the magical momentsand what I did well that day.Trust meit's a much better way to prepare for sleep than entertaining every fear and worry.For me sometimes it feels like such a mentally vulnerable statelaying in bed waiting for sleepI have learned to train my focus on Gratitudeand Prayer.
This past week has been filled with much gratitude.
From huge gratitudesfor my son and his family selling their Texas houseto move back locally.Talk about answered prayers.
I am exceedingly grateful Jeff and I got to see our grandchildrenwhile they were out here visiting SoCal this week.
I am also grateful Jeff and I got to go down to San Diego to help our darling daughter set up for a popup at You and Your'sWorking on projects with her and her husband always fills my heart so full!
I got to meet up with a sweet Instagram followerwho was visiting in San Diego from Philadelphia That always warms my heart!Instagram is such a wonderful community!
Jeff an I were in the area of one of my Mother's favorite restaurantsthe Bali Hai on Shelter Island.Since it was her birthdaywe decided to stop for a tribute cocktail.I can't believe it's been 5 years since she died.
We had a beautiful young waitresswho my heart was telling me needed some encouragement.I sometimes get those intuitive feelings.It often is a whole back and forth in my own headto try to resist saying anythingespecially because she was the kind of beautifulthat you wouldn't think needed reminding.But if I feel it strongly my heart overrides my head.
When she came back to bring us the checkI told her I hope she knows how truly beautiful she is.She took the compliment with a look of surprise and then some happiness crossed her faceand a glow from within seemed to rise up.
I thought it was a lovely moment and was happy that I had given her a kind and loving compliment.
We were preparing to leavewhen she came back to say how much she appreciated the complimentand had really needed to hear that todayand then she began to cry.
I hugged the beautiful young waitresstelling her sometimes life can be hard on us allbut to always remember her own beauty and worth which broughteven harder tears.I gave her a harder hug.
I will never no why this beautiful young women needed that encouragementor why my heart was so touched to make sure she heard itbut that my friendsis a moment that touched My Heart.
We just never know what people are going through.Or how the words of a stranger can be impactful.But trust me they really can.I've been on both sides of that scenarioAnd kind words really do matter.
I remember in I was in high school when it happened to me for the first time.It was a simple hello form someone I admired (a lot)It was just a kind and respectful hello during a time I felt neither of about myself.
The simple hello felt like a bolt of lightening of hopeI knew then and theresomeday I wanted to be able make people feel the same.To reflect back others own goodness and light.
Isn't it ironic how our lives can be influenced by such small momentsthat are etched in our soul forever.I bet Bo will never know how a simple hello could have such a profound and lasting impression.
So I leave you with this message.If you have the opportunity to even smile and say hello. to a strangerDo it!You really don't know who really needs the boost of simple kindness.But I do know we all do at one time or another.So I for one will always go out of my way to be kind.Because I have really needed it so many times in my own life.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy as you style your life
