Affect Someone

Do you ever have moments when you feel as though you just can't win?  You're defeated at every turn and just want to fast forward to bed time.  Then out of nowhere, someone says or does the most priceless thing that makes you smile.  That person, having no idea how much their actions or words mean, can change your entire day.  They may not erase all of the negatives, but instead remind you that it's often not all that important.

I have amazing friends from various states in this country.  We don't get the opportunity to talk on a regular basis and I'm lucky to see some them every few years.  Yet when we do have a conversation or get to visit, we pick up as though we saw each other yesterday.  I have a handful of fantastic local friends that make me laugh and smile whenever I see them too.  To have these people in my life means I'm blessed with truly incredible friendships.

A number of these special people have brightened my day without even knowing that I needed it.  With an email, a letter, a photo, a quick phone call, a post on Facebook, or just stopping in to say hi.  It brings tears to my eyes thinking of moments when I have needed a reminder that I am loved and cared about and my friends were there.  Without having any idea of what happened in my day or what was happening in my life at that time, they gave me a little pick me up.

It's moments like these that help me remember there are much bigger things in life than my bad day.  God is in control and He has blessed me with beautiful relationships and friendships!

Maybe you will be the person who turns someone's day around.  Remember how easily you can affect your friends, co-workers, family, or even a complete stranger.  Kindness matters.

Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?  

A True Short Story

Today I bring you a true short story.  

I hope it makes you smile and warms your heart, as it did mine the day it occurred.

Once upon a time there were two young brothers.  These smart young grade schoolers were enjoying a day at the Magic Kingdom with their mom and dad.  While strolling through the many shops on Main Street U.S.A., they came along a plastic Mickey Mouse gift card that had seemingly lost it's owner.  Spotting this tiny treasure, worth an undetermined amount of money, these youthful gentleman were instantly animated.  While many other may have pocketed such an item, the lads did nothing of the sort.  Their exclamations were for one purpose only... returning this prize to the person who would most certainly be upset to find it missing.  With nobody in the vicinity visibly searching for what had been misplaced, they turned the gift card in to the nearest WDW cast member.  After a sincere thank you and compliment about being, "such good thoughtful boys," the family was on it's way once more.  As the parents glanced towards each other, they knew without an exchange of words, that they had two amazing young boys to be proud of.  Not once did these children think greedily.   Instead, their actions showed great maturity and honor... especially for the ages of 5 and 7.  May they always carry this kindness and responsibility with them.

Have your children (or any child) ever inspired you?  Have they done something that absolutely knocked your socks off?  Do you have a heart warming story to share on this Monday?

Don't forget to check out Diane Estrella's blog all week for great giveaways!  Tomorrow Diane will be featuring me, so check it out!  Happy Monday!