Where are you Christmas??? I love that song in the Grinch movie. To me, it says a lot. The fact that Christmas can tend to be so much about what you got and what you didn't...well, I guess that's the part I've never liked and I refuse to participate it any more.
I love what I do for a living, it has meant for some great conversations and meeting of so many different people. It's through all of these people that I continue to learn and grow as an individual. Part of that is listening to what is important to most, and I must say that I am happy with the shift in what I hear in people. I guess a lot of it could also be that you really do attract what you put out there, so it comes as no surprise that today most people DO warm my heart!
Yes, the commercialism of Christmas has gotten out of hand in today's American Society. The rush to buy buy buy and spend spend spend....we all saw that with Black Friday. Now, I am not condemning any business for trying to make a go in this world, but I want to ask what is it that is important to you. I grew up not liking Christmas once I got into school. I loved the time with family and I honestly couldn't tell you my favorite gift as my memories aren't of things. But I can tell you I didn't like when I returned to school after that Christmas break and was met with the "what did you gets" from friends. As if what someone took the time to purchase and gift to me wasn't good enough. I could not compete with those who had smaller family sizes than I, or parents who made more money than mine...and I was happy with what I had gotten until that moment. It did make me feel like crap and unworthy. Funny how another could control my thoughts like that. Even just a few years ago I hung out with a group that seemed to stress so much on possessions...and I did.not.like.it! It's NOT about things!
We often cave to the expectations of others, of society. A few years ago I made up my mind that I was no longer going to be that person. I wanted to really enjoy the season. Guess what...it happened! I am in love with Christmas again. Yes, I know that the financial strains at this time of year can put great stress on a person, not to say that I don't ever fret about that myself, but I don't let it get in the way of the spirit! I love photo cards, love cookies, love the decorations, love how everyone seems to think of others, yes...that's what makes me happy! Really, a gift under the tree is just an extra.
I was talking with some people the other day and was asked what I was getting my kids for Christmas...I drew a complete blank. Just as with my birthday, we don't need anything. They really haven't complied a list, they really haven't asked for anything and to be honest, they themselves would rather just spend time together than to get something that after a week it gets set aside. In their stockings they do get a new spin toothbrush, usually some gloves, socks and perfume/cologne and chap stick, ya know, the important stuff. Santa, well, he has always brought a little something...such as a school shirt. The gifts from me have been something functional and not too spendy and I usually do a family gift that consists of creating memories, such as a trip at a later date.
You see, we love the baking, the getting together and sharing good food and remember whens. We love doing for others as well; making hot cocoa mix to give to friends, neighbors and the plates of goodies. We also pick a charity of sorts and make our contributions there, whether it's money or helping out. We enjoy opening the mail that isn't a bill or junk and seeing what those we care about have been up to or how the families have grown over the year. We love the silly fun that goes with Christmas, the ugly sweaters, caroling, food, the old ornaments the kids made when there were smaller, the movies...I mean, who cannot laugh at Elf?? Then there are the programs and the gatherings...I mean we should have these types of things all year long!!
I ask that you take this day to reflect, think about what really makes Christmas special to YOU and then BE happy doing just that! IF it is the presents, great; the music, crank it; if it is helping others, wonderful; if it's the food and fellowship, enjoy; decorating a tree or room, awesome!! It's all good and what YOU make of it! Make the most out of this Christmas Season...it IS up to you after all.
Life is good, get on with it, live it LOUD!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Full Heart
Can I say WOW! Yesterday was so much fun, had to be one of the best birthday's ever! First, a big party on my Facebook page that seemed to just go on and on...then to get all the feed back from yesterday's blog was beyond overwhelming, in a GREAT way!
Yes, I was giddy all day. You would have thought I had won the lottery with the way I felt. Maybe in some ways I have, won the lottery of life. Just to be able to do things for others, see the looks on their faces on how just some simple act of pure kindness brought a smile to their face, man, that was wonderful! To engage others to do the same thing, now that was AMAZING!
What were the random acts you ask? Well, I was so happy to get phone calls and text messages from those who did do acts but didn't want to post them as they really didn't want credit for it other than to tell me. I so respect that. Normally I wouldn't post about my random acts either, but did so yesterday to be an example of kindness and to show others how completely simple it really is. To also hear you all get excited about it and complete more than one, and then post them really overwhelmed me with joy and a continued love for life!
On to the acts themselves...I love the story of how a very good friend of mine was in the checkout line at WalMart and a man who appeared to be homeless walked up and asked if someone could purchase the pair of pants he had for him. I mean, how random was that for that man to be right there yesterday??? Yes, she did purchase them for him, to think that someone really just needed a pair of pants, wow! The messages of helping with returning carts or helping others with their carts at the store, giving away coupons for food, helping serve food to those who just needed one free meal that day, bringing baked goods to someone, a young lady donating her NEW bike to Salvation Army. To have spurred that in a young child, well, I am in awe! A sister who helped clean up after her sick brother, sibling love at it's best; those who donated clothing and other items, awesome! Yesterday no act was small. No act ever is. It could be as simple as to just smile at the next person in line. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you never know if your smile is the only one someone will see for that day!
Yes, I completed my own acts and many of you were able to see them through out the day. The two recipients of the flowers that I gave out both said to me "but it's YOUR birthday, why are you giving ME flowers?" Just simply because I wanted to see them smile. Now that is a TRUE gift! Handing out the hot cocoa packets, just fun that was, who doesn't like to receive something? I still wonder if anyone took me up on my envelopes of quarters for a soda at the vending machine, if anyone had good luck with the pennies I dropped and I wonder what someone will do with that dollar in the library book.
Last week I was warmed with the story from yet another good friend of mine. She is a teacher and happened to have taken her students to the cities to volunteer and listen to a lady who opens and runs shelters for homeless...at the end of their time with her, she gave each student $5 to be able to go to McDonald's and told them God just said she should do this for them. Well, bless her generosity because it spurred those students to inturn take that money and go to the store to purchase toys for this lady's homes. Yes, one good deed spurred more and was wonderful to see that work!!!
Now don't stop with yesterday, or when Christmas is over. I love how one person said they want to do this every day, and I know many of you do...keep doing a random act, keep helping, keep being grateful for what you have and for wanting to make another person's day a little bit better. I know each and every one of you will be rewarded ten fold for this...you will find your heart is bigger, your mind less bitter and just simply enjoying a simple act, well, it feels great to feel good!
Thanks again to YOU, you made not only my birthday great, but the day wonderful for others. My heart is full!
Life is good, get on with it, live it LOUD!
Yes, I was giddy all day. You would have thought I had won the lottery with the way I felt. Maybe in some ways I have, won the lottery of life. Just to be able to do things for others, see the looks on their faces on how just some simple act of pure kindness brought a smile to their face, man, that was wonderful! To engage others to do the same thing, now that was AMAZING!
What were the random acts you ask? Well, I was so happy to get phone calls and text messages from those who did do acts but didn't want to post them as they really didn't want credit for it other than to tell me. I so respect that. Normally I wouldn't post about my random acts either, but did so yesterday to be an example of kindness and to show others how completely simple it really is. To also hear you all get excited about it and complete more than one, and then post them really overwhelmed me with joy and a continued love for life!
On to the acts themselves...I love the story of how a very good friend of mine was in the checkout line at WalMart and a man who appeared to be homeless walked up and asked if someone could purchase the pair of pants he had for him. I mean, how random was that for that man to be right there yesterday??? Yes, she did purchase them for him, to think that someone really just needed a pair of pants, wow! The messages of helping with returning carts or helping others with their carts at the store, giving away coupons for food, helping serve food to those who just needed one free meal that day, bringing baked goods to someone, a young lady donating her NEW bike to Salvation Army. To have spurred that in a young child, well, I am in awe! A sister who helped clean up after her sick brother, sibling love at it's best; those who donated clothing and other items, awesome! Yesterday no act was small. No act ever is. It could be as simple as to just smile at the next person in line. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you never know if your smile is the only one someone will see for that day!
Yes, I completed my own acts and many of you were able to see them through out the day. The two recipients of the flowers that I gave out both said to me "but it's YOUR birthday, why are you giving ME flowers?" Just simply because I wanted to see them smile. Now that is a TRUE gift! Handing out the hot cocoa packets, just fun that was, who doesn't like to receive something? I still wonder if anyone took me up on my envelopes of quarters for a soda at the vending machine, if anyone had good luck with the pennies I dropped and I wonder what someone will do with that dollar in the library book.
Last week I was warmed with the story from yet another good friend of mine. She is a teacher and happened to have taken her students to the cities to volunteer and listen to a lady who opens and runs shelters for homeless...at the end of their time with her, she gave each student $5 to be able to go to McDonald's and told them God just said she should do this for them. Well, bless her generosity because it spurred those students to inturn take that money and go to the store to purchase toys for this lady's homes. Yes, one good deed spurred more and was wonderful to see that work!!!
Now don't stop with yesterday, or when Christmas is over. I love how one person said they want to do this every day, and I know many of you do...keep doing a random act, keep helping, keep being grateful for what you have and for wanting to make another person's day a little bit better. I know each and every one of you will be rewarded ten fold for this...you will find your heart is bigger, your mind less bitter and just simply enjoying a simple act, well, it feels great to feel good!
Thanks again to YOU, you made not only my birthday great, but the day wonderful for others. My heart is full!
Life is good, get on with it, live it LOUD!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Random Birthday Acts
YESSSSSSSSSS, it's my birthday....and yes, as some of you know, I do think this is a big deal. No, not for the attention, but for the fact to simply celebrate LIFE!!! I love to celebrate and often don't need an excuse to do so on any given day, but a birthday, and one that's mine...well, others seem to just forgive you for being happy on such a day. I promise, I won't go into the fact that I think it's sad that we need to be forgiven for being happy...that's a whole other day ;)
Last post I mentioned not needing anything for my birthday, that I am already blessed with more than enough. While gifts are great and yes they do make a person feel special, after all, they are the icing on the cake of life...but I honestly do have enough as I stated. So, I have a personal challenge for all of you, that is if you really truly want to think of me today...PUT.OTHERS.FIRST. That's right, to make me happy I would love, love, LOVE it if you all did just ONE random act of kindness and either comment here on what you did or on my facebook page. Today I am 37 and if we could get 37 random acts of kindness done in one day, I would say that would be an amazing birthday! Now, I cannot take full credit for this idea, as I did see it on that evil site, Pinterest, which lead me to a blog to where another gal did this for her 38th birthday. I just really love the idea and really want to share it with YOU! How's that for an interactive blog post?
Now, for those random act of kindness...could be anything. We've all heard of paying for the person behind us at the drive-thru or coffee shoppe, and yes, that would work. But it doesn't have to involve money. Be creative! Did you hold the door open for the several people behind you? Did you return a bunch of wayward carts in the parking lot? Did you ask a mom shopping with her toddlers if you could help her put her groceries in her car? Maybe you went through your closet and took a bag of items to donate, or volunteered to ring the bell at a store. Those are all things we can do any day without it costing us a penny. I know you are all creative thinkers and can come up with some fantastically simple random act of kindness and share it with the world. Now, if I could only capture the looks on the recipients faces and then look of gratification on the giver ;)
Me? I have this big jar of change in my bathroom that the kids and I use every summer at the fair as our treat money, I think I shall raid it and tape some quarters to the pop machine. I may also grab some pennies and spread them about the sidewalk so others can "all the day have good luck". I am also working on a "treat" of sorts for my clients today. I'm not sure at what all else I will be able to do, but I know that by doing these little things it will make ME feel better about the world we live in.
Why is this so important to me you wonder? Well, simple, at the end of the day, I really want to add to someones life, not to take; I just want to know that by my actions, along with YOUR actions, that WE did make life a little better for the people that WE came across throughout the day.
And since it is my birthday and I'd love to share a special give-a-way with ONE lucky reader...I will award one of you with a little treat box, all you have to do is post your random act of kindness. Now go on, go out and do those random acts...maybe even do more than one, and then be sure to post so you can SEE how the day went. Ready....set.....ACT!
Life is good, get on with it, live it LOUD!
Last post I mentioned not needing anything for my birthday, that I am already blessed with more than enough. While gifts are great and yes they do make a person feel special, after all, they are the icing on the cake of life...but I honestly do have enough as I stated. So, I have a personal challenge for all of you, that is if you really truly want to think of me today...PUT.OTHERS.FIRST. That's right, to make me happy I would love, love, LOVE it if you all did just ONE random act of kindness and either comment here on what you did or on my facebook page. Today I am 37 and if we could get 37 random acts of kindness done in one day, I would say that would be an amazing birthday! Now, I cannot take full credit for this idea, as I did see it on that evil site, Pinterest, which lead me to a blog to where another gal did this for her 38th birthday. I just really love the idea and really want to share it with YOU! How's that for an interactive blog post?
Now, for those random act of kindness...could be anything. We've all heard of paying for the person behind us at the drive-thru or coffee shoppe, and yes, that would work. But it doesn't have to involve money. Be creative! Did you hold the door open for the several people behind you? Did you return a bunch of wayward carts in the parking lot? Did you ask a mom shopping with her toddlers if you could help her put her groceries in her car? Maybe you went through your closet and took a bag of items to donate, or volunteered to ring the bell at a store. Those are all things we can do any day without it costing us a penny. I know you are all creative thinkers and can come up with some fantastically simple random act of kindness and share it with the world. Now, if I could only capture the looks on the recipients faces and then look of gratification on the giver ;)
Me? I have this big jar of change in my bathroom that the kids and I use every summer at the fair as our treat money, I think I shall raid it and tape some quarters to the pop machine. I may also grab some pennies and spread them about the sidewalk so others can "all the day have good luck". I am also working on a "treat" of sorts for my clients today. I'm not sure at what all else I will be able to do, but I know that by doing these little things it will make ME feel better about the world we live in.
Why is this so important to me you wonder? Well, simple, at the end of the day, I really want to add to someones life, not to take; I just want to know that by my actions, along with YOUR actions, that WE did make life a little better for the people that WE came across throughout the day.
And since it is my birthday and I'd love to share a special give-a-way with ONE lucky reader...I will award one of you with a little treat box, all you have to do is post your random act of kindness. Now go on, go out and do those random acts...maybe even do more than one, and then be sure to post so you can SEE how the day went. Ready....set.....ACT!
Life is good, get on with it, live it LOUD!
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