Tags
Love, MCS, multiple chemical sensitivities, New Year Resolution, say thank you, speak up, spirituality, start a conversation
The holiday season is upon us.
I have 23 days left to go before the end of my New Year’s Resolution. I have written a lot of words on this blog. Sarah (Blog AngloSaxonCeltCreates) commented that I should go back through my old posts and reread them. I have started to do so. In fact, my last few posts of the year will be snippets from each of those posts. Some of my posts were sad — some uplifting — some close to snarky. The thing with putting my words out into the global community is I can only hope that people realize I wrote what I wrote from a place of authenticity at THAT MOMENT. This year of blogging every day has changed me.
The first that I realized is yes, I knew going in, what I write here or in a book is pretty much a forever thing. This year of posting has raised my awareness of what I say in person — that those words are forever too. It is certainly up to the other person if they interpret my words as uplifting or destructive. It is my responsibility to say words with the most authenticity and compassion I can.
I would offer as a suggestion that each of us spend at least as much time contemplating and spreading words of love as we spend selecting presents and planning what to wear to the yearly holiday parties.
Please help me add to this list:
Say the words I’m sorry or I forgive you to someone who deserves to hear them.
Wish sales clerks and grocery check out people and secretaries and sanitation works and anybody else who has a job that involves dealing with “crap” all day — a happy day,
Speak to the person standing in line with you and ask them the best part of their day.
Sit down to dinner with your family and talk.
Invite people over to your house who don’t know each other.
Greet your neighbors and learn about them.
Call that friend you’ve been meaning to but have been too busy to make the call.
Especially sit down and speak to a person you’ve been avoiding because you meant to be there for them in their time of need and now so much time has slipped by you feel guilty. It is never too late to offer kindness.
Speak up for what is right even it is not the popular stance.
Tell someone you despise– one nice thing about themselves.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful and kind and smart. If you don’t believe those works keep doing it until you do.
Even if you’ve thanked someone for doing something nice for you — if it is an ongoing thing keep thanking them.
Do all of these things without expecting anything in return. Let us know how this worked for you.
For example: I went in the library to pick up my complimentary book that I had contributed to. I complimented the librarian that the library was fragrance-free as was she. This shifted the mood. I had walked in as they opened and she was a bit harried having to find my copy. This compliment shifted her stress. It also opened up the conversation. We spoke about our contributions to the book. And then we spoke about MCS — that she knew of someone else who got severe headaches from perfume but didn’t know there was name for it. And then another person joined in. He mentioned his deodorant — was that a good kind? It was what I use. And then he showed me an article he had just read about Dr. Bronner’s company — also products I use. By the end of the conversation the gentlemen was suggesting I give a workshop on the topic. All because I said thank you for something the person didn’t even know she was being appreciated for.
How many authentic uplifting things can you say in a day?
Love,
Colleen
(Please note I made no money for any products mentioned)
and drop a present at your neighbors door, let them think santa exists, fine post, thanks for your posts, most uplifting, blessings
Surprise presents are the best. Great thought.
the mystery of Christmas, the joy of giving, blessings
I think sometimes especially this time of year people get into the giving and forget the joy part. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the mention. 🙂
I read about a great idea on another blog (if I remember where, I’ll post a link) but I’ve been too chicken to try it yet. The blogger suggested wearing a Santa hat when you go out this season to remind yourself to be charitable and kind. She’s been doing this for a few years, and she says that it also brings you smiles/conversations you wouldn’t otherwise have had. 😀
Sounds like fun and it would keep your head warm. Send me a picture when you give it a go.
You put a big smile on my face with your words today ❤
IT IS HARD FOR ME TO BELIEVE YOUR YEAR IS ALMOST UP— ON BLOGGING ABOUT LOVE– YOU HAVE SHARED AWESOME INFORMATION— & I WOULD SAY YOUR BLOG POSTS HAVE BEEN LIKE A GOOD BOOK– YOU DIDN’T WANT TO END!!!! THANKS COLLEEN!!!! — GARY & I TRY ALL YEAR LONG TO TRY TO HELP PEOPLE WHEN WE CAN– EITHER WITH A CHECK WHEN WE CAN– OR HELPING THEM IN WHAT EVER WAYS WE CAN— YA CAN’T OUT GIVE GOD— & GOD HAS BLESSED US IN SO MANY WAYS!!!– TODAY WE HAD STOPPED AT THE RECYCLE BINS & I HAD STUFF TO DONATE AT THE THRIFT STORE– & THERE WAS A LITTLE BOY ABOUT 6 YRS OLD– STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORE– TALKING TO EVERYONE HE SAW– BUT NO ONE WAS ANSWERING HIM– WHEN I WALKED CLOSE TO HIM– HE SAID HI— & I SAID– WELL HELLO — HOW ARE YOU– HOW IS YOUR DAY— & 15 MINUTES LATER WHEN GARY CAME LOOKING FOR ME– THIS KIND YOUNG MAN & I WERE STILL TALKING!!! 🙂 THIS YOUNG MAN– MADE MY DAY!!! 🙂 YESTERDAY I WAS IN A STORE & A LITTLE GIRL WAS IN A CART & WAS YELLING HELLO– TO EVERYONE– & NO ONE WAS TALKING TO HER— WHEN I GOT WITH IN HER HEARING RANGE– i STOOD UP ON MY TIP TOES– TO WAVE AT HER OVER THE CROWD– & YELLED —– HEY— HELLO TO YOU TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE FELL OVER IN THE CART GIGGLING!!!!! 🙂 I LOVED IT!!!!
You so made my day with these stories. How can we have time to send 60 texts in a day and not have time to say hi to a child. Bless you — you kept their little hearts open for sure. I love the quote: “ya can’t out give God.” ❤ It's going to be weird not to blog every day but I have some other books to finish. It's been a fun year. Thanks for not missing any of the journey.
Sonda, I love your “I don’t care what other people think” attitude. You made that little girl’s day. I bet you also made a lot of other people smile too.
THANKS STEPHANIE— I PROBABLY SHOULD CARE A LITTLE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK– 🙂
As long as you’re speaking from your heart that’s what matters. ❤
Why? As long as you are not doing anything indecent, obnoxious, or illegal, then just keep on doing 🙂
Perfectly said.
Colleen, your posts make me think. It is good to have to think when I feel like my brain has turned to mush 🙂
You remind all of us how a few kind words can make such a difference. I have seen stressed workers who suddenly smile and relax when you let them know that you recognize that their job can sometimes be difficult. When someone knows you appreciate (rather than criticize) the work they are doing, they are much more willing to help.
I just watched a TED talk that by 2030 most of the top industrialized countries will have a shortage of workers and a big chasm of having the skills they need. According to the guy reporting it will involve many people migrating to different countries. When they interviewed people willing to move they said their number one need at a job was being appreciated. I hope more bosses and co-workers appreciate people today — it will make for more world peace.
Pingback: Day 344 In the Pursuit of Love (Appreciation and World Peace) | Life in the City with a Future