We're stressed, no two ways about it. It's that frazzling, frustrating, teeth-gritting time of the year when pressure builds in our heads like corn ready to POP. Even Hussies feel the pain - there's no escaping the fact that this season of Joy is occasionally peppered with a large dusting of angst.So here's my suggestion for surviving not only Mondays, but every day throughout the holidays. Give the most valuable gift of all to yourself and everyone you meet.
Give your heart!!!
By this, I mean practicing random acts of kindness, making someone smile and getting that snuggly feeling that tells you you done good!!! Case in point? Saturday I was shopping for a new pillow with my Hubby. Next to us was a woman with a full cart and a weary expression. I rummaged through the pillows and found a "firm" one, looked at the price - and gasped. Thinking hubby was behind me, I said "Ohmigod. A hundred twenty bucks for a pillow? This had better come with George Clooney and a back rub for that kind of money!" Of course, hubby had moved and I was talking to the other woman. Who looked at me, then smiled, then started to laugh. REALLY laugh. She held her sides and we both laughed together. Finally she took a breath and said "Lord, that's the best laugh I've had all month."
I felt wonderful. I'd made someone laugh and forget the stress for a bit. She gave ME a gift and I'd like to pass it on. Let that old lady have that parking space. You can still walk a block to the mall. Help that mom with two small kids, a stroller and a bunch of shopping bags. Let that woman go first at the register - she's somebody's mom. And doing something nice - well the payback is amazing. A smile, a sigh, a laugh, a thankyou... these are gifts that don't need wrapping, pricing or fancy ribbons, and they're gifts that are never returned or exchanged.
Every now and again, it's good to remember what Christmas is all about. Giving doesn't mean a gift in a fancy package or something with a huge price tag. It means a whole lot more. So go make someone smile today by doing something unexpectedly nice. It'll make them happy, make you feel wonderful and maybe the whole idea will catch on. Wouldn't that be great?
6 comments:
This is such a hectic time of year, it's easy to get caught up in it all. Thanks for the reminder.
120$ a pillow. George Clooney, a back rub AND a good bottle of wine.
And unexpected acts of kindness are the best ones.
Cheers!
Very good advice for this time of year and any time of year. And unexpected act of kindness is a beautiful thing.
And did that pillow come with Clooney and a backub? *g*
Pay it forward! If only more people would do that. I love doing things like walking along the street and putting change into parking meters which are expired before the meter maid comes around to write tickets.
Great posting, Sahara!
BRAVO!! I'm with you, sister. Like Nic said - pay it forward (still on my top five fav movies, by the way).
I'd love for everyone on the planet to read this post because this message is the true spirit of the holidays.
My hat's off to you, Sahara. Thanks for reminding us that gifts of the heart are the best gifts of all.
There is such a surge of energy whenever I do this. And that good feeling lasts and gains momentum with each following act.
Great topic, Sahara.
Post a Comment