08 Dec This Blog Was Supposed to Be About Self Care. Instead, it’s About Being Selfless
I had planned to write a great blog post about staying stress-free and keeping your spirits up throughout the holiday season. It was going to include a list of self care practices. It was going to include time management tips and other great ways to keep it together at this time of year. I was preoccupied, organizing my thoughts for the post on the way to pick up some yummy Sunday morning bagels.
And there he was. Lying cold and alone on the steps of the church under a blanket that struggled to shield him from the cold. He had a small milk crate protecting his meager belongings.
That was heartbreak #1.
I bought him some orange juice and a bagel sandwich. When I set down the breakfast on his milk crate, his eyes popped open, wide with alarm.
That was heartbreak #2.
I reassured him with a smile and told him to enjoy his fresh-out-of-the-oven bagel sandwich. It wasn’t so much the immediate smile which spread across his face as much as it was the look of relief in his eyes to have someone caring about him.
That was heartbreak #3.
His endless chorus of “Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!” is still ringing in my ears and his heart wrenching smile is emblazoned in my mind. That is what hit me so hard this morning.
So this post is about the opposite of self care (although that is important too!). It’s about being selfless.
Please everyone, especially in this time-of-crazy, of madness all around us, be kind. Be giving.
If all of us do just one act of kindness today, volunteer, feed someone in need, sit down and offer compassion to someone who has fallen on hard times, maybe, just maybe we can collectively turn this staggering tide of hate and fear that separates us into a tidal wave of love that unites us.
Remember, actions speak louder than words.
So start today with those around you. A stranger. Whomever. It doesn’t matter – just commit to practicing acts of giving and acts of kindness.
If you need some inspiration and direction, here’s a list of awesome websites that provide opportunities to give from your heart.
Please share this post with everyone you know and maybe, just maybe together we’ll make the world a better place.
Thank you!
Vivienne
No Comments