THE VERY ACT OF KINDNESS

To me, there is nothing more deflating than not be listened to.

Taking the time to share your heart, your ideas, your views, whatever it may be and having it fall on deaf ears.  I realize that I am guilty of this as well. Talking incessantly and forgetting that someone else may need an opportunity to be a part of the conversation.

One of the greatest gifts each one of us has to give is the art of listening. I mean, really listening.  Not being distracted but rather being in the moment with someone, whether it be your kids, your partner, your clients, your friends.   For me, I know that I have built the best and most trusted relationships in my life and my work from being one who genuinely wants to listen.  To understand the cares, concerns and the dreams of others.

These are the opportunities that we miss. The opportunities to make a difference in someone's life. The only cost to do this is time.

Who are you willing to sit with today?

It is often what we don't say that makes the biggest impact.

RECIPROCAL JOY

The little things really do matter.  When I think about joy, I think about those moments in my life where even a smile is accepted as a special and meaningful exchange.  Here is a moment in my life while in Liberia, Africa, enjoying these sweet, sweet children and boy did we ever share in moments of joy.

Even though you may have a mission that is wide and far reaching, never forget that it takes many moments and experiences to get you to that final point.

AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE

Serving others is just what I have been raised to do.  Caring for others and taking the time to show them including your the giving of your time, your ability to listen, your effort in assisting or helping in some way .. well the list is endless of what you could do.

The more important part to this, is having the mindset that it is not beneath you to serve others but rather a privilege and an honour that has been given to you to do it well.

Perhaps you are in a career in social services or health care and you are burned out. Remember the reason why you went into your chosen field in the first place. Maybe you work for a not for profit and are tired from not feeling valued or respected. Just think of the outcome that you are making.. even if you can't see it now, you are planting seeds for someone else to water.

If you are dealing with childcare and elder care at the same time, it is exhausting I know, but when the time is gone and you look back, will you be thankful you had that time?  Most likely.  If you are in a church and have an opportunity to serve others, do you take the gift that is being offered to you or pass it off for someone else to do because it is viewed as a chore?

Change your mindset, recommit to the most important job of all.
Loving others as you would like to be loved yourself.

SHOW PEOPLE YOU CARE

"Reach out when you have the chance and love with a big open heart." Gerry Hornung

Challenge to my friends - Show people you care.
Making an effort to keep in touch with those that you care about is so important. I have lived in many places and have learned that making an effort to stay connected is not easy for most. 

Pick up the phone today and surprise someone. You might just make their day and yours...and create a lasting memory.

#restinpeaceunclegerry