by Kim
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
- Albert Schweitzer
We've all been there. That place that starts with an idea, or a passion for something.
And if you don't think too long or too hard, you just may start that thing you've been thinking about doing.
Like painting, or learning how to play an instrument, or becoming a photographer. Maybe you've dreamed of being a chef, or a dancer, or a writer. Maybe it was when you were younger, or maybe it's right now.
Maybe you picked up the brush, or guitar, or took that camera out of the bag, but you found yourself feeling unsure and were lacking confidence. You felt the doubt creep in and the spark of your passion turned into a smoldering ember.
But then someone saw something in those brush strokes. They heard something in the chords that struck their soul, and they saw emotion captured in a photograph that moved them.
Only they didn't keep it to themselves, and a spark was rekindled.
Last week I picked up my little book by Fred Rogers called "The World According to Mister Rogers," and came across this quote . . .
"Imagine what our real neighborhoods would look like if each of us offered,
as a matter of course, just a kind word to another person. There have been
so many stories about the lack of courtesy, the impatience of today's world,
road rage. Sometimes all it takes is one kind word to nourish another person.
Think of the ripple effect that can be created when we nourish someone.
One kind empathetic word has a wonderful way of turning into many."
- Fred Rogers
Yes, because good thoughts mean nothing unless turned into words, and they simply multiply when shared.
November is the month that we so outwardly show our gratitude, and it is our monthly focus here at Focusing on Life. But I have a challenge for all of us. Along with our own daily gratitude and thankfulness let's BE the reason for someone else's gratitude. All too often we think nice things, but fail to share them with the very people who just may need that spark to relight the flame within them.
It might just be as simple as letting the person who made your Subway sandwich know that it was the best one you have ever had!
With gratitude,
Kim
19 comments:
Such a beautiful post and so true. It's something that is with me each day at my job because I see a great many lonely people, sick people, suffering people. Never underestimate what a smile or a kind word can mean. The way we treat each other in this world, every action, small and large, creates the world we live in. Every single action.
Bravo on this, Kim.
Pam
Yes yes yes Kim! I've had this happen to me. That one person said just the right thing at just the right time and pushed me through! I absolutely love the quote you used here - it is one of my faves. Another favorite is this - "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." On one level or another we all have struggles. To reiterate what Pam said, above..."Bravo Kim!"
Oh, Kim, this post is just so perfect for our theme this month! I'm sure we've all had the experience of having someone say something nice to us and how it lifts us up and makes us want to pass it on. As Mr. Rogers said, "One kind empathetic word has a wonderful way of turning into many." So true. Just think, if everyone who reads this today goes out and shares those nice things they are thinking with someone else, and then those people do the same, and so on, there will be so much more happiness in the world than if they remained quiet. I join you in your challenge to be the reason for someone else's gratitude. Not as easy as just being grateful -- but, oh, so rewarding!
Beautiful! I truly believe that this is how we're meant to live: helping, caring, loving one another ... even people we don't know. It's not always easy, is it? But when we make the effort ... even if we don't really 'feel' like it ... the joy is two-fold: for the recipient of our kindness and for ourselves. Yes, I've been on the giving and receiving end and both are a blessing. Wonderful challenge, Kim, and my brain is cranking into gear for FOL ideas ...! {And, oh! Don't you miss Mister Rogers? I used to watch him with my daughter everyday. A big regret that I have is that he's not here for my granddaughter.}
Kim, you have such a beautiful way with words! So uplifting, encouraging and heartfelt! Thank you for taking the time to post such a wonderful message!
Kim,
Such a beautiful post and a wonderful reminder at how far kindness goes. Thank you for the reminder!
So true. We need to start to spread the kindness, one word at a time. Great post!
Lovely…and I can certainly rise to that challenge! :) Wonderful post!
This is very inspirational Kim. Being the giver is also very rewarding. A great post and a great challenge!
Hermoso post, me encantaron tus palabras y la cita del libro. Estoy de acuerdo en la importancia de la gratitud y de un simple gesto de amabilidad. A veces, pequeñas cosas pueden marcar grandes diferencias.
Un fuerte abrazo.
Wonderful post Kim. It made me reflect... a lot. I take pride at work as a Respiratory Therapist taking care of scared patients having a hard time to breathe. I do testing and I exercise them to increase their quality of their life. They are always so thankful and it feels great. YET... have I thank those who serve me? At the grocery store, at the post office? I tried to always be pleasant but do I ask them about their day? Sometimes but not enough.
I am thankful for so much in my life. It is time I let all know how much I appreciate them helping me
Awesome, inspiring words here. And that photo is glorious!
So so true Kim. It seems the people here in blogging land get it-now we need the rest of the world to catch on.
I love your challenge kim, and just today did something that I had fun doing, and I know will be a very unexpected "surprise". A great challenge!
I couldn't agree more with you Kim. In fact, I just want to holler: "Right on, sister!" How's that for showing my age? LOL
I was raised to say "thank you", "please", "you're welcome". I ride my kid's behinds when they respond to someone "no problem" - it's just not the same as "you're welcome". I understand in a society that becomes more and more consumed with urban/metro/hip phrases (guilty myself), common courtesies suffer.
Challenge accepted. And Kim, your bokeh is dreamy with this image. :)
You've inspired me! I'm going to accept your challenge, too! You've also triggered thoughts of who has rekindled the flame for me. So many. I'm going to take time to remember them with gratitude.
Your title says it all…so true, so true! Thank you for this important reminder of how our actions can be such an integral part of another's day. Today, I hope to 'be that spark' that turns the corners of someones mouth…up! Way up! xoxo ~ susan
Fantastic post, Kim, and a great reminder.
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