SPRING into Kindness

"Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate."

--Albert Schweitzer                                                 

Oh, Spring :)  Ever notice how weather really does affect people's moods?  When the sun is shining, people just seem to be happier.   The days are getting longer - the sun stays out longer, there is a warm breeze and you can smell the scent of spring in the air. 

This analogy might be pushing it a little... but could we compare how people feel with weather to how people feel after experiencing an act of kindess (or doing one)?  Let's try it :) 

Day in and day out, the weather is the same.  Windy, snowy, cold.  You have to let your car run for awhile before driving, put on your mittens and hat and scrape your windows in the morning.  Shove on your snow boots, winter coat, make sure you leave extra early because of icy conditions.  And on and on and on. 

And how do you feel when you finally have that nice, warm day you have been waiting for?  FANTASTIC!!!! Bring on the flip flops and sunglasses!!!!!

Day in and day out, everyday is the same.  Wake up, go to work, go to meetings, go to the gym, come home, go to sleep. Repeat.  Ever feel like your life is just on repeat?  Same everything, everyday.  Kind of like winter.  Drab, dreary, cold.

But how do you feel when something exciting breaks up the monotony of your day to day life?  When someone buys your Starbucks, or you receive a card in the mail or have a genuine conversation with a friend?  Or someone gives you the closer parking spot at the mall?  FANTASTIC right!!!? 

Kindness thaws the heart, just like Spring thaws the ice.  I love my Mondays. They really warm my heart.

Today's Starfish

Since today was 70+ degrees and the sun was shining when I got out of bed and we just had daylight savings so everyone is a little "off," I decided to do something that goes along with the theme of Spring. 

For those of you who know my mom, you know she is just the most amazing woman.  She has the biggest heart, strongest will, and kindest smile.  She is my best friend.  I would not be anywhere near the woman I am today without her!!!  I sent her a nice spring flower bouquet this afternoon, knowing she would be home and confused when the delivery truck came!  I was just waiting for that text from her saying she got them :)  And she was so excited to get them that she posted a picture on her facebook page. (Way to go Mom!!)

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

--James Matthew Barrie