The Element of Surprise

Never miss an opportunity to make others happy.
~Author Unknown


Not many things are better than a good surprise.  The way surprises make people feel - special, loved, cared about.  The anticipation leading up to the surprise and the moment the surprise no longer is a surprise; the reaction and the smiles - PRICELESS!

I love making people happy!  So should you :)




Today's Starfish

My mom is my rock.  She is my best friend - the person I turn to for strength, advice, a shoulder to cry and to share a laugh.  She is one of the most important people in my life.  We didn't get to do too much for Mother's Day this year due to prior engagements, so I decided I would surprise her today with something verrrrry special.

My mom grew up on horses.  I love her stories about her horses that she tells.  It is a second nature to her.  She has taken me riding in the past, but I was never a big fan (I was scared!).  To surprise her, I took her horseback riding today.  A few days ago, I told her we were doing something today but I didn't tell her what.  We woke up this morning and I made her an omelet for breakfast and we made our way to Des Moines.  I had her guess on the way to the equestrian park - she did guess riding horses (because I told her to wear jeans and tennis shoes) but she couldn't believe we were actually doing it!  It was a perfect day and a perfect surprise for someone I love very very much.

R-E-A-C-T (R-E-S-P-E-C-T)

A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
~Dave Barry

I am kind of seeing a theme here in my last few posts.  Reactions.  React - Respect.  React with Respect!!!!!!! :)

Last week, I talked about driving.  About people who get mad at the car in front of them for not using their turning signal.  Or the person who flips you off as the whiz past you.  What's the point?  It just causes bad feelings for YOU, the person who gets angry.

Actually, what's really the point of getting angry at a stranger in the first place?  Like when you are at the grocery store and the person doesn't move out of your way and all you want is can of green beans.  What's the point of tapping your foot or rolling your eyes?  It just causes a negative reaction.  Say "excuse me," or simply wait until they are finished :)  Not only will this make the other person respond in a more postive way (instead of leaving the aisle thinking you are a complete jerk), but you will feel better as well!  Give it a try :)

My challenge for you:  Next time you feel like getting angry at a store, or on the phone or at a restaurant.... take a deep breath and think of a more positive way to find a solution to the problem.  Getting angry doesn't solve anything. And you might just make someone's day by reacting in a way that doesn't escalate the problem :)


Today's Starfish

Today, my mom informed me that it is "waitress day."  Now, I am a little unsure of this since it isn't on the calender....but I am going with it ;)  Thanks Mom!! 
I was a server for quite some time and I know how it feels to be treated horribly and also I know how it feels to be recognized for my hard work. So... I have a soft spot for servers :) I went out to dinner tonight with a friend.  We had an awesome waitress, so I left her a 40% tip :)  I hope I made her day!

Beep Beep

"Why give in to rudeness, when you can fight back with kindness."

-Donna A. Favors

One of the main places I notice where people could be a tad nicer, is on the roads.  Maybe I notice this because I drive like a grandma and people get annoyed with me.  But how many times have you noticed that the guy who passed you like a maniac a few miles back is again right next to you again at the stop light?  It doesn't REALLY help anyone to drive like a crazy person.  And what does yelling in your car or honking your horn or flipping the person next to you off accomplish?  A negative attitude!!!!!

Just a few things to think about tomorrow while you are driving to work :)



Today's Starfish

Even though I am a very cautious driver who doesn't speed or pass anyone (HAHA) I do sometimes notice myself getting angry at other drivers or wanting to just pull out or get in front of someone because I am in a hurry.

For today's starfish, I decided to be very kind and courteous on the road.  I waved the person who arrived at the four way stop to go before me; I gave up a close parking spot for someone else when I went to pick up my lunch; and I let a few extra people out of the parking lot before me after work.

One of my favorite "good deeds" is giving up a close parking spot.  See below for some reasons as to why you don't need to park so close and why you should save it for someone else :)

10 Reasons Why You Don't Need a Close Parking Spot

1.  You are healthy and able and should feel blessed you have two working legs.

2.  You need to work on your model strut.

3.  Someone else could really use that spot (an older person or a mom with 3 kids in tow).

4.  It's a beautiful day!  You want to soak up the sunshine.

5.  You need to break in those new heels you just bought a couple days ago.

6.  You need the exercise because you didn't make it to the gym.

7.  You feel good giving the spot to the person who arrived just after you.

8.  The longer you wait to get inside the mall, the less time you can spend there....the more money you save!! ;)

9.  No one is going to be sitting there while you are putting your bags in your car waiting for you to leave.

10. A few extra steps isn't really going to cut into your day as much as you may think.

The Way You Make Me Feel

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-Maya Angelou

How true is that quote? 

Generally, when I think of someone in my life now or in my past, I don't think about things they said to me or things I remember them doing.  I think of how they made me feel.  Was I comfortable around them?  What kind of vibe did they give out?  Were they caring and kind?  Did they give off a warm feeling?  I think it is important to be concious of our feelings and how they truly affect our lives.  Feelings can outweigh words and actions.  A feeling is something that sticks with you.  Good or bad.  And when you see that person or something reminds you of that person, that feeling comes back. 

Today's Starfish

A lot of you know I took a 10 week class at my church called Alpha.  I was blessed to be placed in a group of women that really blended well together.  I was the youngest one (by about 10 years!) but every single person made a difference in our group.  We were able to really open up about our struggles and our faith.  A feeling was created in our group.  Words and actions played a part, yes.  But the feeling stuck.  A feeling of trust. 

Alpha has been over for quite some time now and I haven't seen these O-Mazing women since!  They have all really been on my mind lately so for today's starfish I decided to send them all an email to let them know I was thinking of them.  A very good friend of mine shared a verse from the Bible with me last night that made me think of these special women and I wanted to share it with them, and you.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25

 

 

One last thing...I went golfing tonight with my friend Will and he brought me a Starfish since today is Monday!  I was very touched :)  (except he kicked my butt golfing!!)