“Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.” ~Albert Schweitzer

Dear Universe,

Sometimes we all just need a little pick me up.

For the most part, I’ve discovered it doesn’t take much to turn a bad day around—especially if I’m doing it for someone else.  Sometimes the tiniest of acts can make the biggest of differences.  Maybe it’s a cup of coffee, a special treat, a listening ear, a hug.  Or maybe it’s just some kind words.

And maybe it’s just some kind words stuck on a sticky note.

Last semester a student came up to me after class.  She wanted to show me a note her friend had given her.  I can’t remember the message, but I remember the sentiment.  It was an inspiring quote that meant so much to my student she decided to keep it and carry it with her.

But here was the unusual thing.  It wasn’t a handwritten note!  My student explained her friend had bought a sticky pad with all sorts of inspirational messages and she was leaving them wherever she could for whomever she could—family, friends, strangers.

I loved it!  My student laughed at my reaction.  “That’s why I am showing you!”  Together we googled for a moment.  I wanted to see where I could buy these notes, so I too could sprinkle some good cheer.

I realized that I could always just make my own, but that wasn’t the point!  I wanted to know more about this genius idea!  I typed, I clicked, I looked, but my searching led nowhere.

But as the saying goes, it’s always when you least expect it, when you’re no longer looking, that you find what it is you were looking for.  And last week, that’s exactly what happened.

I went to a store to buy a friend a small gift and found….

Inspirational sticky notes!

Except!  Except these were even better!  Universe, you always manage to deliver beyond my imagination—when I allow you too!

These notes were colorful, artistic and fun!  And without even thinking twice, I bought them!

I have yet to do a delivery, but I will.

So watch out world!  You may just find a surprise from me.

Sometimes we all just need a little pick me up.  And usually it doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day.  So do something small.  Make a call, give some love or just leave a caring note.

Be someone’s “instant flame” that ignites a spark of hope.

You never know.  Your simple act may replace the thoughts of what was causing them distress in the first place and maybe that’s the moment or message they end up carrying with them instead.

How amazing is that?

Much Gratitude,

A