(Sunset at the park!)

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~Leo Buscaglia

 
Dear Universe,

I believe in sharing our feelings with others—especially when it can brighten or change someone’s day.

I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I found myself enjoying a pretty summer evening outdoors.

It was an impromptu decision to go to a nearby park, walk around, and maybe grab some dinner off of the food trucks parked there.  As we strolled, selecting food and drinks, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful music surrounding around us.

There, at the park, was a musician playing guitar and singing one favorite tune after another.  I commented that it was like listening to a Pandora station, hand-picked just for me.

We chose a spot on the grass with a perfect view of this one-man-show.  All around us it was obvious how much people were enjoying him.  Now and then someone would walk up and tip him.  Some were recording him on their phones or just snapping pictures to remember the moment later on.  Others made requests.

All the while, the singer smiled, gave thanks and kept on jamming.

And then, during one of the quick pauses he took between songs, a young boy—who couldn’t have been over the age of seven—shouted, “You sing good!”

The singer smiled, had a quick laugh and gave the boy a thank you over a friendly wave.

I was touched by the freedom in which the boy gave his adoration.  He wasn’t afraid to shout it.  But mostly, and more importantly, he wasn’t afraid to share it.

I wish we could all give compliments this freely.  I wish that as soon as the thought strikes us, we wouldn’t hesitate to say it—or even shout it.

We hold back on positivity so much—too much.

Maybe it’s out of a fear to share our thoughts.  Maybe it’s out of a worry as to how we will be received.  Or maybe we are simply too shy to speak what’s on our mind.

Whatever the reason may be, realize no one gains anything when we hold in something good.  Tweet that!

Just as much as I wish we would give our love more freely, I wish we could all warmly accept it when it comes our way, like the singer did.

(Sometimes it can be so damn hard to simply hear, accept and say thank you when we are told something nice—more on this another time!)

I know we can all think of a time when a kindness, a loving thought or an unexpected action changed our day or our lives for the better. And I know we can all think of a time when we shared that same grace with someone else.

It’s a feeling, no matter what end you are on, that leaves a lasting impact.

(Just after I finished writing this post, I saw this sign!)

Today, try to be a giver of a good deed, a kind thought or a genuine compliment.  Don’t overthink it; just say it when it comes to your mind like that young boy did.

Words, when told sincerely, have a way of carving a path straight to our hearts and straight to our souls, where their imprint resides for an eternity.

With Gratitude,

A