“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
-Maya Angelo
So often we become absorbed in our schedules, checklists, and every day tasks. I’d like to pose a question: how many minutes would it take you to stop reading this post, phone a loved one or friend, to simply to hear how they’ve been? What I mean is, you are the listener!
In the song “Cheer Up Charlie” from the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, Charlie’s mother sings of making his troubles go away and blow away. What if you could do the same for someone else with just one act of kindness a day looking for nothing in return?
The quote above is multi-faceted. If you know of someone who is going through a difficult time, instead of being a bystander reach out in some form of communication. People want to be heard. Some nod and listen, but how many listen intentionally?
My husband and I, when we go to dinner, we put away our phones. When we eat as a family? No devices. Why? To facilitate conversation. We ask one another about how our days unfolded, was school/work easy/hard? Additionally, I try to offer some form of praise to every person at the table. I ask my son questions if he gives short answers. (My daughter usually has much to contribute).
If you but put into practice just one thing, well, you just made your own sunshine-be generous though and share it, as you smile at the stranger and those you love.
Wonderful Whirlwind 