Day 560

The Goldens have been having a "Barkfest" today! Between 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday," we have had a few deliveries at the front door. The brave, intrepid souls who deliver the packages do so day and night (postal workers are included)! We decided to put out a few treats and a thank you note on the front steps to let them know they are appreciated.

After placing the goodies out front, two things came to mind. On my walk with the pups, I began to think of the many individuals who show up for work each day and are never shown any gratitude for their endeavors. By the time we arrived back at The Big White House, I decided there were too many to count. Today, more than ever, I tried to garnish a smile from everyone I met. It didn't take much:

Cashier: "You have a wonderful smile! It makes me happy!" SMILE

Photo Assistant: "What an amazing amount of knowledge you have! I am so impressed!" SMILE

Waitress: "You are doing such a great job! Everything is perfect!" SMILE

Cashier #2: "Your attitude is incredible! You made my day!" SMILE

With each encounter, it was evident that every person was hungry for praise and appreciation. It took little effort, but it is a habit worth nurturing.

My second thought was in regard to kindness opportunities that occur so often in our lives. There was a time in my life when I would have ideas to make someone's life better, but those thoughts often went by the wayside. Blaming my busy life, surrounding work and children, I let myself off the hook. One day, I had a little chat with myself and "We" decided to act on those chances to be kind more often. In reality, it only took a few moments out of my day to bring those ideas to fruition. It is another habit worth nurturing.

When you make someone else smile or feel appreciated, you never know the impact it might have on the world. Perhaps that person will pay-it-forward...and we never know where that might end!