by Pauline Reneaux
Last month was the season of LOVE and all things Hallmark. Okay, so you may have just rolled your eyes, and mumbled under your breath, “I’m not a fan of either,” but stay with me for a moment as you drink your morning coffee. Never. Never. Never has the world needed love more than now.
Normally, February is THE perfect time to figure out how you, yes you can show love to your loved ones and yourself, but our free Alaskan weather event put a damper on those efforts. You don’t have to limit yourself to February to complete this exercise. This can be done in little ways any time of the year.
Things that may seem insignificant to you, could leave the recipient feeling like they just won the lotto. When we pay attention to the little things, that is when we make the biggest impact on the lives of others.
Last year the only thing everyone could agree on was that Carol Baskin killed her husband. This year, I think we can all agree that the world truly needs love.
So how can you and I do this? When we take the time to sit down and listen to our family and friends, this may seem like a little thing, but to the person that just needs to be heard, it is a big thing.
Having someone take the time to help with everyday events, like carrying in groceries or changing a light bulb, may seem insignificant to some, but to those of us who are short and eligible for AARP, these little acts of kindness can mean the world.
When was the last time you slowed down and truly savored a cup of coffee while you read a good book? Taking the time to refuel yourself makes you more equipped to love others. What’s the old saying, “if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?” Doesn’t that really apply to us all? If we aren’t happy, don’t we tend to make those around us miserable, too?
Maybe you used to sing or dance or draw or bake or write or barbecue or golf, it could be a whole host of things, but life has just gotten in the way and you haven’t had time. So why not use this month to take some time and look around. What’s a little something you can do to help others and yourself?
• A little walk around the block to start making healthy changes in your life … It’s the little things.
• A little smile, because masks or not, you can still tell if someone is smiling even if they are wearing a mask. Pay attention to people’s eyes … those little things can tell you so much.
• I’m drinking Community Mardi Gras King Cake coffee this morning. Yes, Mardi Gras is over, but the aroma coming out of that little cup just makes me smile … It’s the little things.
• My son did come and change a light bulb for me … It’s the little things.
• My grandkids gave me a hug … It’s the little things.
• My dear friend mailed me a note of encouragement … It’s the little things.
The little things didn’t require a box of chocolates or a dozen roses.
The little things were just little things to my kids and grandkids … but they meant the world to me.
When we go out into the world and show love to others, we are helping restore people’s faith in humanity. We are helping to ease the tension of the times. We are helping to bring love into the world … through the little things.
Until next time…
Pauline
She welcomes email at paulinereneauxwrite@gmail.com.
