It’s a good day when you find out a Starbucks gift card is coming your way. Karin Berry has had a little contest going and I had an email from her this morning letting me know I won! Thank you, Karin!
Maybe it was finding Karin’s email in my inbox this morning, but I found myself considering how it really is so simple to brighten someone’s day, and how I don’t make the effort often enough to brighten the day of others. I could use the excuse that I’m too busy or too focused on something, or that I’m just naturally introverted, but those are really just that – excuses.
It really doesn’t take much to pause and consider another person and think of something I could do to make their day a bit more special; so why don’t I do it more often?
I am not sure what the answer is, but I do know that having had this thought cross my mind means it is something I should pay attention to. So, my goal for the next while is to purposefully do some little thing on a regular basis to convey the message to someone that they’re special. I was reminded of the following video I watched a few months ago; it kind of says it all. We all want to be validated; we all want to feel special.
So, help me out, won’t you? What little things do you do to make someone feel special and appreciated? Sweet treats? Flowers? Cards? Let’s share some ideas!
And don’t forget that next Tuesday Linda Hubalek will be hereand in honor of her visit I’ll be drawing a name for someone to win a copy of her eBook Trail of Thread. Anyone who has left a comment between May 11 and next Tuesday, and who is a follower of this blog, will be entered in the drawing.
Cards are great — thank you cards, birthday cards, notes of appreciation. Sometimes words are the nicest gift of all!
I do best giving phone calls. And I prefer getting them, too.
I see you’ve purchased my memoir. I look forward to your response.
And how is your memoir coming along? Memoir is my favorite genre!
On Oprah’s last telecast, she said all any of us wants is to be heard. That is so true. So I try to listen better. It’s not always easy. I have to cultivate patience, which is not a virtue of mine.
Karen
Hi Linda,
I love sending and receiving cards. In this day instant communication via cyberspace ,it seems that cards and letters are a rarity. I never really appreciated how much a simple card meant until I was diagnosed with cancer in 1996. I always used to feel like sending a card was not enough when someone is going through a hard time. But I learned ,first hand, just how important this gesture is. I saved every card I ever received during that time and it is lovely basket overflowing with treasures that I can peruse at my leisure. Thanks for the link to Karin’s site. I enjoyed it. Enjoy your Starbuck’s coffee!
Blessings,
Kathy
Great post, sharing how a little thing brightened your day. I’ll try to pass that on. Thanks.
Wow Linda, that video is UH-Maaazzzing! Loved it!! That is exactly what would make me happy. Is for someone to tell me that they love or accept me in some way, and genuinely mean it!
Isn’t it great, Carmen!
The video was worth every minute! I started watching because I love the guy from Bones, but was so caught up in the story I couldn’t turn away. I love the full-circle message.
I’ve started making eye contact with the begging people at on-ramps, and smiling – just to make the connection. It’s amazing how often they smile back.