The gift of being present

It has been said time and time again that some of the best things in life are free. I couldn't agree more. After all, how much does a kind word, a warm embrace, a pleasant smile, or a simple "thank you" cost to give? Not a penny, although they are indeed priceless gifts.

And, acts of kindness and gratitude are endless gifts that keep on giving...

I know that in my own life, I make an effort to communicate appreciation, happiness, kindness, and gratitude whenever I can. I try to function within the awareness that it is my responsibilty to convey an acknowledgement of the gift that every interaction – with everyone I am privileged to meet – presents to me each and every day. I try to be truly present, open, and enthusiastic. As this has become my habit, I have discovered some amazing revelations taking place in my life. Each day is even better than the day before, as my life takes on a heightened sense of direction, meaning, purpose, and unwavering support.

I love spending time around people who maintain an ever present upbeat approach to life. Earth Angels who believe in themselves and others. Those who trust that the Universe is unfolding as it should. These wide eyed optimists, who routinely greet me with a cheerful hello and a lingering touch, brighten my day and the day of everyone they meet. When you ask them how they're doing, they'll quickly tell you "just fabulous, awesome!"

You believe them because you simply have no choice.

They say it with such enthusiasm and excitement, their zest and zeal for living drawing you in like a powerful magnet, that you suddenly start feeling better yourself. Then, before you know it, you've been swept up into their euphoric state of being. Just being in the same room with people who love life this much is a special privilege indeed. And a healing. And a catalyst.

These luminous individuals, who bring happiness to the world around them, are truly precious gifts from God.

Marcel Proust said, "Let's be grateful for those who give us happiness; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls bloom."

Simply stated, by making us feel better about ourselves, our lives and those around us, they make our world a better place. They give the gift of presence!

So, it's Tuesday again, the perfect day to decide right now to become that shining beacon of hope, happiness and all good things for those around you! By regularly showing others how much they mean to you and that their efforts are truly appreciated, you can start making the world a better place one person at a time. I think that deepest desire in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. When you let someone know that you appreciate them, you offer that individual the best gift you could ever give.

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
– Voltaire

You'll begin enjoying more happiness, fulfillment and tranquility than you ever dreamed was possible as the life you've always imagined comes to life right before your eyes. As you continue to give more and more of yourself to others, more and more good fortune will find its way into your life. Guaranteed. It's just the way it is.

What goes around most certainly comes around as well. The Universe is unfolding as it should.

May you be blessed!

Choosing the company to keep

"Size matters not. Look at me.
Judge me by my size, do you?
Hmm? Hmm.
And well you should not.
For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is."
―Yoda, wise master of the Force and teacher of Jedi, to Luke Skywalker

In that moment, Yoda made an impact that stayed with me today. I know that if my ally is respect, wisdom, honesty, fairness, strength, integrity, and kindness, and if I keep company with those who share my values, I will be blessed, and powerful, indeed. My reputation for upholding those values will magnetize 'the Force" to my worthy causes, and I will find the ability to create and share many things. I must only choose to surround myself with those who are also in alignment with that force, and together our efforts will multiply tenfold.

"Tell me what company you keep and I'll tell you what you are."
–Miguel de Cervantes

I'm not saying it's right, but people tend to judge you by the company you keep. When it comes to reputation, perception is reality in the minds of most. Therefore, if my associates and affiliates are negatively perceived, my own effectiveness may be diminished.

Perhaps it may be more beneficial not to worry what other people think and simply be mindful of my own actions. Consistently living my life with integrity enables me to feel at peace with myself. In the end, that is far more important than trying to change perceptions and labels about those people and situations that are beyond my control.

Life is a series of hellos and good-byes. It is about attaching, connecting, and often separating and then detaching, disconnecting and letting go. Not all connections are healthy ones. Toxic, unhealthy relationships are those fueled by disrespect, that leave us feeling depleted rather than energized and valued.

When we find ourselves having made a relational mistake we first have to honor our self respect, and accept and transform that mistake into a growth opportunity. Recognizing and then letting go of toxic relating is a necessary loss that makes room for all the new that awaits you.

Creative energy is fueled by respect, honesty, integrity, and kindness.
Healthy relationships can live on no less.
May the Force Be With You!

Full quote: “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.”

The Spirit of Oshun: Random Acts of Kindness

Kindness is contagious, even small acts of kindness! Want to do something kind today, but just can't think of what to do? Oshun is the equivalent of Venus or Aphrodite in African mythology. Like them, she is known as "the goddess of love". Like them, she is the most beautiful of all the goddesses, but Oshun is best known for her kindness, which in African mythology is considered the most important quality anyone can possess.

Give of Yourself! Prepare a nutritious bag lunch for a homeless person and hand it to him/her saying "have a great day". Shovel snow for someone. Mow the yard of an elderly or ill neighbor. If you see someone having a bad day, stop to listen to them, hand them a flower, anything to make a difference in their day. Babysit for free for a mom who needs a day to herself to prepare for the holidays. Offer to drive elderly or disabled people to appointments or the store. Crochet or knit baby hats and blankets to donate to a local hospital nursery. Leave your newspaper behind for the next person to read.

Practice kindness towards the environment. Reduce air pollution by carpooling, taking public transportation, biking, or walking. Make a commitment to recycle all aluminum, plastic, and paper materials. Cut down on the energy you use by lowering the heat and turning off lights and unused appliances. Learn more about solar energy. As gifts, give houseplants to teachers, friends, or coworkers.

Express Gratitude. Appreciate someone who has done something kind for you. Send a 'Thank You' card to someone who's helped you when you really needed it. Write a letter to an old teacher who influenced your life. Call your grandparents or parents and let them know how they've impacted your life. Email a friend to thank them for being there for you through hardships. Send an e-card to your husband or wife to tell them how much you appreciate having them in your life. You can create and send a free e-card on our website, by clicking here.

Give the Gift of Inner Transformation! Restrain from criticizing or saying anything negative to anyone today. In a challenging situation, dare to see the glass half full rather than half empty. Listen more than you speak. Give freely of yourself. Practice kindness at every opportunity you get.

Spend five dollars to make someone's day! Tape the exact change for a soda to a vending machine or a payphone. Pay the toll for the person behind you. Leave flowers in front of someone's house. Bake cookies for your neighbors. Put quarters in the laundry machine for the next person. Leave chocolate on the desk of your co-workers.

Tag, you're it! It's a game of pay-it-forward: anonymously make someone smile with an act of kindness, leave behind a card asking them to keep the ripple going. As the Goddess of love and beauty, Oshun also shows us that true beauty is found on the inside! Alafia Iya!