What if….

“Always ask yourself: “What will happen if I say nothing?” 

― Kamand Kojouri

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this week even though I’ve been re-posting old stories. Honestly, having time to think is my favorite part of retirement.

As I begin the weekend, I’ve been thinking how to continue being kind.

I consciously worked on being kind as I ran errands yesterday.

I was patient with those who wanted to merge into traffic–you know the ones–slowly sliding towards your lane without signaling their intent. I don’t understand why the simple act of merging has to be so difficult. I canNOT read your mind, people! Are you trying to read a text or do you want to change lanes? Make it easy for all of us–flip on that little turn signal and give us a clue. Staying true to my goal, I threw in extra prayers while giving each driver additional time for me to “Intuit” what might be their next move.

Since I’m being honest, I have to admit to having a little feeling that maybe this was not so noble–maybe it was my rather sneaky way of taking control.

I’m not sure.

What I do know for sure is by taking this very round about approach, my blood pressure decreased noticeably–SCORE FOR ME!

Yesterday’s list also included the grocery store. That is a big assignment.

To make this work I knew I had to shove an extra big dose of patience into my pocket.

I mighta, coulda,  shoulda taken a double dose.

Taking a deep breath, I smiled while allowing people to chat across the middle of the aisles, cut in front of me as if I were invisible, suddenly park their cart three inches from me, heading off to heaven knows where.

As I stood in line with my few items, a young man quietly came up behind me with one bottle of juice. I shook my head–he was probably on his break. When he looked up and made eye contact with me, I suggested he go in front of me. He looked surprised and asked if I was sure–I said yes. He thanked me while paying for his purchase–completely that act of kindness perfectly.

The best and most surprising part of this morning was how peaceful and happy I was when I got home. It cost me nothing to gain so much.

You guys gotta try a day of being kind.

It’s the best.

“ The Paradoxical Commandments 

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.” 

― Kent M. Keith, The Silent Revolution: Dynamic Leadership in the Student Council

I am…

B…simply being…

God bless.

~Peace~

Thank you, Kimberlee Salimeno, for letting me use your wonderful picture in my post today. This always makes me feel like you are sitting here with me as I write. Thank you. I love you.