I was talking to someone the other day. One of the things they said started to percolate in my mind. They mentioned an idea they found to be helpful, “getting rid of things that are no longer useful makes space for new things”. This reminded me of my weight loss journey and perhaps my experience can add insight into your own, whatever your challenge is.

I didn’t know this when I began but, as I started taking steps on  my journey, I realized that my old ways, my old choices were bringing me things I didn’t want, extra weight, discomfort and unhappiness with myself. Though I had no idea where my new choices might take me I knew one thing, I wanted no more of what my old choices were bringing me. My tipping point came when I finally desired change, any change, over the way I was currently experiencing life.

At that point I was willing to risk venturing into the scary unknown versus staying with my old choices.  Unbeknownst to me at that time, by getting rid of my old detrimental ways, I made space for the new. My new choices brought me a much lighter and brighter life, filled with love. I imagined a lot of great things, but what I got was even more wonderful. One of those precious gifts was freedom from emotional pain or, at the very least, knowing how to process it when it came, so I didn’t have to continue to experience it (over and over again like I did in my past). This is my wish for you too, the end of mental/emotional pain and a life filled with more lightness and love.

Would you enjoy your life more if you knew you couldn’t make a wrong step? Each step you take, if you take the time to look at what it created, will bring you a piece of information you can use to improve your life and feel better. The bottom line is, if we desire change and are ready, we will do whatever it takes and if we’re not ready we won’t. Acceptance of wherever we are right now in this process is the key. It is not “better” to be ready for change than it is not to be ready, it’s just where we are.

Are you wondering whether you’re ready to change some of your choices? As you tune in to the feelings your choices are bringing you, you will have your answer. No matter what you choose, the old or the new, please remember to always treat yourself with kindness and gentleness.

May your holidays bring you warmth and contentment.

With love, Jackie

I was speaking with a stranger the other day. I had just observed a wonderful exchange between her and another person I didn’t know. As we began talking, I mentioned that I noticed people in general seem to be more kind to each other. She agreed, then told me about her “rule of 3”.

She said that every day she aims to consciously do three acts of kindness.  She feels that when she focuses on three acts of kindness, she’s focused on what she can give, EVERY DAY! Did the meaning of life just get a little clearer with this idea? Just thinking about delivering an encouraging word, an unexpected kindness or a silent “blessing” feels good, right?

To begin each day wondering what three things, or even one, we might have the opportunity to do for someone else just might brighten our day and perhaps lighten someone’s “load”, (though we may never know). That feels like a win-win. There’s also a bit of fun and mystery in this because for the most part, we won’t know what kindness we might be able to share until we are actually in a situation.

Here are some of the things she told me about:

-A sincere complement or greeting for the checker at the grocery store or her waiter/waitress (everyone appreciates being acknowledged)

-Sending off an unexpected, encouraging email

-Letting someone else have the closer parking spot

-A silent blessing for the person who cut her off in traffic or a homeless person she sees on the street

-When she was shopping, someone with limited mobility was struggling to reach something. She noticed and offered her help

So, if we were to allow ourselves to be influenced by these examples, we might choose to turn our focus to committing startling acts of kindness. Whether these kind choices are aimed at ourselves or others, whether they are private thoughts or outward actions, it doesn’t matter because, as Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” All of them contribute to our personal enrichment as well as the “polishing” of humanity.

How would you like to be the recipient of a startling act of kindness? 🙆

With love, Jackie