“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy”–Nightbirde
We are all interconnected—Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially. When we feel, we are not in a vacuum. We affect and are affected by others—those with whom we are in relationship, as well as those with whom we casually and unknowingly interact. We rarely take notice of how people positively affect us and vice versa.
Recently, a friend lost her father. It wasn’t until she formally shared of his passing that I realized that she had not been sharing her usual “good morning” and “rise and shine” type memes for several weeks (the period during which her father was in hospice). She has her own health issues that make “rise and shine” challenging. I know that she posts these as much for her own benefit as for others. I know I find them encouraging. I had not realized how much I had missed her morning cheer. Moreover, I realized how I have neglected my own efforts to encourage myself by encouraging others.
I had recognized a tendency to be increasingly negative—something I found that, paradoxically, could only be countered by intentional positivity. I learned to encourage others that I too might be encouraged. It changed my demeanor. Sadly, however, my efforts have declined over the months—as has my own gratitude.
My friend needed encouragement (as did I). I was in the position to and did not. I was letting my own discouragement blind me to the need of others. This is, of course, not very other-centered.
Amazingly, some of the most positive people are the ones who are struggling the most. They have learned (as I often forget) that being happy for others has a profound effect on one’s own happiness. Personally, I can do better—I get to do better.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!