To: Someone, From: Someone

Randomly, Bren brought home a new bottle of perfume for me last night.  Sweet man.  

It ends up, though, that he didn't actually buy it for me.  It was given as a gift from a regular customer where he works to his manager, and she for whatever reason did not want it.  He offered, then, to kindly take it off her hands and give it to me.  

From Dubai India, I think.  Someone check me on that.

 

It was unopened, untouched, unsprayed, unsmelled.  And it was just for me.  What started as a random act of kindness turned into a generous gift to me.  And the best part is that it actually smells good and I will be inserting it into my perfume rotation, starting today!

What is really weird about this is I had just bought a card and a chocolate bar as a small gift for someone... anyone... a total stranger.  I sat in my car for about 5 minutes writing an anonymous message of kindness in the car before heading home. 

The card said: "If I had 8 arms and could give you a hug with all of them without freaking you out, I totally would.  Hugs to you!"

I brought the card and chocolate to work with me today and I am just going to leave it somewhere on campus that is totally neutral and accidental.  Like in the elevator.  Or on a bench or a shelf.

As I said a few posts ago, I plan on using this blog to highlight some of the ways I express kindness to myself and those around me.  Mainly to hold myself accountable and keep myself thinking of creative ways to give back.

I am following a blog called 366 Random Acts of Kindness.  He has some really awesome ideas for spreading the love.  I know of a couple that I will definitely be trying.  Check him out!

Till next post!

Kindly-

Meghan

Father and Son

Last night, after putting down my baby boy (Collin), I happened to come downstairs at the perfect moment:  

I saw my husband and my oldest son (Liam) in the sweetest embrace.  

Such a tender moment between father and son; such a nice change from the usual wrestling and running and "I can burp louder than you!!!!"  

Being the opportunist that I am (at least in photographic terms), I snapped a picture with my Blackberry camera (whyyyy doesn't it have a flashhhh!!!) and was instantly taken back to Liam's baby days.  In particular, I was reminded of a picture I took at the hospital only days after Liam was born.  

What I love about these two pictures is that even though time has elapsed, there is an obvious and undeniable bond between these two special boys.  It brings me endless joy to be witness to their love.

Thanks for listening to me gush!

Kindly-

Meghan

Note to Self

Give yourself a BIG BEAR HUG!!! 

 That's right!  Just like when you were little and all your friends giggled because it looked like you were kissing yourself.  Little did you know (way back when) that it is perfectly acceptable to give yourself a little LOVE!

 As important as outward kindness is, the same is true for practicing love toward yourself! 

Self-love, (yes, even that kind), is Healthy with a capital H.  

There are times when you need your own love and kindness more than you need it from anyone else.  There are times when the most important reminder you can give yourself is to "Be Gentle."  

Be gentle with your emotions and feelings, be gentle with your thoughts and ideas, be gentle with how you move through the day(s)... Be patient with yourself.

.... in bed .... ;)

 This ends up having an outward effect; yes, in fact, the attitude that you adopt toward yourself will ultimately radiate in waves to those you have regular contact with.  But it begins and ends with you... the "self."  

It is so easy to forget, to overlook, to sacrifice, our "selves" to tend to external obligations, including relationships.  It is so easy to get caught up in "life" and skip over the part where your own needs are being met.  

But let's face it.... no one is going to meet your needs for you without your own participation!  You need to involve yourself in your own LIFE!!

Next time you are looking for solace or reassurance, maybe before or after you have confided in loved ones, make it a point to be still with yourself and fill the voids with love.   

You have to start somewhere with this whole self-love business.   

One way or another, you're going to have to face yourself.  One way or another, you're going to have to begin to love and respect yourself enough that you settle for nothing else from anyone else.  

If nothing else, try looking in the mirror, and as awkward as you may think you look, just smile.  And smile BIG!

Kindly-

Meghan

Let's all treat ourselves to some affection from time to time.