Changing the World One Act of Love at a Time

Earlier this month I came across a quote from Mother Theresa that really struck me.  In reality, almost everything in this woman's life is striking.  "Spread love wherever you go, let no one come to you without leaving happier".---Mother Theresa

One thing that was so amazing about Mother Theresa was her humility, her humanness.  She wasn't looking to change the world by making broad sweeping policies, major shifts in thinking through blog posts or twitter messages.  She was looking to change the world one person at a time.  Shifting the world by being a gentle soul, and validating every human's right to be on this planet and receive love, kindness, warmth, food and housing.

Sometimes when we are on the journey to Work and Live Happier we are so busy looking at the big picture we forget the little things.  We forget the joy that comes from smiling at your neighbor, holding the door for a stranger, or listening to your friend vent about their annoying day. As you know,  I believe one of the most important things we can do on this earth is do something that makes our heart sing.  Occassionally in the quest to find something BIG to do with our lives we miss the simplicity of it all.  One of the main ways we can live happier, is to share ourselves and our gifts in small ways with other people. While big fabulous dreams are awesome and necessary in life.  It is also important to remember that we can change the world, one person at a time by being kind, present and genuine with the people we interact with on a daily basis

Frequently my nearest and dearest will teach me this lesson that it is in the small things.  Even if he comes home tired, and frustrated from his day he will always sit down and ask me about my day--listening intently, celebrating my victories or supporting my disappointments.  That time, (and in reality it is usually no more than 10 minutes) is such a gift to me, to be heard, witnessed, celebrated and supported.  And I know I am not the only one who he 'shows up for' it is his gift to just be present and he shares it one loving act at a time.

Don't discount the little things. Don't discount how your presence, your gifts can change the world one person at a time. Just think how amazing the world would be if we all set the intention of just being kind and loving to whomever we met on a day to day basis.  We would all Live Happier!!

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Thanks to Dave Parker for the image of joy and love above.