Words for you {and me} to live by
{This post originally ran on March 23, 2010. In the months since, I have continued to receive emails about it. So here it is again. And thanks to all of you for sharing with me your “do’s” as well.}
DO ask someone “How are you?”… and listen to their response with genuine interest.
DO stand up for yourself. Don’t ever allow someone else to determine your value to humanity.
DO own something Dior, even if it’s just eyeshadow. There’s something very fancy about looking at the case every day. Sure, we’d all like to have this $2,500 violet Dior tote bag, but it isn’t really that realistic for most people. An eyeshadow duo or trio can run you between $30-50 and will last about two years. Why not? J’adore. Dior. Go on. You know you wanna.
DO share with others what it is that you love (or like) about them. There’s something completely fantastic about someone randomly handing out (sincere) compliments. If you love their laugh, tell them. If you think their attitude is infectious, tell them. If you have a co-worker who challenges you to work just as hard as he/she does, let them know. If you have a friend who is the peanut butter to your jelly… mail them a card, leave them a note, but whatever you do… just. tell. them.
DO meander out of your comfort zone every now and then. It’s a sure-fire way to send your confidence soaring. A shorter skirt? Brighter lipstick? A new recipe? Physical activity? Learning a new skill? Make a list of realistic goals and achieve them. There’s something thrilling and empowering about testing your own limits. {I’m doing that now with this blog}
DO hold your family dear. Those roots and branches cultivated who you are today. There is strength in discovering your past and adding to the journey.
DO pay attention to the world around you. Everyone has a God-given right to use the earth, but with that right comes responsibility. Be a caring citizen of your community and teach the younger generations by example — it’s the only way to advance awareness beyond selfish concerns. Taking the kids to a park for an afternoon picnic? Why not also make a game out of picking up others’ litter? In every moment lies a teaching possibility. Don’t have children? Responsibility doesn’t elude you. Every day that you walk out your door and into the world, you are setting an example for a million pair of eyes. Through your actions, you project what it is you think of the planet and its inhabitants. Try to make respect and kindness appear No. 1 and No. 2 on the list.
DO smile at people when you walk down the hallway/sidewalk. Simple enough, right?
DO sing — even if you can’t carry a tune. Melody can soften even the deepest shades of blue.
DO, if you are out to dinner and see a serviceman or servicewoman in uniform, anonymously send over a drink, an appetizer, dessert … or make a contribution to their meal ticket. Chances are, that person either will or has put their life on the line in treacherous conditions, all in the name of freedom, and all so you don’t have to. A shrimp dinner may be a small “thank you,” but it’s an important one. {Want to know how I express my thanks? Read more about my relationship with AnySoldier.com here.}
DO something. Anything. Somewhere. Somehow. Pick an altruistic cause and roll up your sleeves. On every street corner, there is an organization that desperately needs volunteers.
DO ask questions. Even to God. It is healthy and most of the time necessary. Know the vitals of why you do what you do and why you believe in what you believe. Even the strongest people of faith need to examine their hearts and minds. Questioning something is the only way you can truly be honest with yourself. Most always, you’ll find that an inquisitive nature only solidifies your beliefs.
DO be silly. Loosen up. The world is tough and rough and insane. But moments of clarity are often born of moments of crazy. You have bills, love trouble, five teenagers who all want tattoos, a full-time job, supper to cook, taxes to complete, a bottomed-out transmission… just take a deep breath, relax… and laugh. Oh, and *keep calm and have a cupcake.* You’ll be stronger for it.
DO listen for sounds in the background. The world is full of noise, but the sweetest sounds come when you tune in things that matter: laughter, crickets singing, birds chirping, children playing, raindrops on the window, thunder rolling… Move past the ugly noise, and in the process, move your soul.
DO… LOVE. Love deeply and with no boundary. Love God. Love life. Love nature. Love knowledge. Love freedom. Love yourself. Love your neighbor. Love strangers. Just love. Because when you stop and look around, this world is an amazing place in which to live. And like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
– xoxo
Brandi
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Tags: about me, life lessons, love
