Words are so beautiful- they can express love and life but also they can cut into wounds. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day of honor did not pass right over me. While words are great, actions (or the doing part) is better, right? Action > Words. Um, yes. But let’s not discount the role of words. Both words and actions have their role and both have an impact. Whether small or big. Impact nonetheless. While I read articles and reread quotes he said years and years ago, his actions and impact is still 100% relevant today. So…
Let’s dream and love AND DO. I want to share with you some of my favorite MLK Jr quotes today and why.
ONE
I can’t tell you how much this next quote resonates with me, especially within the last year. Resonates to my soul. Lately the majority of my wondering thoughts and ideas can be summed up in this quote-
All.of.the.time I am dreaming, thinking, and imagining…
How can my gifts be used for the greater purpose? Because I always want to be challenging myself.
TWO
We all have gifts and strengths. And we can use them in different ways to impact the world and those around us.
For example, BeWellWellness didn’t just pop out of nowhere. It has evolved. Over years. 6 years to be exact because while at times my direction, goal and purpose needed more clarity at times, I still just kept moving forward. Now that life has changed in the last year (moving, job, community, friends, everything), I’ve been reframing and praying about my {new} direction, goal and purpose which has evolved into things I never expected. But just keep moving forward.
Be willing to dream. To do the uncomfortable. To talk with people you don’t know. To have new people over for dinner who are outside of your inner circle. Try a new job, or a side job. Join a local group to meet new people. And when you do, listen to them.
THREE
One of my strengths is people. I love love love people. Learning about people, connecting with people, just being around people. #extrovert. That’s why I’m also so thankful that I get to teach at the University because I’m able to use my strengths of teaching, health, wellness, along with all my experiences to connect with people as we discuss, learn and discover. I get my energy from being around people. Yep, I’m that kind of person.
Recently I received an email from a student I had in class. The class was over and grades were submitted long ago. This student will actually be graduating in three months and is not currently enrolled in any of my classes this semester (this is the student’s last semester).
However this unexpected email was very complimentary in a variety of ways and it certainly warmed my heart hearing all these great things. Did I expect it? Oh no, no no. While I share this story- it has nothing to do about me, and everything to do about her. Hang with me.
It’s not often a student will go out of their way to email a teacher or instructor with written thankfulness. (Dear student, if you have done this before with no ulterior motive- you are way ahead of the game on life). If a student has something to say, by far the majority of the time written comments just go on the final course evaluation, which is anonymous (and fine), and that’s it.
The point is that this student email, while simple and unexpected, resonated with me. It came as another specific reminder for me to take that extra effort and say or do something for someone- whether through words or action, big or small, every day.
The funny thing is that this student has no idea how her simple email has impacted and rejuvenated my “extra efforts” each day, whether by words or action.
I immediately wanted to pay it forward. That feeling, the warmness in my heart, my smile, the thankfulness. The love. So while I do like to send notes/small letters to others in the mail (because hello! letters in the mail is becoming quite “unique” and less common), I instead sent a couple text messages (hello! I’m a mom with small children and a failing memory to remember to do it later). Just 1 minute later and I was done. Simple but heartfelt and honest. Everyday I’ve been doing something different- inviting new friends over for dinner, offering to watch a friend’s kids so they can have a couples dinner, etc. We can all do small things in great ways.
So here is my challenge to you- right this second by either words of action, pay forward “the thankfulness feeling.” It’s your turn. It could be by text, verbally, a written email, a note in a lunch box or briefcase, a post it in your mailbox for your USPS deliverer, social media (fb, IG, twitter, snap- private or public)- whatever! And I challenge you to reach out to someone beyond your typical “inner circle.” Just say or do something for someone else. Spread the love. #thethankfulnessfeeling
I’m very thankful for you.
Thanks for stopping by today. 🙂
If you get an interesting story or feedback after paying forward “the thankfulness feeling,” let me know. I would love to hear about it- and maybe I’ll even share it here on the site (with your permission, of course). You can email me at bewellfithappy@gmail.com.