on living with {intention}

you.

me.

{we} have the power to literally make or break someone else's day...

and often do so, unknowingly with the smallest of gestures (or lack of).

Such as...

a genuine smile: i can't quite say that i can TELL when a smile is real, but i CAN say that i can {feel} if it is real. a simple smile can light up a dark place in the soul of another with hope and love. {no words neccessary.}

a GOOD hug: we've all felt a half-hearted hug and hug with emotion behind it. it doesn't have to hurt, but make it real.

a heart-felt compliment: it's the difference between saying "your good at your job" and saying "i just wanted to tell you how great you are at what you do, i admire your work-ethic and passion for what you do."

a courageous helping hand: be "that" person who sees someone who needs help and doesn't think twice. don't be another bystander "pretending" not to see the elderly man in a walker struggle with his groceries, the tired mom straining to pick up dropped keys with baby, coffee and purse in her arms or the hungry homeless man hanging out outside of the gas station. have courage. don't think twice. selflessly put yourself in their shoes, and {love}.

a thank-you note: when you feel gratitude for something someone has done for you, don't let the warm thought pass with out either calling them to tell them or writing them a note. it feels just as good to send those notes as it does to receive them.

a happy greeting: you'd be surprised at how the first impression you give and get can set the tone for the rest of the day (especially if you work in education...your students pick up WAY more than you think, and often times depend on you for strength and hope to get through the day!)

listen: don't just nod your head and think about what you have left on your to-do list. really attend to others. it is quite easy to tell when you are being genuinely received.

conversation: not just "small-talk" and especially not gossip. real, meaningful, deep conversation. the kind that leaves you inspired and invigorated--even if it's just for 20 minutes over lunch.

sometimes in all of the hustle and bustle of this frustrating, wild, beautiful life we forget that even in our smallest, routine actions we can change the course of a day, week or {life} of another.

i want to get intentional with my actions, big and small...

and view those i come in contact with as divine appointments...

and offer my presence as a present to the world around me.