Bringing Joy (We Are All Connected)
Today I woke up in a really shitty mood. I'm tired from broken sleep, battling PMS, just a bit worn out and over it. After the initial "poor me, this sucks" routine, I told myself that today was going to be a good day. I didn't believe a word, but the world turns regardless.Toby and I were on the front deck, waving goodbye to Sparky as he walked to the train station. Toby was in his pyjamas - adorable when you're 18 months old. I, also, was in my pyjamas - not so adorable at 30.As Sparky headed up the street one of our neighbours was coming home from her morning walk and stopped to say hello. She made comment about how cute we looked, huddled together on the front steps. Then she said something that amazed me.
"You know, I get so much joy from watching your family."
A few weeks ago she had watched us spend hours playing in the autumn leaves on the front lawn. I remember the day clearly - it's one of my favourite recent memories.
"I called my mother as I was watching you, simply so I could share with her what was happening in your front yard. It was so delightful. It made my day and hers."
I found it incredible that I live so close to this lady, but up until that moment had no idea that we had any impact on her life at all. Aside from the occasional chat across the fence, a friendly wave, a Merry Christmas, we are essentially strangers.And yet there it was, undeniable proof that we are all connected. Not only to our neighbours, friends and relatives, but to the ever-widening circles that ripple out from them. We can and do make a difference in other people's lives. Even if just by living our own life well.Sure, this is a small story about a small thing. But as you may know by now, I am a huge believer in the power of small. Small things add up over time to create big, wonderful things. And this small thing has made my day. Which in turn has made my world infinitely brighter.Amazing, right?
When was the last time someone unexpectedly made your day? Did you pay it forward?