One Kind Act Creating Ripples of Joy
The ripple of kindness can start with just a simple moment that shifts our experiences. Like kindness, joy works in similar ways. Start by noticing it and we invite it into our lives.
It’s hard to believe how much has happened since just a year ago.
Exactly 365 days ago, I was at one of my lowest points ever. Searching for joy or even something good, I ordered a bowl of pork belly mac and cheese.
What happened next made a huge impact on me.
My wish for us during this time of the year is to notice and receive a moment of kindness in whatever form it comes. No matter how big or small it is, it can make all the difference in the world.
November 24th, 2017
“In full transparency, I’ve been going though a really challenging week. During a time when everyone is talking about gratitude, it has felt like something so foreign and inaccessible to me right now. It’s ironic, as I am just launching my podcast this week called “Gratitude Hacks: Simple, Practical, Actionable Ideas to Practice Gratitude”. Part of my inner critic is screaming “Who the F are you to talk about gratitude?” when in this moment every ounce my body is pushing it away.
I’ve been quiet online as of late as I have little joy or inspiration to share and complaining and whining is not my jam. During this time of deep reflection, I am finding myself asking if any of the ideas, stories, experiences, I share here even matter. Do I?
The truth is my experience isn’t always puppies and rainbows. You would be horrified by the bags of cheetos, pints of ice cream, large Papa Johns pizza and 24 episodes of HBO’s Billions, I’ve gone through to get some temporary relief
Having been an entrepreneur for 17 years now, this is not the first time I have been in such a funk. It usually starts with a series of triggers, not enough self-care, business and personal rejections, old limiting stories, and major changes. The good news is that there has always been substantial growth on the other side. It’s just rare that I shared these moments publicly in fear of what people would think
I took a walk this evening around the city to clear my head, get some physical activity, and hopefully shift my experience. To little avail, I found myself sinking deeper with every step. Finally, I thought that perhaps a bowl of pork belly Mac and Cheese at Grassa would help. As I sat at the table and waited and waited and waited and waited for my meal to arrive, I was scrolling through my social media feed seeing gratitude this and gratitude that, I was starting to lose my appetite. On the verge of irritation (been happening lately) my food finally arrived with an apology and the server saying “this meal’s on us”.
In this one moment of kindness and appreciation of my time, and unbeknown to them the things I have been going through lately, this simple act sparked a shift. It moved me to write and share this raw, uncensored post. And in doing so, this process is providing me with some clarity and healing, moving from being stuck in my head and into my heart.
So what am I grateful for fight now?
-That I am having this human experience of feeling like crap to remind me of the growth to come
-The thoughtfulness of a business like Grassa to serve their customer’s in a way with integrity
-The courage to reach deep, keep it real, and share this with you
I know that holidays are not always the most joyous times for everyone. For those of you who may be going through your own challenges, my wish for you is to know that you are not alone and in every moment there is an opportunity shift your perspective. Sometime, all we need is a flicker of hope that changes everything…maybe a bowl of pork belly mac and cheese.”
