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Friday, January 6, 2012

THE GIFT OF OUR ATTENTION

     The positive attention we direct towards others is like sunshine on a cold day. We can warm the chill of someone's experience with a smile, or some other kind of small recognition. If we open our eyes and our hearts, we can see the the beauty in people. We can see their potential and hope and believe in them even when they don't believe in themselves- maybe especially then. There is incredible power in the words, "You can do it!"  We can frame things in a positive way. We can point out what's wonderful in others, and the things they do well.
     And the ripple effect of these small acts of kindness is that we end up feeling good. We are warmed ourselves by smiles in return and the blossoming of people before our eyes. Love inside us and bubbling over is a happy space to occupy. So let's do it. Let's pay attention to people, and love them just because. Why not? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Life is short and hard. Let's spread whatever kind of joy we can.

I notice people today and think well of them. I focus on what's beautiful.