Do Unto Others...

Yesterday (mid-morning), as I was running around like a crazy woman with a packed schedule, I realized I hadn't seen Melissa in a while. I knew she was going to be doing some yard work, so I peeked outside and she was nowhere in sight. As I continued to look for her, I realized she was in fact doing yard work...only it was in the neighbor's yard. She was working ever so diligently to make that yard in better shape for the little girls to play. I couldn't help but just smile. She does this without request, she does this out of the kindness of her own heart, expecting nothing in return. You see, she had a schedule to go by yesterday as well, but it didn't stop her. It suddenly slowed down the hectic pace of my day. I finally got to take time out of my busy schedule and enjoy something, even if it didn't involve me at all. I thank God for the ability to recognize the moment as one to ponder. It may sound petty, doing volunteer yard work for someone else, but if you saw the size of our yard and their yard, you would understand it is anything BUT petty. 

It kick-started my motivation for Joy Latte all over again. Doing good for others, just because....how delightful is that?! Seeing the simple act of someone doing for others, makes my cheeks pop with excitement. I am so so very excited about our upcoming JL project(s). More so now than ever. It has taken quite some time to fully develop the plan in its entirety, but I hope it will be well worth it. 

I encourage everyone to go out and do something nice for someone, whether it is someone close to you, or someone you've never met. And please don't engage in your generosity via social media...make it personal. Not just a facebook message, text or tweets. There is nothing like personal contact in this day in age. We get so involved in the lives of others through our phones, computers, tablets, etc, and we forget we have a life of our own in which we can do so many good things. So, instead of reading about someone's good day, be a part of that someone's good day. Start with a close friend, or a co-worker, a neighbor, your family. Start somewhere and let it be contagious! And if you decide to delve into this encouraging request, please tag #joylatte and tell us your story on how you made your little world a better place.

I ESPECIALLY encourage you to participate in these small acts of kindness if you are having a bad day. Nothing cheers me up more than being able to make someone else smile, laugh or feel surprised. It is the element of surprise that creates a whirlwind of emotions that can truly change someone's entire outlook on their day/mood...including your own. If there is not something good you can find in your day, create it. It's that simple. Don't let money be an issue either. I am not saying buy someone a vacation to Mexico. You can simply get a 6-pack of their favorite soda and wrap quotes around each can. You can bake cookies and bring them to work for no reason. You can simply tell someone they are awesome. 

If you every have trouble deciding what do to, always remember the golden rule.

So go now, and do unto others...

Peace and Joy,
Beth