So, really....how are you????

Throughout my 29 years of life.....hmmmmm.....okay, maybe 30 years of life, I have been lucky enough to meet some AMAZING people.  I have met some of the strongest, most creative, giving people and yet one thing has been same for all of them.  They all have good days and bad days.  I wonder sometimes when I see people and they ask me how I am doing if they really want to know?  I mean, if I were to really stop and start talking about what was going on in my life, good or bad, would they really be interested or do they just want to hear the word "fine" and know they asked.  Over the past few weeks I have seen some people who I really care about need words of encouragement.  But sometimes I wonder if people know that these people need to hear those words?  Now, I am not pretending that I know about every person's life, and someone could even be thinking....you didn't encourage me when I needed it.  But, sometimes I wonder.

Social media has definitely changed the way relationships work.  I know some people who really only talk to me about FB statuses that I have posted.  I know some people who the only communication they have with me is through FB.  Texting has changed things too.  I know that is a big one for me.  I can be in mass chaos and think of something or want to tell someone something and I will just text it instead of calling.

Sometimes people need to know you are there for them.  Whether it be through FB or a text, they need to know you really care.

I saw this quote the other day and I really liked it....

I am at a really good point in my life.  I have a fabulous family, a great church home, a wonderful job, and some great friends.  But sometimes I wonder how good of friends are people now a days?  Do we

just ask how people are doing to be nice, do we just hit the like button so they will see we responded?

Sometimes people need to hear encouraging words, and unless we actually ask and LISTEN....we won't know they need us.  And in all honesty, sometimes when it comes to friends....words aren't needed.  Just knowing a friend is there can mean more than any spoken words.  I am so proud of the many friends I have who are amazing wives, mothers, and just wonderful people.  But, let's be honest, in today's craziness.......sometimes people need to actually be told they are those things.

Random Acts of Kindness=Happiness

I've been reading several different books lately that talk about being happier or being a better person.  One underlying theme in all the books, sermons, talks with others, etc. is doing for others.

We have all heard/know that we feel better when we do things for others.  If this is the case, then why don't we do things for others more often?  Now, a few things that I know from experience is that we if we constantly do for 1 person we begin to expect things in return from that person.....so, I think we need to vary the people for which we do things.

One of my favorite things I have EVER received came in the mail came from a friend, Lundy.  One day out of the blue a few years ago she sent me and my family a card letting us know that she and her family had chosen to pray for one family each week and that we were that family for that week.  I can't tell you how fantastic I thought that was.  She was thinking/praying for us....out of the blue!  I love that!  Now, my plan had been to do the same and unfortunately it is still something I need to do...but it is a goal of mine.

We all know a random text, call, phone call, surprise from someone can completely make our day....so why don't we do more of it?

One of my "new" goals for 2013 is a random act of kindness each day for someone.  It could be a card, gift, text, etc.  It can be for someone I know or a complete stranger!  What I should do is a make a list, so I can remember to do it and have a game plan.....we'll see if that part happens....but I will try.  If I know doing this will make me a happier person, then why wouldn't I do it?

Have a GREAT weekend!