RAK - Random Act of Kindness
Last night I was in Deep Ellum with a friend going to a concert. We stopped at a 7-11 on the corner of Main Street. As we walked into the store, there was a man sitting outside of the store. He was so dirty I could barely see the features of his face. His clothes were old and torn, he smelt like a dumpster and you could see the bones in his arms. It bothered me...a lot. He didn't ask for anything as we walked by. He didn't have a sign asking for money, but he looked empty. There was just an empty gaze on his face.
So instead of getting my Red Bull, I got him a delicious piece of 7-11 pizza and the largest bottle of water they had. I don't have a lot of money or I would have totally done more. My child has literally drained my bank account. I have considered selling him on eBay several times, but he is way too cute and he likes my cooking. Anyway, I came out of the store, walked up to the man and said the first thing that came into my head "Hey dude...here you go" (yea I know, I have a way with words). He took both from me but didn't make eye contact. I think he said thank you, but I couldn't tell. As I walked off, we looked back and saw him inhaling the pizza. That made my day. It really made my day. Knowing that he had food in his stomach and cold water to drink as he sits outside in the 101 degree weather all night made me feel good.
I read on a friend's FaceBook post a week ago that she told a lady she was beautiful and the lady started crying. Wow. Imagine impacting someone that much by a simple statement. That's awesome!
When was the last time you did a random act of kindness? When was the last time you did something for someone else that seemed minor to you, but made an impact on them and showed them that you care? Try doing a random act of kindness this week. *I have some laundry that needs to be folded if any of you reading this want to be kind to me :)
~Trigz
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Power of a Positive Attitude
...(wow- I haven't written in several months. My bad).
Ever had one of those days where you wake up, literally look in the mirror at yourself and say, "Today is gonna be good"? Well, I did that today. And it worked. I know it sounds stupid, but hear me out on this.
Last week was a bit rough for me. I had a few situations come up in both my work and personal life and for some reason, I couldn't shake it. I kept thinking about it. Thinking about all the negative possibilities. And it seemed like things kept getting worse. My negative attitude had taken over and suddenly, everything was heading south.
So Saturday, I decided to drop all the negative thoughts and feelings I had, and just completely pretend like everything was perfect. Surprisingly, my day went really well. Then today (Sunday), I woke up early, kissed my son as he was sleeping, made some coffee and decided today was going to be a good day. Better than yesterday. I even told myself in the mirror as I was blow drying my hair. Yes, I sometimes talk to myself. Don't judge me.
Today was an awesome day. From saying good morning to everyone I saw at the grocery store, to breakfast with a good friend and her crazy kids, to dinner at a close friend's house as we sat in the front yard sweating to death in the lovely Texas summer heat laughing about memories and stories...today was good. And I'm pretty sure it was because I chose it to be.
For those of you that have read the book The Secret, I'm a true believer in the Law of Attraction. I don't necessarily follow it all the time, but I should. For those of you who haven't read the book (1) - You should read it and (2) - The Law of Attraction states: "like attracts like", that positive and negative thinking bring about positive and negative physical results, respectively. Makes a lot of sense right? Positive thoughts attract positive outcome. Negative thoughts attract negative outcome.
Finally, the old cliche is right - You are the company that you keep. Most people tend to act like the people they surround themselves with. I have weeded a lot of people out of my life over the years. Some very abruptly and unexpectedly. Some had been friends of mine for over 15-20 years. But it all boiled down to one thing - are they a positive influence in my life? Does this person contribute to a progressive move or a regressive movement in my life? As my friend Stacy once told me, "If you can't think of one thing that a person contributes to your life, why are they your "friend?" Think about that. It took me a while at first, but it makes sense. I was truly blessed within the last year. An awesome person with the most positive attitude I have ever met was brought into my life. And even though I don't get to see his smile everyday, I can hear it over the phone. His smile is contagious and it makes me smile and it turns my day around instantly. So surround yourself with positive people. Their energy and positivity will influence your attitude daily. And every day you spend in a negative or bad mood, is a day wasted that you don't get back.
Tomorrow may be Monday, and according to 85% of the FaceBook statuses I read, it is legendary on sucking big time. But YOU can make tomorrow a good day. And all the days after...
Ever had one of those days where you wake up, literally look in the mirror at yourself and say, "Today is gonna be good"? Well, I did that today. And it worked. I know it sounds stupid, but hear me out on this.
Last week was a bit rough for me. I had a few situations come up in both my work and personal life and for some reason, I couldn't shake it. I kept thinking about it. Thinking about all the negative possibilities. And it seemed like things kept getting worse. My negative attitude had taken over and suddenly, everything was heading south.
So Saturday, I decided to drop all the negative thoughts and feelings I had, and just completely pretend like everything was perfect. Surprisingly, my day went really well. Then today (Sunday), I woke up early, kissed my son as he was sleeping, made some coffee and decided today was going to be a good day. Better than yesterday. I even told myself in the mirror as I was blow drying my hair. Yes, I sometimes talk to myself. Don't judge me.
Today was an awesome day. From saying good morning to everyone I saw at the grocery store, to breakfast with a good friend and her crazy kids, to dinner at a close friend's house as we sat in the front yard sweating to death in the lovely Texas summer heat laughing about memories and stories...today was good. And I'm pretty sure it was because I chose it to be.
For those of you that have read the book The Secret, I'm a true believer in the Law of Attraction. I don't necessarily follow it all the time, but I should. For those of you who haven't read the book (1) - You should read it and (2) - The Law of Attraction states: "like attracts like", that positive and negative thinking bring about positive and negative physical results, respectively. Makes a lot of sense right? Positive thoughts attract positive outcome. Negative thoughts attract negative outcome.
Finally, the old cliche is right - You are the company that you keep. Most people tend to act like the people they surround themselves with. I have weeded a lot of people out of my life over the years. Some very abruptly and unexpectedly. Some had been friends of mine for over 15-20 years. But it all boiled down to one thing - are they a positive influence in my life? Does this person contribute to a progressive move or a regressive movement in my life? As my friend Stacy once told me, "If you can't think of one thing that a person contributes to your life, why are they your "friend?" Think about that. It took me a while at first, but it makes sense. I was truly blessed within the last year. An awesome person with the most positive attitude I have ever met was brought into my life. And even though I don't get to see his smile everyday, I can hear it over the phone. His smile is contagious and it makes me smile and it turns my day around instantly. So surround yourself with positive people. Their energy and positivity will influence your attitude daily. And every day you spend in a negative or bad mood, is a day wasted that you don't get back.
Tomorrow may be Monday, and according to 85% of the FaceBook statuses I read, it is legendary on sucking big time. But YOU can make tomorrow a good day. And all the days after...
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Plan
Are there days where you just kinda reflect on your life, where you are, what you've accomplished and said - "This is not where I thought I would be." I think I've had this conversation with a good friend of mine several times. Did you have it all planned out in high school like I did- the cool career, the sports car, the huge house, the loving spouse, a few kids, a dog, fun family vacations, etc? Does anyone ever actually live out the plan they made for themselves when they were a teenager?
Well, I didn't. I'm no where close to where I thought I would be. I'm 34. I've never been married. I'm not a huge corporate executive at a top 10 magazine or ad agency. I don't live on the coast and I drive an Altima. So, what have I accomplished? Well, let's see...
I'm a parent-
I am a single 34 year old mom who has raised an amazing young man. I wasn't planning on ever even having a child, but I did and he saved me....he saved me from a life that some may actually see as enjoyable. Going out and partying, living it up, drinking, traveling often...yea, that's great, but it leaves you empty. The buzz wears off, you come home after an amazing trip...and then what? I did my time at the clubs, the bars, going out 4 nights a week, wild and spontaneous trips. It was fun...don't get me wrong. It still is every now and again. But accomplishment will always triumph fun for me. I can't say that there was ever a time where I look back and say I wish I had that life again. Raising a child could be one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences ever and I was blessed with the opportunity. I am responsible for another person's life. I get to see him learn something new everyday. I have the power to make him everything he is capable of.
I have a career that suits me-
When I was in high school, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then, I wanted to be an editor for a magazine. Then I wanted to be an actor on SNL. During one semester in college, I decided I wanted to be a computer programmer...pssshhhh. But now, I have a career that allows me to do what I love the most. Ten years of HR was a beating, but my boss saw something in me that I didn't and is taking a chance on me. And for that, I am truly thankful. Finding a boss that believes in you is not an easy task. I have found my niche and a company that believes in giving back to the community, just like I do. No complaints in the job department...although I could use a raise - cough cough.
Never been married-
Some may look at this as a bad thing. I don't. I see it as a perk for me. I didn't rush into a marriage for the wrong reasons. I was with my son's father for 7 years. Never married him. Never wanted to. Do I want to get married? Sure. If I don't, no big deal. Marriage isn't a mandatory "to-do" for having a happy life.
As far as the sports car, the big house and living on the coast...that's not a big deal to me anymore. I'm only 34. I got a LOT of living to do. But as far as not "living out my plan," I'm glad I didn't. I'm glad that I was guided in this direction, for my child, for the people that have come into my life, and to have another day to do the complete opposite of what I planned. So if you're not living the life you planned, take a minute and reflect on all the things you have accomplished, embrace what you've done...and what you can do. Plan B may not be so bad.
Well, I didn't. I'm no where close to where I thought I would be. I'm 34. I've never been married. I'm not a huge corporate executive at a top 10 magazine or ad agency. I don't live on the coast and I drive an Altima. So, what have I accomplished? Well, let's see...
I'm a parent-
I am a single 34 year old mom who has raised an amazing young man. I wasn't planning on ever even having a child, but I did and he saved me....he saved me from a life that some may actually see as enjoyable. Going out and partying, living it up, drinking, traveling often...yea, that's great, but it leaves you empty. The buzz wears off, you come home after an amazing trip...and then what? I did my time at the clubs, the bars, going out 4 nights a week, wild and spontaneous trips. It was fun...don't get me wrong. It still is every now and again. But accomplishment will always triumph fun for me. I can't say that there was ever a time where I look back and say I wish I had that life again. Raising a child could be one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences ever and I was blessed with the opportunity. I am responsible for another person's life. I get to see him learn something new everyday. I have the power to make him everything he is capable of.
I have a career that suits me-
When I was in high school, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then, I wanted to be an editor for a magazine. Then I wanted to be an actor on SNL. During one semester in college, I decided I wanted to be a computer programmer...pssshhhh. But now, I have a career that allows me to do what I love the most. Ten years of HR was a beating, but my boss saw something in me that I didn't and is taking a chance on me. And for that, I am truly thankful. Finding a boss that believes in you is not an easy task. I have found my niche and a company that believes in giving back to the community, just like I do. No complaints in the job department...although I could use a raise - cough cough.
Never been married-
Some may look at this as a bad thing. I don't. I see it as a perk for me. I didn't rush into a marriage for the wrong reasons. I was with my son's father for 7 years. Never married him. Never wanted to. Do I want to get married? Sure. If I don't, no big deal. Marriage isn't a mandatory "to-do" for having a happy life.
As far as the sports car, the big house and living on the coast...that's not a big deal to me anymore. I'm only 34. I got a LOT of living to do. But as far as not "living out my plan," I'm glad I didn't. I'm glad that I was guided in this direction, for my child, for the people that have come into my life, and to have another day to do the complete opposite of what I planned. So if you're not living the life you planned, take a minute and reflect on all the things you have accomplished, embrace what you've done...and what you can do. Plan B may not be so bad.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2010....2011
When I get on facebook and I see all the people posting - "So glad this year is over" or "Hoping next year is better than this year was," all I can do is shake my head. It's the same every year. Does everyone really have a BAD year every year or is that the only thing they focus on? Newsflash - December 31, 2010 will be the same as January 1, 2011 if you're attitude is still the same.
So why does the bad stuff shadow out all the good come December 31st? It's a shame no one reflects on any of the good things that happened to them...or maybe they didn't realize it was a good thing. Maybe the good things that happened to us aren't as impacting as the bad. Maybe its time to change that.
I can't think of anything SUPER awesome that happened to me, but some of the good things in 2010 for me were- I kept my job and had a consistent paycheck to pay my bills, my child was healthy besides a few colds here and there, my parents and siblings are alive and are still annoying and as entertaining as ever, I became involved in charity work that allowed me to do things I want to do full time but can't, I met a lot of new people that are now a part of my life - some have actually changed it for the better, and I lost 15 pounds - yay me!
So if all you can do is look back on all the bad, try looking back on all the good. You may have lost a friend or family member this year, you may have lost your job, you may have endured a broken heart...but the bottom line is - You're here, right now, today. And there's a reason why you are here. I can't tell you that reason, but why not try to figure it out yourself? And if you're one of those people that makes resolutions, here's a good one for you- do something you've never done before. That's mine...and will be mine every year till I kick the bucket.
My "new year's wish" to all of you is that I hope each of you do something you've never done before within the next 12 months... and to have a positive attitude along the way.
So why does the bad stuff shadow out all the good come December 31st? It's a shame no one reflects on any of the good things that happened to them...or maybe they didn't realize it was a good thing. Maybe the good things that happened to us aren't as impacting as the bad. Maybe its time to change that.
I can't think of anything SUPER awesome that happened to me, but some of the good things in 2010 for me were- I kept my job and had a consistent paycheck to pay my bills, my child was healthy besides a few colds here and there, my parents and siblings are alive and are still annoying and as entertaining as ever, I became involved in charity work that allowed me to do things I want to do full time but can't, I met a lot of new people that are now a part of my life - some have actually changed it for the better, and I lost 15 pounds - yay me!
So if all you can do is look back on all the bad, try looking back on all the good. You may have lost a friend or family member this year, you may have lost your job, you may have endured a broken heart...but the bottom line is - You're here, right now, today. And there's a reason why you are here. I can't tell you that reason, but why not try to figure it out yourself? And if you're one of those people that makes resolutions, here's a good one for you- do something you've never done before. That's mine...and will be mine every year till I kick the bucket.
My "new year's wish" to all of you is that I hope each of you do something you've never done before within the next 12 months... and to have a positive attitude along the way.
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