The generosity of others

My heart feels like it is overflowing...there is so much unkindness and unhappiness in the world and yet there are moments of the exact opposite which blow me away. Learning to accept these moments and thoughts of kindness can be hard but certainly through this journey, I have had to learn to accept the generosity of others with the graciousness of which it is offered. People do things for others because they want to, and I understand this, because I have always been one of those people too - not feeling it quite so much these days..in thought often but fall short of following through.

I had wanted to do a raffle to raise funds for Sweet Louise as well as raise awareness of what they do,  I had requested help from a friend with the prize (doing stuff for breast cancer research is close to her heart too). This lady was donating some of her beautiful homemade natural products...then I spoke to one of my young friends at work for her advice on how to deal with the ticket selling on fb...so she went to her executive meeting and suggested that work get involved with this raffle where a lot more money would get raised and awareness made to more people...the tickets are now selling...we have done a raffle for staff and friends & family which we don’t usually do. I put a post on fb for my family & friends, and so many people have purchased tickets and I’m not talking about just one ticket, although there is nothing wrong with buying one ticket!

All those acts of kindness within one scenerio is just so heartwarming. And then it is followed up by the generosity of family members who have taken it upon themselves to make arrangements for me to go down and stay with them in Opotiki for Easter weekend. I had wanted to go down in January after coming back from Melbourne but ended up having car problems. So I said I would try and make it down for Easter but as it has drawn closer, the thought of using two days to do a four or so hour drive each way is too much. I thought I would just stay home and chill for the four days instead...but these lovely people have arranged for me to fly down Good Friday and will drive me home again. How could I ever say no to such a generous offer? Actually it was hard saying yes, but only because I find it quite hard accepting  such gifts.

So you see, all of these things - these wonderful, wonderful acts of kindness have reminded me of how kind people can be...I thank my lovely BodyGarden lady for her beautiful products, I thank my young friend for her generosity of opening the raffle up, I thank each and every person who has kindly purchased raffle tickets...and they don’t just live here in Auckland, they live up north, down the line and overseas and I thank my cousins in Opotiki who have allowed me the opportunity of spending Easter with them. I feel truly humbled by your kindness, all of you - thank you 💜 xx

To add to the warm fuzzies, I had an oncology massage last night using some of my Sweet Louise vouchers. Each year we get an allocation of $500.00 with a booklet advising us where they can be used. This is my third year of receiving them but I have never used them. I would put them away and completely forget about them.

  https://sweetlouise.co.nz/

 This year, after a reminder from my area co-ordinator, I was determined to make use of them and it feels great. My back felt so, I don’t even know how to explain it...I felt a bit lightheaded afterwards which was a bit freaky but it eventually dissapated. I think I will go back again. There was a couple of knots which the therapist said wouldn’t let her kneed out 100%, almost but not quite. So maybe a second opportunity will do the trick. And tonight I am off out for dinner with a couple of friends. We don’t get to catch up properly very often so I’m looking really forward to it - the whole thing...chatting & catching up and eating out for dinner.

My birthday falls next Thursday and I have taken the day off work...not something I usually do but since it falls right next to Easter thoughtwhat an awesome opportunity to extend a long weekend by making it even longer! I am going out for dinner with my family...to a place I’ve never been before which is great. I love trying new places! So the big 53 this year. I am so proud of my age...people especially women don’t like to admit their age but I think it is a privilege to be able to age...lets do it gracefully and be grateful. There are so many who haven’t been given the chance...it was taken away from them for whatever reason...”embrace your age and be proud!”

Before I sign off, one more thought for the day...lets be kind to one another. It doesn’t have to be a big majestic gesture - something as simple as ringing someone out of the blue to say ‘hey’, or tell someone how lovely they look today. Drop a packet of choccie biscuits in to someone...or ask if they need to do a spot of shopping, or go for a drive to escape the humdrum of life...

Saturday 24th March 2018 - 10.29am