Elevator Elevation

I know we all have had to use an elevator on occasion and had to share the space with other passengers.  Do you look at the other people?  Do you smile?  Do they smile back?

Do they look up?  Or at the floor? Or at the floor number display?  Anywhere but at the faces of their fellow passengers, preferring to stare at the backs of their heads.  Strangers gathered together in a relatively tiny space for a mutual purpose.

There is no common reason for people unknown to each other to stand so close; bodies touching in a crowded small room, other than waiting to be taken to their floor destinations.  Invading the others’ space.  Body odors; perfume fragrances fighting for dominance.  Making room for “just one more.”  Standing back for the person using a walker or a mother carrying her baby.

A little over a week ago, I had to take an elevator to see my doctor.  There were three other persons who crowded into the tiny elevator with me.  A friendly-looking elderly woman with her walker and her companion, and a gentleman who had a scowl on his face.

When the elevator got to the second floor, I started to walk out.  On a whim, I turned and said, “Have a nice day.”

The three passengers were startled.  But, they all smiled and wished me the same – even the scowling man.

I’m assuming I put a little sunshine into the rest of their elevator ride, but the “feel good” bonus was mine for the rest of my day.

Never miss an opportunity to make others happy and enjoy the personal “elevating” rewards.

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[Elevator photo from bingdotcom]

 

At This Time Of Year

 

Remember to reach out to those living with illness and pain especially during this time of the year.  It can be a very lonely and isolated time for them. Give them a call, a smile, a hand, a hug and an encouraging word that shows you care.

I doubt there is no one who could use an extra dose of caring from a friend, a relative and yes, even from a stranger.

Speaking personally, the month of December has proven to be a very difficult month every year.  It is the month when I lost both my husbands who I deeply loved.  December anniversaries and events keep running through my mind.

I don’t look forward to this time of year and wish it would hurry along, so that the new year may begin with feelings of freshness and hope for a better year.

 

[Image from bingdotcom]

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The Friday File – Synchronicity & Compassion on Route #92

My friend, Cher, posted this beautiful story. I believe it should be shared again and again. Love for one another is still going strong among strangers.

The Chicago Files

It’s been a very interesting week here in Chicago.  A few days ago, I was about to take my usual train to a location that is approximately one hour from our area.  Upon approaching the train station, I noticed a bus nearby.  That particular bus also travels in the direction I was heading, but rarely do I take it.  For reasons unbeknownst to me at that moment, I found myself walking up and onto the bus!  Okay, I’ll go with it and see what the day brings.  Traveling by train or bus in Chicago can afford you the time to listen to your favorite music, stare out the window, read, or simply ‘veg’ as my mother likes to say when relaxing.

I was listening to my IPod (yes, I still use one of those!) when there was a slight pause before the next song started.  We were at a bus…

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Dog and Dolphin Friendship

This morning, I found a delightful video of two unlikely friends:  a friendly pooch and a fascinating porpoise in the ocean.  The porpoise saves the dog’s life more than once.

It’s a lovely, sunny, blue-skyed day here in South Florida, and this video added, in my mind, some of those small, puffy clouds I love, topping off the morning for me.

Very well done.  You will enjoy it.

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A Challenge Of Quotes – Third Day

 

Thanks, Dr. Horty Rex for this challenge.  Phew!  This was a difficult one.

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A Challenge Of Quotes – Second Day

Thanks to Dr. Horty Rex for this challenge.

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A Challenge Of Quotes

Dr. Horty Rex challenged three bloggers to publish quotes in consecutive days.  I was perplexed at first; having not done anything like that before.

Well, here’s the first one, Horty.

Rules of the Three-Day Quote Challenge

Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Publish a quote on 3 consecutive days in your blog.

It can be your own, or from a book, movie or from anyone who inspires you.

Nominate 3 more bloggers to carry on this endeavor.

I nominate the following bloggers to continue this inspiring challenge:

http://kraftycatcreations.wordpress.com/

http://smilingnotes.wordpress.com/

http://thechicagofiles.wordpress.com/

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Road To Heaven

 

Every two years, the stars align with the road in Ireland.

[ Image from Pinterest.com ]

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Profoundness In Aisle 5

I am happy to reblog Cher’s lovely post regarding profoundness, on her blog, “The Chicago Files.”  Openness and self-awareness come into play here, also. Please give your experiences with kindness and how others’ or your own, have “made your day.”

The Chicago Files

The other day I wrote a post regarding the way our perceptions can lead to assumptions which may or may not be correct.  Quite often our assumptions are based on our own biases and life experiences.

After writing the post, I started thinking about how often we allow the actions and words of others to affect our moods, our feelings, and generally, our experiences.  If someone makes a negative, inaccurate assumption about us, logically we can tell ourselves, oh, that’s just them; they don’t know what they are talking about.

But if we allow it to somehow become personal, thinking that something about us isn’t quite right, we really do ourselves a disservice in carrying a burden that truly doesn’t belong to us.

Several months ago I was in a store in downtown Chicago.  I hadn’t been in this particular store before, so I wasn’t quite sure where this, that…

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My Bucket List of Gratitude – By Lisa Gastaldo

When help is needed, good friends come through without being asked.

Kindness Blog

I’m creating my own kind of bucket list. Not the usual listing of things I wish to do before I leave this earth, but an accounting of the gracious drops of kindness that have filled my pail to the brim.

Whether the contribution was a single drip from an eyedropper or gallons upon gallons of generosity, all have buoyed my soul, washed away hours of pain, and carried me through turbulent trials.

And so I have decided to make a conscious effort to recognize these not-so-random acts. Some were as temporary as the morning dew, but equaling as cooling. Others have been like IVs, injecting nourishment continually. A few were summer storms: electrifying, powerful, and brief. Whether their perpetrators knew it or not, each and every one made a significant impact. They quenched my drought in spirit and left me flooded with gratitude.

Item Number 1: Clean House – Warm…

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