The Wondrous Power of Thoughtfulness
Never underestimate the impact you have on others just by showing up and being YOU.
There’s this story about a chance meeting between two strangers:
An older woman had been sitting on a park bench, despondent and lonely, when a young man sat down next to her. The two of them fed the pigeons for a few minutes. Finally the young man got up, turned to the woman and thanked her for such a nice time. This seemingly small kindness restored the woman’s faith in life. The young man never knew that he had been the answer to her prayers.
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Josephine Billings
On any given day, without realizing it, YOU may be the answer to someone’s prayers.
But if you’re too busy to reach out or too scared and hiding out, the difference you (yes you) can make in the lives of others doesn’t happen.
Your thoughtfulness, expressed through gratitude and validation, possesses the extraordinary power to work wonders in the lives of others, illuminating their path with warmth and affirmation.
Gratitude, the art of recognizing and appreciating the kindness bestowed upon us, opens the floodgates of positivity, allowing it to overflow and touch the hearts of those around us.
When we consciously cultivate gratitude, acknowledging the blessings and gestures of goodwill we receive, we create a ripple effect of joy, inspiring others to embrace a similar mindset of appreciation and contentment.
Validation, the act of acknowledging and affirming the worth and experiences of others, has the transformative ability to elevate spirits and instill a deep sense of belonging. By validating someone’s feelings, achievements, or struggles, we extend a lifeline of understanding and empathy, reminding them that their voice matters and their presence is valued.
In this wondrous exchange of gratitude and validation, we become catalysts for personal growth, forging deeper connections, and creating a more compassionate and harmonious world.
And that’s the kind of world I want to live in. You?
Take Action:
- Think about who you can thank today. Your thoughtfulness could remind them of the great work they do and prevent them from giving up.
- 2. Then, carve out 15 minutes to watch the so-awesome-its-hard-to-put-into-words short film “Validation” (below) if you haven’t already.
- 3. Use the comments section as your accountability partner. Once you’ve taken action (gratitude + validation), report back. How did it make you feel? What feedback did you get?
Video Warning: You will laugh. You will cry.
And remember… You. You are awesome. And don’t you forget it!
If you enjoyed this story you’ll probably like this one too 👇
P.S. Have you published an ‘About Me’ story? Here’s mine. Let’s connect.
