I thought, in keeping with Easter and Passover, that it would be interesting to start a thread that consists of what we all do to make ourselves better people every day. A VERY SIMPLE THREAD. I also think this would be a good time to think about what we would like to change about ourselves, and think about how we can do it. Thus, after Easter, perhaps we can all rise from the dead, so to speak, with new ideas and new ways to help ourselves and others. This thread is intended to be a sort of grimoire of rainbows, goodness, honesty, and hope!
Every day, I like to smile at strangers. It confuses people sometimes, especially when I say hello, because they spend some time wondering where the heck they know me from, but it sure brightens a lot of days, and it makes me a lot of new friends.
I am wondering how I can keep stress from getting to me when I am forced to do things I don't want to do. Any suggestions?

Light and Love,
Kelly

Hi Kelly,(eternalmask)

I Practice Random Kindness and senseless acts of beauty too and have a story to share

A friend just shared with me, that he watched a meter maid, writing a ticket for a truck, and while she had her back to the meter, he put in a quarter in it, and walked around the corner of a building, and peaked around and watched the metermaid. The metermaid got the ticket finished, and looked back at the meter, and then shook her head, and grabbed the ticket off the truck and ripped it up.
It was a small act of kindness for another motorist and it prevented them from getting a parking ticket, and his story made many people smile, chuckle and laugh.

JC
I

I liked the story about the metermaid. Not long ago, a sweet and crazy girl I know tried to do the same thing. The metermaid gave the person a ticket anyway. I told her that I thought that was rude. She snapped back, "Well, it's rude of them to park here for longer than two hours." Don't you wish everyone could practice more lovingkindness?
Light and Love,
eternal

Once upon a time, a long time ago.... I was sweet 16 and thought I was dying. I had a severe case of Asiactic Flu and was being rushed to the hospital because I couldn't breathe and my body was becoming paralized. On the way, (about the time we got stopped by a train on the tracks) I accepted my immenent death and a kind of peacefulness washed over me. In my own mind, I was searching for a reason for having lived and the only thing I could think of was the time I was walking down the street and past by this poor harried man trying to calm down this little girl who was having a fit of anger about something. I was carrying my little sister who was so much younger than me that strangers thought she was my daughter. I gave him an understanding smile. He stopped in his tracks and a smile passed over his face. I could tell by the change in his voice as he spoke to the child that I had calmed him down and now he would be able to handle the situtation so much better. It was such a "little" thing, but little things do mean a lot. Needless to say, I did not die. When I was vomiting so hard that I could feel something blocking my air passage, I panicked and was hyperventelating. First thing they did at the hospital was put a paper bag over my mouth. I only spent 3 days in the hospital, but felt I had learned something very valuable in the process.

Rainbows and Roses

Freebird

What a beautiful story Freebird! You're right, the little things do mean so much! Sometimes, a person is put here to do one thing, and one thing only...however, I think that's rare...I think lots of us have tons to do! Today, I am sending compassion to people I don't like very much as a way of helping instead of hurting. I am having some amazing results with this! A girl I haven't spoken to in years recently asked me to come to her college graduation party. Wow! Previous to that, I had been sending the good vibes anyway...just to see...and it was so much better than hate and bitterness! What a difference it made!
Light and Love To All,
eternal

By the way Freebird, I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE STILL HERE AND WITH US!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XXXOOOO
=)
eternal

Dear eternalmask,

I think your opening statement and the idea of this thread is wonderful.
It is a great idea.
I was in a car accident on 2/1/00 (it wasn't my fault) and I am still home on disability. I have been doing an oral essay in my head of what I have learned from this experience of being stuck home, limited physically, being off from work, etc. It is interesting when you have to think about stuff like your "lessons". I had many hardships in my 20's, and at that time, I really grew spiritually. Now, I think this accident is forcing me to "remember" what's important in my life.
Peace to all. I hope Easter brings us much gladness! (as Linda would say).

Jovette

yes Jov..it was for a reason

Jovette, Aries, Freebird, and ALL,
thanks so much for the feedback! I hope all of your days are filled with light and blessings...especially you Jovette...sounds like you need it! Although undoubtedly your accident happened for a reason, I will pray for you and send you white light to aid your recovery.
I like to reflect on negative things that have happened to me until I see the good in them. Keeps hate down and enables you to see blessings in abundance.
I like the word abundance. It has a nice ring to it.
Light and Love,
eternal