Use our past not to define us, but more so use our experiences to make us stronger through the sight of awareness. In turn using our present to make the decisions we ‘could’ be making to define the world into a more compassionate place.

Wishing everyone all the happiness for 2009 and beyond.

I like to offer an opportunity to forgive ourselves for all the missed opportunities to help someone out… and change ’should’ to ‘could’… and know only the ‘now’ is on offer to us… and what a blessing we have been gifted with the perminant opportunity to know we can always be open to helping someone out.
blessings to your 2009
with love and thanks geniene
xxx

These lessons that we are fortunate enough to learn helps us become more aware of others around us.

Most of us live in our safe little bubble we have created – very few have the courage to open our hearts to the pain of others.

I am reminded of a day about 10 years ago that still occupies my thoughts and comes across my mind when I am grocery shopping.

About 10 years ago, I went to a grocery store, Buy Low Foods, to pick up a couple of things. As I was standing at the checkout line there was a young lady standing infront of me, she probably was between 18-20 years old. She was talking to the checkstand girl and I was half paying attention. I heard the young lady tell the cashier I think I will put the “cereal” box back. The young lady paid and then left very quickly. I asked the cashier if there was something wrong with the cereal and she replied, she didnt get it because she couldnt afford it. I cant express how sad I felt when I heard the cashier tell me that!! I SHOULD have payed attention earlier when the young lady was counting the money in her hand. I SHOULD have paid for her cereal.

I ran to the door to see if I can see this young lady and pay for her cereal, but she was nowhere to be found.

I read this article a few weeks back and it brought a tear to my eye. I read it again last night and now again today.

At least now when I am paying for groceries, I make it a habit to pay attention to the person infront of me. But, I will never, ever forget the chance I had to make a difference, a very small difference, in this young ladies life, and I didn’t! It would have cost me nothing but it would have meant something special to her.

Oh how I wish I could turn back the hands of time, even 3 minutes just to pay for her cereal.

In turn, that gentleman will remember the gesture, as we always remember how people make us feel, and pas that gesture onwards.

I read a post on Arvinds blog about compassion that is well worth the read.

http://www.arvinddevalia.com/blog/2007/06/30/show-more-compassion-my-last-ever-blog-message/

This is really inspiring work and words from both you and Geniene.

It is a beautiful day here in London and I have been up bright and early, and your words have made my day already.

The lesson I keep learning is that it is so easy to show kindness and a single act can go a long way. Last night I was at a little cafe with 2 other friends and this place only had 6 bar stools where we could sit and eat.

I initially moved along so that a family of three – a man and his two children could have more space. They had 2 stools between. I then gave my stool to the father and all this time hardly a word was uttered between us. But the look of gratitude in their eyes and faces needed no words.

It really takes so little for us to help others and it would be wonderful if we can all spend some time and energy everyday to do a little bit for others.

And of course we also need to learn to receive!

PS Geniene – sorry to hear about your RSI – but as you say it is time for YOU to receive. Lets fix up a time for you to visit London and my chill out zone!

More precious than that, few of those people will follow their heart and be more aware of how much more we can do for others.

I fell madly in love with your video. Seeing the smiles on the childrens faces was so inspiring. By you sharing your experiences I am kindly reminded of how much more we can all give back. It is gratifying to know that there are amazing people like you in this world helping others.

Thank you for taking the time to post your experiences.

Take care
Melanie

Life exists in balance, your Ying and Yang, your right hand of giving and your left hand of receiving.

In order for us to give we have to be strong enough to receive.

To all the givers in this world, make sure you empty your cup before you over fill.