Fred Rogers once said " Love is at the root of everything-all learning, all parenting, all relationships...love, or the lack of it." With things seeming so off balance lately maybe love has gotten a little lost along the way and maybe it's up to us to get it back on track.
(Original Chalk Art by Gardener Anna)
Research shows that people who are positive in their approach to others and to life in general are less likely to be stressed or anxious. Spreading more love (putting more positive energy out there) not only helps your own mental well being but it can also positively effect others too. The more you engage with spreading love to others, the more they will be inclined to do the same.
I have always been an upholder of the expression 'lead by example", so today I have come up with a list of things our family is doing to help spread some love and do our part to make our world a brighter and more peaceful place.
Send Someone A Letter:
The art of writing a letter to someone is a form of communication that hopefully will never be lost. It is a beautiful and often unexpected gesture that touches the recipients heart and lets them know they are in your daily thoughts. Letting friends & family how know how much you appreciate them in a written letter helps you count your blessings and confirms the importance of a relationship. It is also a wonderful skill to pass on to younger gardeners who are more comfortable with electronic communication.
Special Delivery:
Make up a special treat bag for someone for a surprise pick-me-up. Celebrations are always a wonderful reminder to treat someone but sometimes it's fun to put together an unexpected gift for an unexpected reason. We happen to love making self-care packages as a reminder to take time out for yourself!
Kindness From Your Kitchen:
Show someone you care by mixing up a little kindness from your kitchen and when you double the batch you double the love you can spread. Bake some cookies for your friend, make a meal for an elderly neighbor or even fix up a picnic basket for a working mom working from home. Cooking has always been a beautiful form of self expression and is a wonderful thing to share with family and friends. Getting the whole family involved is also a beautiful way to introduce young kids to help spreading some love.
Pay Someone A Compliment:
Compliments can go viral....literally I have seen it happen. From paying a compliment to a stranger in line at the store, stopping someone on the street to say you like their shoes or even just smiling at a stranger is a positive output that is most likely to be paid forward! Finding something to compliment someone on also sparks creativity and encourages you to look at someone from a positive point of view.