Guest Blog : Tasha Ives

As of late, my family has been the recipient of random acts of kindness. A meal brought to my home…money given in a time of need…a hug…a call…a card. All given by people who were just being good.

The funny thing is, although our close friends and family took part in these acts of “being good”, most of these transactions of kindness were performed by strangers! Yes, complete and total strangers.

The general kindness began when my daughter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor…and the kindness just continues to come our way…from the ice cream shop owner, doling out the free scoops, to the little old lady who handed over what could have been her grocery money…to the all-expanse-paid trip to Disney…all given with no strings attached.

At first, this outpouring of kindness didn’t settle well with me. I am one who never wants to make someone feel obligated…never wants to bother someone…much less, possibly take their last dollar.

But as the giving continued, I realized that although their main purpose was to help a family in need, there was a secondary reason for giving…it just really feels good to give. I saw the need to give on their faces…heard it in their voices…read it in their emails. They wanted to give, and wanted nothing in return.

Good thing, too, because we will never be able to repay all the goodness that has been shown to us. Honestly, I am not even aware of the sheer numbers of “do gooders” who’ve helped…how can I ever thank the anonymous giver?

By giving. I can give to others in need. I can reach beyond my own tragic circumstances and give. My heart has been changed. Because I have been given much, I want to give much…and I want nothing in return…just the joy of doing good.

Maybe a meal taken to a home…money, in a time of need…a hug…a call…a card. I can just be good...no strings attached.

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To learn more about Tasha and her daughter's journey click here!

{image from Tasha Ives}

Give a Little Love

All you need is love, right?  I think really, that is what everyone is looking for.  Everyone wants to be loved, heard, understood, cared for, noticed, and appreciated.  Some of of us are fortunate to have people in our lives that really do love us and sadly some have nothing of the sort.  Some people are starved for love.  So starved that something like a stranger smiling at them or asking them how they are doing could make a world of difference.

What is love (hopefully you don't have a certain song & picture of Will Ferrell & Chris Kattan bopping their heads running through your mind now, like I do!)?  Love can be described as many things but here are a few . . . 

Love is patient

Love is kind 

Love cares more for others than self

Love isn't always "me first"

Love looks for the best

Love doesn't fly off the handle

Love always looks for the best

Love keeps going to the end

And did you know that love can also mean charity and charity is defined as generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill or helpless.  The two can not be separated.

So in one way or another we can all show a little love today.  Things like being patient with the checkout person at the store.  People can be so rude just because they are in a hurry.  Something as simple as slowing down and saying thank you with a smile could mean a lot.  Or how about just trying to be more patient with your kids.  Love is just being kind to everyone you come in contact with.  It's something that we can all try for.

So one way or another in small ways and of course, if you are able, in big ways... show some LOVE!  

{image via The Rug Company}