This post came to me as I walked by a ‘Wedgewood Blue’ lilac bush. The aroma was intensely beautiful. And, I thought,
“What if everyone could smell this?
What if I could share that feeling with others?”
I debated myself about actually posting it. But, it’s something I wanted to say, so I’m saying it. It’s from me to you. Enjoy.
What I Would Gladly Give You
To Better Your Day
A hello, a hug, a smile.
A shoulder to cry on.
The aromatic fragrance of the ‘Wedgewood Blue’ lilac.
A child’s laugh.
Acceptance, acknowledgement, affirmation.
I would listen.
Tears for your pain.
A gentle wind on your back.
The book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.
A friend, an advisor, a mission.
I would tell you, “You’re great. You matter. There’s more.”
I would whisper, “It’s just a season. It’s just a day. It’s just a time.”
I would be silly so you could laugh.
I would take you to a secret spot shared only by our family.
Pachelbel Canon, dark chocolate, a soft pillow.
The blessing of sharing one of these with someone else today.
What would you give someone to better their day?
Live it LOUD!
P.S. “You’re great. You matter.”
P.S.S. If you are a regular reader you know I love the blog SmartBoyDesigns I read it faithfully.
These are two more that I get great value from:
Getting Unstuck, Riley writes with great depth, yet, in a very coherent manner. This is a great post of his: Watch Out 14 Self Defeating Traps to Always Avoid
Our Developing Mind, Marco was a staple for me before he let me guest post! This is just one of several excellent posts: The Five Characteristics That You Should Have
Can you remove captcha? It really blocks me from commenting on your blog
I would send a little bit of appreciation so people know their efforts matter. Thanks for the ladybug, it’s a special sign for me 🙂
Hey Julie,
You really know how to brighten days, don’t you? Thanks:D
That picture is special even though it was a of couple years back:
It was time at the park. It was a moment. It was a smile.
That’s my son. His name is Luke.
May a gentle breeze land a ladybug upon your shoulder. And may the sun shine warmly upon both of you.
Thanks for making my day better.
Hey Rob, great question to ask!
For me, it would be my attention, my undivided, devoted attention. Too often, people need to be heard, need someone to listen to them when they’re almost dying to say something, but there’s no-one around to answer their plea. Everyone seems to be wrapped up in their own lives to notice, or care.
At times, that’s the greatest gift we can give someone, the freedom to express themselves, without judgement or bias. To accept someone for who they are 🙂
Hey Stuart,
I’m convinced that it’s the smallest of actions (listening, smiling, affirming) that can have the biggest impact. I’ve listened to and reasoned with many a folk who were distraught at the time. It certainly is a great way to better someone’s day and life.
Keep Living it LOUD!
Hi Rob,
This is poetic 😉 I would give many things, but among the things that I would give is a smile 🙂 A smile is something simple yet it is very powerful. Thanks for sharing
Hey Dia,
Indeed, very powerful. Again, can we really know the impact we have?
Live it LOUD!
Hey Rob,
There are so many thing I could think of but the sole thing I would love to do is to compliment. As a child, I always thought I was “ugly, fat and just ugly”. And when someone complimented I just felt so happy. Though I have out grown all those feeling, I believe a teenage child could do so much with just a compliment! It works wonders!
Hey Hajra,
What great truth. We are all vulnerable, but especially children and teens. Harsh or gentle words can be remembered for much longer than the time it took to say them.
You fat and ugly? That is your real picture isn’t it? Your name really is Hajra isn’t it…:)
Glad you came through so well. Also, I know you are a great encouragement to others. Thanks.
Live it LOUD!
I’m sitting back, closing my eyes, and smelling those lilacs. Mmmm. They smell fantastic. Thank you for sharing them with me.
Hhhmm, how do I show my care and appreciate for others? What would I give them to better their day? Well, it seems that in my life it’s often a laugh. Using myself as an entertainer to bring a smile into someones day. I love to do that. Sometimes it’s just someone to talk to. A board to bounce ideas, worries and concerns over. I hope to be that for my friends and families.
Sometimes, it’s just the simple smile I give another throughout my day. I think that helps to. On the opposite end of the spectrum – I love receiving these things from others.
Thanks for being awesome Rob. Enjoyed your post. Funny that on the same day we link to one another’s blogs within our blog posts. Glad the Jefferson / Adams feeling is mutual. 😉
Hey Brother,
Yes, we linked to each other, but mine went out first!
I am excited to see where your endeavors take you.
Will you be the lead (tenor?) at the Metropolitan Opera House?
Will you be headlining at Blogworld?
Will you write bestselling books?
I’m quite certain it will be all three, probably at the same time.
Yes, giving. Simple.
For years we would ‘entertain’ at a nursing home. In fact, that’s where my daughter (13 now) gave her earliest and most important performances on the piano. She may never be famous by society’s standards. But to those few precious folk, she was ‘all the rage’. This isn’t to brag but to say, “It’s the little things that can mean so much”.
I hardly consider Living it LOUD as something that is done only within one’s own life. Most things are best shared (though, not all:)
Keep living it the way you are.
Your post sure did – so you win! 🙂
Love to hear about your daughter at the nursing home. That’s so fantastic. Love your thoughts there too. She may not be famous, but to those individuals – she will forever be famous and loved. Our perspectives often get scewed, thinking we need to be something more than what is already accomplished.
You say to keep living it the way I am; but I often wonder why I feel like there’s so much more. I always feel like I’m only dipping into the tip of potential – and not being quite the person I need to be. Whether it be productivity, kindness or talents. In short, I guess I often feel inadequate. Thoughts? I think we all feel that way sometimes.
Hey Christian,
You’ve answered it too well already: “but I often wonder why I feel like there’s so much more. I always feel like I’m only dipping into the tip of potential – and not being quite the person I need to be.”
Where else can continued growth come, if not that attitude? Keep living it that way. You’re just starting. Stay on that road of growth, a la Adams and Jefferson.
You bring joy to the game. We appreciate it.
Rob,
What would I give? Great question.
I would sacrifice my time and be the listening ear.
I would give the practical advice from my mind to anyone who has a desire to hear.
I would sacrifice a shoulder to dry a hurt friends tears.
I would give from my resources to remove burdens and fears.
If I had to choose just one thing to do, to say or to give.
It would probably be my everything because it’s the purpose why I live.
🙂
My sad attempt at poetry.
Hey Frank,
Poetry is intangible. Your actions tangible. You speak from the heart. I, and all who read, thank you for being you.
Live it LOUD!
I absolutely loved this post, Rob! As you probably know, I’m a big proponent of remembering and valuing the little things in life. Even so, I haven’t been one to appreciate the little smells of life. Thanks for opening my eyes and olfactory buds to the idea of it all!
Actually, I don’t have a very good sense of smell, but there sure are moments of memorables whiffs and nose will be on the lookout for aromas in Huancayo now that I’ve read your post. =)
As to your question, I would definitely give a hug or at least put a hand on a shoulder. After living in different parts of the world, I’ve noticed how powerful the sense of touch can be. It can cross language and emotional barriers!
Thanks so much for having me think about all this, Rob! =)
Ahh yes Samantha…the power of a hug. I’m one of those crazy folks who hugs other humans. Not everyone is hugged everyday, or even smiled at. Your right Samantha, it’s the little things in life.
As far as the smelling goes…it doesn’t stop there. The lilacs are beautiful to look at also. I live in more of an urban setting. People look at me strangely when I randomly say, “Hey, look at the chimney swift.” Yes, we have those and much more than that in the city, if you’re looking.
Enjoy your wonderful adventure in Peru.
Wow! That’s a really great question sir;”What would you give someone to better their day?” So simple yet so profound. Simple things like these could really brighten up someone’s day.
Before, I was a not so sociable type of person, negative things happen because of that. To tolerate more, that’s what I could give someone. I don’t want my attitude to be the reason for them to have a bad day.
p.s. Thanks for the shout out. 🙂
Hey Marco,
I know exactly what you’re saying. Our impact on others really needs to be a positive one. This not only impacts them in a positive way, but ourselves also.
Thank you for your words and thanks for stopping by.
Live it LOUD!
I’m a big fan of sharing smiles and laughter. I also like giving toys to help people laugh and release stress. 🙂 I am in Texas now sharing Laffy Laffalot toys and marshmallow launchers with Dell Children’s Hospital. I feel VERY blessed to have the ability to do this work.
Hey Christa,
I volunteered a while back at a children’s hospital in Chicago. The resiliency of the children was remarkable to behold. A smile goes a long way. Glad you’re out there sharing yours. The world is a little better.
Live it LOUD!