July 6 - Drops of Sunshine

Day 187 of a year of Kindness

One of my oldest friends, Julie Seregny Mahoney, called me today. She needed to buy a mattress. I mean, that’s hard - it’s practically like buying a car. Once we figured that out, she shared that she was having some artistic challenges. She wasn’t feeling as inspired as usual. She makes beautiful handcrafted jewelry (like the gorgeous drops of sunshine in the photo). 

I shared that I completely understood because a personal writing project had stalled and I hadn’t written a word for it in months. It was haunting me. So, after we discussed it, we decided that once we hung up - she would go to her jewelry studio and I would start writing. An hour later, we reported success! We had both pushed through our creative blocks.

It’s the kindness of the people in your life who believe in you that makes such a difference. The friend who encourages you to write the book, make the jewelry, get out of bed, go to the gym, stick with therapy, apply for the job - the kind of friend whose belief in you transcends your own belief in yourself. It’s a quiet kindness and such a profound blessing.

Science of kindness: Research shows that friendships are like emotional oxygen - they quietly but powerfully support your mental well-being in ways you don’t even realize. Friends can simply remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and are capable of creating a life you deserve. #bekind #kindnessiscontagious #kindnessisfree #kindness #friendship