Category Archives: kindness

Take Time ~ Early Morning Thoughts

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I ran across this poem today, and fell immediately in love with it. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as well.

Take Time For The Little Things

Take time…to notice the dewy web clinging cautiously to the morning grass.
Take time…to feel the fire’s warm glow, and hear the crackling wood as it sparks randomly upwards.
Take time…to smell the sweet aroma of cookies wafting from the bustling kitchen.
Take time…to appreciate the laughter of children enjoying the first days of Spring.
Take time…to listen of the rushing stream as it glides swiftly under fallen limbs and over mossy pebbles.
Take time…to admire the diligence of the chattering squirrels seeking stores for their winter nests.
Take time…to wonder at the intricate crystal patterns frosting early morning windows.
Take time…to notice arid, shriveled leaves crunching with each step, along the tree-lined path.
Take time…to watch Autumn’s crispness paint changes from branch to branch, decorating the landscape for a short time.
Take time…to feel the cool breeze blowing in the promise of a summer rain.
Take time…to hear the clicking crickets echoing in the blackness.
Take time…to count the stars as they emerge from the graying sky, one by one filling the dark.
Take time…to hear the lapping waves pound against the grainy surface, then recede in answer.
Take time…to enjoy the fragrant scents of blooming newness and life, sprouting an array of colors where brown slept many long months.
Take time…to follow a firefly as it winks across open-air chasing the evening silence.
Take time…to share a smile.
Take time…to give a hug.
Take time…to acknowledge a kindness.
Take time…to tell someone you care.
Take time…to say, I love you.
–Barbara S. Gosa

Early Morning Thoughts ~ friendship broken

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I wanted to
be a friend.
To be there when
you needed me,
and share with
all you wanted.

I yearned to
make things
better
in your life,
in your thoughts
and
in your hopes.

We would stand
together,
united in our
friendship,
hopes,
dreams and
deep
care
for
each other.

I’ve had a long-term friendship with D for almost 9 years now. She been what I would call a very dear, long-term friend. We often were separated by distance or job, but when we talked it was almost as if no time had passed. She had an uncanny ability to see into the heart of situations and people. But then it began to change.

It’s always been an important part of me to accept people as they are – I have often said: If you can’t accept me at my worst, you have NO right to see me at my best. Having said that, I also realize the importance of being who I am in relation to others. As was posted last night, I had been through a situation where I gave up being me. And you can’t be you and keep you on track if the fences aren’t mended and the boundaries aren’t set.

The reason I like to use the fence analogy is because fences have gates…and you can let people in or out. You can also keep people out. When a fence is in need to mending however, that boundary is not there. And without boundaries, there is chaos. And try as I might, there seemed to be no repairing the fences/boundaries. I finally gently but firmly re-established some boundaries that I felt were essential to keep the friendship intact. There is a risk in any relationship – friend/lover/partner/relative – when that is done. There is the risk that they will not accept that and either try and tear it down, tear you down or end the friendship.

While not going into details, she chose two of the options, one of which was to end the friendship. As I had already weighed the risks – I was somewhat prepared. I say somewhat, because you can never be completely prepared for something based on human interaction.

I had written a long time ago: “The ending of a friendship is a painful as the click of a coffin lid.” And I still believe it now. However, I gained so much during this time and have enjoyed many many things with her that while there is a great loss, I have not lost myself or what is part of me. While you can have many acquaintances, you will only have a few close friends. Cherish those you have, and enjoy them – nurture that friendship. Build them up in ways that complement not only them, but yourself as well.

End Thought

Buddah once said: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.

Early Morning thoughts

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My friend who I sat with at the ER center, is not doing well. He’s become angry and disgruntled at the time it’s taking to find out what’s wrong – even though we both have our ideas. He’s begun to take it out on those around. I wish that I could wave a wand and take it all away.

The anger shows in
the tone.
the anger shows in
behavior.

The smile might
still be on
the
face, but I’m
listening to
what isn’t said.
What’s there
but
not revealed.

I could offer
the
platitudes of
life ~
the appropriate
sounds we
make
when faced with
that which
is
uncomfortable.

But I can’t do
that for,
you
are
my friend.
I care too
much to play
a game
of caring.

I want to let
you
know
I care — really care.

And I shall show it
by just being there.
Just sitting and being.

We can talk –
if you want.
We can be silent –
if you want.

But what must
be known,
said,
understood –

I am here.
I care.
I will continue
to be here –
even when
you
try to
shut me out.

grateful for all ~

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Since I don’t drive, the bus is my usual form of transportation. Several weeks ago, during some really wet, nasty weather, I watched a very elderly, frail gentleman get on the bus with two plastic shopping bags. I became concerned because it was obvious he was not well – at one point he almost passed out from coughing. The bus driver didn’t even ask him for the fare. He sat across from me, and I realized that not only was he not well, but homeless – everything in those two bags was everything he had. Several tried to offer things – but he was (I think) too concerned with getting in trouble with the bus driver – who already had an “I’m thinking how to take care of this” look.

I teared up as I sat there, and realized that no matter what is going on in my life, whatever might not be working well in my body I need to be grateful. I have been blessed. A couple of stops before mine, he got off.

When my stop came as I was leaving, I put the fare for the gentleman in the fare box, and thanked the driver for his kindness.

Old Man In The Park

By David Lewis

Old man why do you walk so slow?
To give me time to see the flowers grow.

Old man why do you stop and linger?
To listen to the birds, natures singer.

Old man why do you smile as lovers walk past?
I remember my youth, which passed so fast.

Old man what is your wish for the world today?
That people love people, stop wars without delay.

Old man who is the Lady by your side?
My wife, now almost seventy years a bride.

Old man,sometimes you look sad, then smile!
Come walk with me, share my dreams, down the last enchanted mile.

dr