Awareness and acknowledgment may seem inconsequential, but, in reality, they make a significant difference in our planet’s energy.

I’ve always been mindful of sharing what I think if it’s something positive and will walk up to perfect strangers and compliment their hair or outfit or the cuteness of their child and never once has it not elicited a beautiful smile, hug, or a tear of just being seen.  

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Becoming Aware

Hold the door for the person behind you, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

On an airplane, stay within your allotted space—no arms on the armrests on either side of the center seat, no legs in the area of another’s seat, and no speaking over someone sitting between you and your friend. (I’ve been stuck in the middle seat many times.) 

If you must (or want to) pass on an invitation, don’t make up a story; “I’m sorry I can’t make it” is perfectly acceptable.

Respect folks driving tractor-trailers; many complain about them, but we have no problem buying the goods they deliver. 

When you try something on in a store and get deodorant on it, return it to a salesperson instead of putting it on the rack, and if you take something off a display, put it back—a sense of entitlement is not cool. 

If you’re physically able, walk your visitors to their car when they leave your home. That makes a memorable “goodbye.”

When you’re at a restaurant, stop your conversation for the server to take your order—I’ve never worked in the food industry, but I genuinely appreciate how tough that job must be.

Don’t ask personal questions like “when are you going to get married?” or say, “obviously, you’re not the birth parent; where did you adopt your child?” If they wanted you at a wedding, you’d know, and love, not biology, determines parenthood.

If you’re visiting someone in a hospital or care setting, show appreciation for the nurses and aides who lift, clean, feed, and save lives. (Thank you, Erin and Stephi.)

RSVP means “please respond”—have the courtesy to say “yes” or “no” by the deadline.

Ignore your phone when you’re with someone unless you’re expecting a critical call—talk to the person you’re with rather than worrying about what you may be missing.

Don’t throw cigarette butts out the window—the excuse, “they burn away,” isn’t valid; I’ve seen piles of them on streets.

Wave to the person who lets you in when you’re stuck in traffic

When you see someone wearing a cap that indicates that person served our country, say, “thank you.” (Thank you, Kellee and Gary.)

Apologize when: you say something you didn’t mean, something you wanted to say but then realized was truly hurtful, or when you do something you now regret.

Say “thank you” prolifically: to people who work for you, deliver your mail, pack your groceries—you get the point.

If you don’t have time to write a short note when sending holiday cards, at least sign your first name.

When you think something nice, say it, even if it’s outside your “comfort zone.”

Never make fun of or stare at people who look different from you.

When you go to someone’s home for anything other than a “potluck,” take a small, thoughtful gift that says, “thank you for inviting me.”

Send a note or call someone for no reason other than to brighten their day.

When there’s a death in the family of someone you know, remember another casserole would be much more appreciated later when there are fewer visitors. Sometimes what’s essential is simply a hand to hold. 

Validate the person you’re speaking to by using their name.

Don’t blow your horn just because you can—use it only when necessary, and don’t spit on the ground or out of your car window—what if everyone did the same thing?

Think before you speak—what you verbally put out to the universe can’t be retrieved; unkind words kill the spirit.

Send a handwritten note to show appreciation.

Love the one you’re with—if that’s impossible, rethink that significant part of your life.

Don’t monopolize conversations in a group—you’re exciting and witty, but others are too.

Share; whether that’s your time, energy, or money—even an hour or $10 makes a difference.

Say “I love you” if you feel that way—you never know when you’ll see that person for the last time.

 Listen when someone’s talking to you—what you say may seem more important, but chances are good the other person feels the same way.

Compliment freely: loved ones, someone with a great smile, children who have beautiful manners—those kind words just may change a person’s day

Make the accumulation of experiences and memories more important than the accumulation of things.

Be your true self, not the one you created to “fit in.” You are better than that. 

Appreciate what you have; it’s easy to see other’s realities and wish for that, but all of us able to read this have more than most of the majority world. 

Thank God for everyone who adds joy to your life.

And love yourself; none of these other ideas will truly matter without that. 

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It can be tough to create change, but the “little things,” taken in manageable steps, matter. We forge a kinder, gentler world when we embrace others as they are. We are all works in progress, sometimes magnificent, sometimes broken, but always loved—even when we walk in the dark or feel alone. And we can change others’ lives by living into our highest selves with kindness and respect for all.

May this day bring you peace.
With love,
Kay

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Please help spread the word of peace full home™, and invite your friends to share our peace-filled conversations.
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