Gratitude for the thread that holds us together

I really believe, life works out for the best.  There are so many times in my past where I thought something went wrong, only to find out later, it worked out exactly as I needed it to. I have learned so many things in my life, decided they were pointless and years later, realised that the knowledge was just what I needed.  

I also find it fascinating how our lives are all intertwined.  I love people.  When I am out and about I find myself thinking about all the different lives we are living.  I look at the relationships and think about how diverse we all are.  I wonder what they are thinking (or sometimes even if they are thinking at all!) and what they believe about life.

Think about your life, how many people are you connected with?  We all make a difference.  We are here to be ourselves!  Kindness to one person can have a knock on effect to others too.  Even a smile can change the lives of countless people.

I was visiting my mother in the nursing home the other day.  I happened to see one of the  doctors sitting in the office.  It immediately made me think about a time, just over two years ago, when she told me my mother had about two weeks to live.  This was about the third time we had gone through the same scenario but this one appeared to be true.  She was so kind to me and so supportive.  My son was doing final exams in school and I needed not to fall apart.  I look at Matthew now, happy and fulfilled in university and I realise that without the kindness of the lovely doctor, who he do does not even know, his life might be quite different.  I am sure if I had fallen apart at that time, with all the stress I was under, his exam results would have suffered.  He might be as happy doing something else but it is so amazing to see him in his element!  My next plan is to find the doctor and thank her for changing his life. 

There are so many people that influence us other than our friends and families.  The people who write the books we take advice from, the people we watch in videos, the strangers that post the dog or cat videos that make us smile, just to name a few!

Take some time over the next few days and think about even one of the circumstances in your life. Who are all the people who have influenced that situation, make a list if you like (I love lists!).  Then sit for a few minutes and send them little bubbles of gratitude.  I like to think about my bubbles of gratitude floating away from me and then popping on the person I am sending them too and giving them a little frisson of happiness. You never know, it might be just what they need in this moment. 

 Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash