"The magic is that if we spread kindness, we are sure to receive kindness. If we spread love, we are sure to receive love. And in that kindness and in that love, there is a connection. Real connection."
I recently experienced two encounters that still have me overflowing with gratitude and happiness. My first encounter was in a supermarket & deli. I was having lunch in the deli with a friend when I noticed one of my yoga instructors who I didn’t know well but really thought highly of her instruction. I started thinking about how wonderful she was at guiding us through our practice. She would go into such detail, right down to describing the anatomy behind the pose.After wrapping up with my lunch date, who was filling my happiness cup, I needed to grab a couple of items in the grocery side of the store, so I headed that way. As I was perusing the aisles, I spotted the yoga instructor again. I was, again, marveling at how amazing she was. As I was heading to the register with my items there she was -- again. Suddenly, this warm feeling washed over me - a feeling of love and connection. I felt compelled to share my thoughts with her. Right then, I turned around and headed straight towards her! Feeling awkward and nervous as I got closer, she smiled, having recognized me from class. Smiling back as I approached, I greeted her and told her how amazing I thought she was as a yoga instructor and that I appreciated her and her guidance in class. You know what she said to me? She said, “Is that why you came to talk to me? Simply to tell me that? Wow! That is so nice. Thank you! You made my day!” And then she reached for me to grab a hug. There, in that moment, through a simple gesture (ok, maybe it was a little awkward for me on the approach – but so worth it), two people who really didn’t know each other became connected in a meaningful way. Two people left that encounter a little happier and a little better because of it.
Fast forward to a couple of days later. I was in the middle of a workday. The team had been involved in a special visit with consultants, so we were out and about in the community. I was with a larger group of community members, consultants, and a couple of team members. One team member and I were talking about work and some of the fun activities we had been involved in when, out of nowhere, she told me how kind she thought I was and how she could tell that I really cared for and appreciated each team member. Woah! Those kind words stopped me in my tracks. Tears began to well up. Once again, I felt the impact of a deep and meaningful connection. The kind that makes your heart soar and gives you that happiness boost that can carry you for days. Those words are still dancing around in my head, bringing me joy each time I think about it.
And here is where the real magic comes in!
The magic is that if we spread kindness, we are sure to receive kindness. If we spread love, we are sure to receive love. And in that kindness and in that love, there is a connection. Real connection.
The magic is that if we spread happiness, we spread better health! Happiness shows up in our bodies. We get a boost of Oxytocin when we are happy. Oxytocin, often referred to as a “happy hormone, " is associated with positive emotions, trust, and happiness. It is released during attraction and close relationships. Oxytocin also stimulates serotonin and dopamine, contributing to feelings of well-being. It is linked to decreased stress and anxiety levels. It’s a powerful hormone that can help keep us healthy!
The magic is that a simple act of sharing a thought or kind gesture with somebody can be profound. It can create connection. It can create a space where vulnerability is embraced. It can create a space where love, kindness, and happiness can thrive- where we can thrive. Just those simple moments. Those simple yet powerful words.
Never underestimate how powerful your words can be, how far someone can soar on those words, and how much happiness you can spread, making our world happier and healthier, one kind gesture or conversation at a time.
It’s magic!
