Happy Friday, snippeteers ...
On a recent 9-girlfriend getaway to Cape May on the Jersey Shore, our friend Barbie brought two large plastic bags packed with perfectly formed gorgeous seashells she had collected on her annual treks to Sanibel Island. (Sanibel is considered the best shelling spot in North America! The beaches are carpeted with tiny, perfect pastel coquinas, conchs, whelks, scallops, angel wings, and clam shells often perfectly
intact.)
When normally most of us walk along the beach to collect seashells and take them home ... Barbie BRINGS seashells TO the beach! Since our Maryland and Jersey shorelines generally do not spit out such unique and gorgeous seashells such as the ones she finds in Sanibel, she thoroughly enjoys tossing them around other beaches so people can feel delighted as they discover the treasures. (Do I hear an "awwwww?")
Who does that??? Barbie does that.
True giving is not being around to benefit from the reaction of a recipient or receiving kudos and pats on the back. True generosity is presenting your gift, then walking away, knowing you'll be providing a little thrill.
What kinds of selfless acts and gestures do you enjoy practicing or have done in the past? To people we love, friends, coworkers, even strangers.
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Did you show up unnoticed to write in chalk HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! on your friend's sidewalk or driveway? (or even writing with lipstick on the mirror while using their bathroom)
- Did you mail a 'just because' gift you had to buy because it reminded you of someone?
- Did you accidentally drop a coin on the floor of a store then leave it there for a child to find?
- Did you order and have delivered a fun something online, such as decorative cookies, a healing basket, chocolate-covered fruit, fresh flowers, gelato cups, or get well package?
- Did you slip a few quarters in the parking meter before you pulled away so it would be paid for the next person who parks?
- Did you hand out the window a pre-assembled lunch bag with a few toiletries, snacks, tissue, water, and a $5 dollar bill to a homeless person on the corner?
- Did you tuck a cute love note in your spouse's suitcase before a business trip or your child's lunchbox?
- Did you leave a bottle of wine at the front door of an upset friend?
- Did you donate food items in a collection box at your local store to help feed the hungry?
- Did you drop in a hefty tip in the jar for the human who served you a hot coffee, chilly snowball, or a delicious deli sandwich?
They say giving feels better than receiving. I'm a believer.
To all the BARBIEs out there on the planet who genuinely open their hearts to bring joy to strangers, who give back, who pay it forward to the next person, who commit acts of kindness just because, who scatter love ... may you always find the most perfectly formed seashells as you walk along.
