There was a lot about 2012 that was really hard. For me, personally, it was indescribably hard losing my son Troy in December. I miss his smile which could light up an entire room. I miss his amazing spirit and his love for — everything. Troy took absolutely nothing for granted.
I know many of you have ended a difficult year as well, and our nation is reeling over the loss of so many innocent lives last year. There is a deep, heavy burden placed on our hearts because of it. I ask God to place his healing hand on us and help us move forward in our knowledge that we are better people for knowing those who have gone before us.
Ihope and pray the New Year brings some peace into your life. I don't want to tell anyone what they should do, but I have found in my own life and in my own grief, when I reach out and bless someone else, I am comforted more. I think of how Troy would actually be the one making this person smile or doing a kind deed for this other person, and it gives me peace to do that in his memory.
What the world needs now is more love. More kindness. More unity. More empathy. And I know that's really easy to write, but it's also easy to do. It takes just a second to hold the door for someone. It takes a couple extra minutes to let a frazzled mom cut in line ahead of you. It takes 20 minutes to make a batch of cookies and make someone's day. It takes five minutes to write a co-worker a nice note complimenting their performance. It takes five seconds to share a hug. And it takes virtually no time at all to share a passing smile.
If you were ever going to make a meaningful resolution for the New Year, resolve to spread kindness to others this year. Though you do it for others, you may be surprised at how it will greatly improve your mood, your attitude and your life. Just think about it...
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia
AMan In The Mirror — Michael Jackson
What A Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher — Jackie Wilson
Firework — Katy Perry
You Raise Me Up — Josh Groban
When You Believe — Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Up Where We Belong — Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
Over The Rainbow — Various Artists
Good Life — One Republic
Listen To Your Heart — Roxette