The Human Experience.

Why is it that if I see somebody crying, I'm more likely to cry?

If I see a baby laugh (even though I have no idea what is so funny), I laugh.

My favorite little gal-pal, Val.

Even if I hear a story about a sad situation, and have no direct ties to the people involved, I feel a tug at my heart.

An interesting man I met in Austin

Why do we all feel these innately?
Do we all feel these innately?
Do some people feel numb at others' emotions?
Do some people have the ability to feel for others while forging onward? Do some people have a switch they can turn on and off? Would that switch actually be a good thing? (Sidenote: I could never be an ER/ICU nurse, and I give an immense amount of respect to those people out there who go to work everyday BECAUSE THEY CARE, and turn off the switch because they have to DO THEIR JOB. That is no easy task and ought to be recognized. I see healthy, happy patients. They want to have surgery. My job is generally low-stress and laid-back.)

My relationship with another person be it a stranger I share a smile with at the store, a co-worker, a friend, or a family member....my relationships with all of these people DEFINE me. If these relationships are thriving, I feel satisfied, full, and joyful. If they are lacking or have tension, I feel anxious, melancholy, and alone.

My beautiful mother and me in Canton

I believe my relationship with GOD is similar to my relationship with other people. Maybe they are one in the same-and it's just words that make it confusing. The spirit in each person that I connect with is a part of God, connecting with the part of God in me. I really believe this. Not to say if my relationships are lacking, my relationship with God is lacking...really, it is just a separation or a distance. And I know it just means I have to make the move, or the shift, to get closer again.

Contrary to some strict Christian principles, I no longer believe it necessary to gain these experiences through fellowship that is limited to Christians. I can feel the connection to people of other beliefs, or none at all. I connect to the human spirit when I connect to these people. And the first step in connecting, I believe, is simply being kind.

Our sponsored child, Palak, from India. This beautiful 4 year old girl will likely be raised Hindu. As long as she is taught kindness, that's all that matters to me.

Recently, I've been very proud to be a part of the Finding Kind movement. Here, my friend Rachel talks about some of our progress. If we could get the message out to young women to treat eachother with KINDNESS....we could really make a huge impact on our community. Why is it that women are more likely to assume the new pretty girl walking in the room is an enemy...rather than a potential friend? See her as competition rather than camaraderie?

I know, it is not likely for us all to join hands and sing kumbaya. But one of my favorite quotes from the documentary Finding Kind goes....

"We can't all be smart. We can't all be talented. We can't all be beautiful. But we can ALL be kind."