Taking the Time to Make Time

The past several days have shared a common thread, a similar energy that finally came to bear today. There have been several conversations with friends about how rarely we take the time to connect with others.  We spend most of our time consumed by our to-do lists or our social media feeds that are bombarding us with all the things we 'could be' or 'should be' doing.  Whether we are standing in line, waiting for our coffee, walking to a meeting, heading to class, even at the gym, it is a safe bet that the person next to us has something to offer, something to share. But most of us will never get to experience the comfort of that human connection. We will keep our heads down, our minds uselessly focused on the past or future and missing out on the right now. Missing out on the opportunity to make time for others and love our now.

When we take the time to make time and be kind to others, it instantly changes our mood, our perspective, our day, over time our lives and inevitably our worlds.  Given several of these opportunities over the past few days, it was the best way to celebrate a very happy birthday!  Even when it takes me off my schedule or is a detour from the plan I had for the day, I have never once regretted making the time to be kind and connect with others. In fact, almost always, that someone shares an unexpected gem, or is a magnetic person who leaves me feeling energized and alive with passion and excitement.

While making the time to be kind to others is gratifying, we must also show ourselves this same kindness. Taking the time to do the things we love, that bring us peace and practices of real self-care. From food to exercise, fun, rest, relaxation and stress management, we must make time for ourselves and be kind.

Take the time to be kind to our mind, our body and our soul. Make the time to be kind to others, open up, share our light with others and allow them to do the same.

I make the time to connect daily and meet some truly beautiful humans.  I exercise, practice yoga and meditate daily. I make the time to write. I make the time to make healthy food, including night time snacks of baked apples and graham crackers with homemade almond butter and chocolate shavings… Now that is making time to be kind!

How will you take the time to make time and be kind!?