During the time when I was struggling with my heart problems a few years ago, my cardiologist kept encouraging me and telling me things would get better.
Each time I ended up in the emergency room, he would stop by and and in a gentle voice, remind me that I would feel better again soon.
The good news is that the medications he put me have worked great, and I haven’t had any problems for a long time.
I’ve always been amazed at how much those kind words help me. I also had friends who wrote wonderful email notes saying they were thinking of me and praying for me. And they celebrated for me when they knew I was doing fine. Receiving those kind words meant a lot.
Hand out kindness everywhere
It also reminded me how important it is to share kind words with others. When I do that, it actually makes me feel better too. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to do this. So I’ve been trying to hand out kinds words every chance I get.
I’ve given them to my coffee shop waitress who has an unplanned pregnancy. I’ve shared them with my friend who feels burned out by her work as a family therapist, but knows she can’t quit work right now.
And I’ve given them to my caring pastor who visits ill or elderly people to share kindness with them. Just one kind phrase, a warm smile, or even a hug can shift your own day as much as someone else’s.
Kindness helps heal
During all the sadness and natural disasters we’ve recently had in the U.S., I’ve seen many stories and photos of people reaching out in kindness.
It doesn’t take away the loss from the Covid deaths, shootings or tornados, but it gives people a little sunshine on a really bad day.
I’ve set a goal for myself to give kind words or a smile to at least five people today. I can do this through an email or phone call so I don’t even need to leave home. But when I go to the grocery store later today, I plan to share several warm smiles as well.
I don’t expect this to fix my occasional cookie cravings, but I know it will brighten my own day. And in the long run, that might be all it takes to help me keep winning against the cookies.cUpdate on Life is Hard, Food is Easy
As you know, my updated and revised edition of the book Life is Hard, Food is Easy is now available. I had planned to offer a virtual class in January on the content of this book.
But I’ve realized I’m not going to be able to do this, at least not right now.
So instead, I will be sending out an online workbook and learning guide for you to use with the book. I plan to send parts of it out every 1 to 2 weeks so that you can work on the assignments slowly and really integrate the concepts into your life.
I’m also planning to create a couple of videos to go with your book study.
There won’t be a fee for this. I encourage you to purchase the book so you can read the chapters as we go. However, that’s not a requirement. You’ll also be able to pick up some new ideas for your weight-loss journey from the workbook.
Watch for more details in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, get ready for learning to manage your struggles with emotional eating by getting a copy of the book.
Click here for a link to Amazon.
You can also order it through Barnes and Noble or independent bookstores. Be sure to request the new edition published in 2021.
Have a great rest of December and look forward to a fun learning event next year.