“Real giving is the givingness of the self. A kind word, a thoughtful act, perhaps just a smile can help lighten the burdens of others.”
– Ernest Holmes, “Ideas for Living,” page 55

We really don’t know the outcome when we are being the light, engaging in some sort of interaction with a person. We’ve all heard stories of a simple conversation and human connection preventing a plan to suicide, unbeknownst to the other party. Yet what an act of kindness.

Just like I know that often the person on the other end of the phone line talking to me doesn’t realize how much they are brightening my day even though it’s in a customer service context. You see, between working remotely from home, a job where I can go for days without speaking to anyone in the organization (amazing, I know), living alone, and isolation due to COVID, there are times my psyche is inwardly screaming for human interaction.

The act of being the light can be simple, yet so powerful. Let’s each keep shining our light, being the light for others—we will brighten up this planet!