Tis the Season...

First and foremost, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope you have a blessed day, wherever you are, whoever you're celebrating with! And remember...always remember...the reason for the season! 

Second, I wanted to share something that has been on my mind. It's something that keeps popping up and has been resonating with me a lot lately. Some would call that a sign. 

So here it is. It's nothing revolutionary or new. But it's important. And today, of all days, it is especially important. 

Be kind. Always. 

​It really is that simple.

As we walk through this thing we call life, we will meet so many different people. Some will hurt us, some will help us, some will change us, some will help us grow, and some will hold us back. I could go on and on about how the people you meet and invite into your life will change your life, but it's safe to safe we all know that by now. 

But I think the one thing we often forget, or at least put to the back of our minds, is that everyone is going through something. 

That person that was rude to you on the phone this morning...they may have just had an argument with their boss. That waitress who didn't come back to your table fast enough for your liking...she may have been crying in the bathroom from a fight with her husband. That person in the car in front of you that was driving entirely too slow for you...they're lost in their thoughts as they struggle to make ends meet. 

We are all struggling with something. Whether it's something internal or external, big or small, we all have some sort of stressor in our lives. And the hard part is that we often forget this. We are so wrapped up in our own lives, our own struggles, that we forget other people are going through things too! 

The hardest thing for me is to remember to be patient and kind to others when all I want is for my life to be "easy" and for whatever I want to be done, to be done right then! It's not always easy to remember that we are all human, struggling through life together, each with our own worries and problems.

I have been reminded of this over and over again this past six months. The people who have come into my life have been extraordinary. And have helped me in so many ways. My biggest takeaway is that each of them had their own story, their own struggle they lived through. And I would have never known if I hadn't taken the time to get to know them, or shared my story with them. 

From the outside looking in, most of us look like we all have it together. We only post the good things on social media. How often do you see someone's post and you think, "Ugh...I wish I had [her/his] life"? 

But that isn't real. And yes, we know this. However, we often get into our own heads and play the "woe is me" game. Just know there are also people looking at your life and wishing they had what you have. 

The reality is we all have struggles. So let's try to remember that when we are dealing with others. Always be kind, because you have no idea what they're going through. What happened to them that morning. Or yesterday. Or six months ago. Or last year. Let's try to lift one another up instead of constantly trying to tear each other down. 

Enjoy this beautiful day. And share the love with others today. Smile at a stranger. It may just change their life. 

Be safe as we head into the new year, and I will see you in 2018!! 

With love and wellness, 
​Whitney