#sunshine

You may or may not recall hearing about the amazing natural phenomenon that occurred in the United States last year: a rare solar eclipse created a impressively wide band of darkness across a large portion of the country for about two minutes in the middle of the day. 

It created a lot of hoopla in certain parts, with good reason: that’s a lot of darkness when one would ordinarily expect light.

​That seems to be happening quite a bit these days...

While the eclipse itself was a rarity, the push and pull between darkness and light feels all too common every which way I look, almost as if it's personal sometimes,  so this week we're having ourselves a Kindness Revolution around here to cancel out some of the world's extra dark by creating a little extra sunshine.

After all, love always wins, truth always matters, and kindness is the class that glues it all together. 

Each day this week, I invite you to choose one of the following: 

1. BE someone’s #sunshine:

“What #sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” ― Joseph Addison

It’s not hard to see that we all could use a little extra love these days. I challenge you to find a way to spread joy, build community, and/or intentionally brighten someone’s day. Show up to places with a smile, a friendly attitude and a kind word, then spread ‘em around like confetti.  

1. Turn TO the sunshine:

“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” ― Helen Keller

In any given moment, in any given situation, we have a choice to view things in a positive or negative way, to act from a place of compassion or aggression. I challenge you to look for the bright side of a personal situation, allow the benefit of the doubt, let go of a grudge, cross a divide, or forgive a grievance. This is not always an easy option, but it’s always worth it.

1. Spend some quality time IN the sunshine:

“Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” --Hans Christian Andersen

The benefits of fresh air can’t be denied, and while a quality sunscreen is ALWAYS a smart rule of thumb, it’s important to collect some vitamin D on a regular basis. Whether you walk around your neighborhood, hike a nearby path, swim laps in the community pool or take your tabatas to the backyard, I challenge you to move your body outdoors this week. It will fill your cup in ways that will shine brightly onto everybody with whom you interact. 

You can choose a different option each day, or shoot for the moon (pun absolutely intended) and do EACH of them EVERY day. :)

Shine on, friends - what's your favorite way to be a bringer of light and beacon of sunshine?  ​

I'm interested in knowing if you're interested in sharing! xo