Hello, everyone!

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I hope summer has been kind to all of you. Once again, summer is disappearing in the blink of an eye. The Luke Bryan song “Most People are Good” has a line that goes like this: “I believe that days go slow and years go fast.” Boy, is that ever true! 

Over the last 10 years or so, I have become a real country music fan. Country music seems to be one of those things that people either love or really don’t like much at all. I used to be in the latter category. I’m not sure what turned me around. I think maybe it was the lyrics. They touch my heart. Whether the songs are about kindness, love, humility, family, or friendship, so many of them speak to me. My husband, Manny, also enjoys this genre of music. More often than not, when someone walks into our house, they will hear one of our favorite country artists playing on our sound system.

I remember the first time I heard the country song “Always be Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw. It truly brought tears to my eyes. It was 2016, and my life was going in hyper speed. What that song did for me was make me reflect on how I was living, acting, and treating others. It helped me slow down, take a deep breath, and practice being kinder to those I met and those who were in my circle. Now, that’s not to say I didn’t slip on occasion. In fact, I still find myself slipping and being short-tempered. The good news is that I am now aware of these slips. 

Manny has also helped me change this about myself. Manny and I respect one another enough to listen, grow, and change. We know that everyone has a bad day now and then. The key is to own that bad day and not put it onto someone else and make them your punching bag.

Kindness is a trait that I am working at sharing with everyone I meet. I don’t feel as if I’m alone in this quest, as the Universe keeps delivering affirmations that I’m on the right track. There is a sign on Pacific Street that says, “Be Kind.” Love it. Manny and I were at a restaurant the other night and they had a sign that said, “Be Kind or Go Home.” Fantastic.

Before I go, I want to wish a happy birthday to my son, Adam, who turns 32 in August, to my granddaughter, McKenna, who turns 11, and to my nephew, Dylan, who turns 21! I hope you all have great birthdays. 

On a final note, Manny asked me to mention here that my birthday was in July and that he loves me! How could I say no?

Positive Thought of the Month

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” —Eric Hoffer