The Daily G.I.F.T. from The GratiDude

My eyes and heart are kept wide open, looking for opportunities to be compassionate.

www.grateful4.org

Gratitude

Intention

First

Things

The G.I.F.T. Today

Grateful-to know that I can take direction from the stillness, no guessing needing, just listening.

Intention-prioritize energy from biggest to smallest returns

First-Ricardo call

Things-website follow up

Morning Platitude from The GratiDude

As you’ve gathered I’m sure, part of my secret to staying happy is that I steer clear of the heavy doses of mainstream media in the United States these days because there isn’t a whole lot of valuable or pertinent information in that news cycle for me.

What’s interesting though is that the reactions of people on social media to what’s going on often tells me what current topics are being spoken about in some of the political chat rooms and news shows.

It seems like the bullies on the playground are having their turn at the microphone because I’m hearing anecdotal stories of kids that look and behave differently being excluded from participating in activities and I don’t even really need to know what’s going on in detail, but I know that we need to protect these kids and make sure that all the dysfunctional and unhealthy adults don’t mess them up as they’re growing and learning how to become big people.

There was a kid named Patrick in elementary school who in the 70s was being raised by a single dad-unusual at that time. He was a really bright kid however he was not being well taken care of in terms of things like hygiene and clothing, and making sure that he was well groomed and well-presented when he would come to school so he had a lot of trouble socially fitting in with kids and quite honestly, he didn’t smell good most days.

But he was bright and funny and a really sweet kid.

His father was obviously struggling in terms of his own personal health and wellness, and he drove a taxi for his job and that resulted in him working long hours and evenings, which were not ideal schedules for raising kids.

I wonder about Patrick and think about him and I hope he’s OK and that he survived all the cruelty and the misunderstandings of his peers and adults as he was growing up with a tough hand to play and not a lot of support at home.

What do these kids look like when they grow up and how do we behave when we encounter them as adults?

We just don’t know what people have been through and what they’re going through.

It’s important that we’re curious and interested in people’s back stories and not judgment and letting our egos run the show.

You think about the strength and determination of a little girl born blind, and what that internal dialogue must be like as you’re summoning the strength and the courage to grab your cane to leave the house for another day in hopes that you will return safely and that the world filled with Cited people looks out for you and maybe even throw you a bone here and there as you’ve got it much harder than the rest of us.

The false manufactured scarcity that exists in our society and in the world wants us to believe that there aren’t enough resources available for us to provide extra care support for strong brave little girls like this. That is just a lie.

Yes, compassion significantly improves communities by fostering stronger connections, promoting well-being, and enhancing overall quality of life. Compassionate communities are more resilient in the face of hardship, encourage creative problem-solving, and break down stereotypes. They also lead to greater diversity and opportunity, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Here’s a more detailed look at how compassion benefits communities:

Stronger Connections:

Compassion builds trust and empathy, leading to stronger relationships and a sense of community.

Improved Well-being:

Compassion fosters a more positive and supportive environment, which can improve both physical and mental health.

Resilience:

Communities with a culture of compassion are better equipped to handle crises and recover from challenges.

Creative Problem-Solving:

Welcoming and supportive communities with greater diversity are more likely to find innovative solutions to community problems.

Reduced Isolation:

Compassion reduces feelings of isolation and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels valued and belongs.

Increased Happiness:

Compassionate communities are characterized by a higher level of happiness and optimism.

Breaking Down Stereotypes:

By fostering connections across different groups, compassion helps to break down stereotypes and promote understanding.

Empowerment:

Compassion empowers individuals to take care of themselves and others, leading to a more engaged and responsible citizenry.

Sense of Belonging:

Compassion helps individuals feel a sense of belonging and purpose, contributing to a more cohesive community.