“It takes a village”…..how often have you heard that phrase before? I had the pleasure of being involved in a community project last week that surprised me in the best way possible. Between two and three hundred people volunteered to build a community park. Being an elected official in my city, I was invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the event.

With my recent closet clean-up, I was feeling I didn’t have the right combination of clothing to pack. Because of the location of my adventure, I needed to pack for cool as well as warm weather, and realizing I didn’t have enough, or better put, I just wanted a few new things…….the shopping began.

Several months ago I kept hearing about a book that described the life-changing magic of decluttering your life. The more I heard about it, the more intrigued I became. I thought the concept sounded good, but I needed a good chunk of time to dedicate to the first step.

Do you have weeks where you find yourself in a constant, crabby mood? That happened to me last week. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was causing so much irritation. Everyone has off days, but this was kind of extreme for me; and usually doesn’t linger for long. This time I couldn’t shake it.

As we began flipping through magazines, quotes, colors, and assorted art supplies, we each had growing piles of what we wanted to include on our boards. It happened to be an on-and-off stormy evening. About an hour into creating, my friend’s husband announced we may want to go outside to get some inspiration; there was a rainbow…..no, make it a double, we all but bolted out the door!

I’m envious of those people that can make a quick decision, without much effort or stress. Both my Mom and sister are wired this way, and never look back. Oh, how I wish this was me at times. My hesitation is like a foreign language to them. I like to take my time to weigh out the options and possible outcomes. Which I think is both a blessing and a curse.

At the end of last year, one of my girlfriends recognized this, and invited me to join a mastermind group, with her and two other like-minded woman. I knew one of the gals and have always admired her, so I didn’t hesitate to say yes. My friend organized the group simply for accountability and support.

Over the fast-paced and changing years, some of those standards aren’t as common in people as they once were. Whenever I witness those values and beliefs in younger generations, my heart smiles. I especially love to see young men showing respect to woman, no matter the age.

This went on like clockwork for the next two hours, while lively music played. We laughed, sang, bellowed for supplies and bragged to the teams nearby, claiming to complete the highest number of boxes. At the end of the shift, we gathered together to bless the food and pray for its safe arrival.

As the evening began, we toasted our friendship, and raised our glasses for an evening of “Friendsgiving”. I wasn’t able to make the last three get togethers, so it was fun reconnecting on what I had missed. The meal was filled with turkey, dressing, and traditional fixings, as we all pitched in to create the lavish spread. Like always, a prayer of thanksgiving and friendship was offered, and a few tears were shed in love and gratitude.

With that small act of kindness and attention to detail, I knew this man had a good work ethic, and would be my handyman and seal-coat guy for life. I was wrong, after a few years he was no longer able to seal-coat my driveway, it wasn’t profitable. I was sad to hear the news, but understood his decision.

It’s both a mystery and a surprise on what our summer flower arrangements will look like.  They are all uniquely different year after year, yet include most of the same flowers and folage.  The selection of choices are varied, there are sturdy ones, fragile ones, tall ones, short ones, some that need lots of sun and others that require little, and some that depend on a mix of both sun and shade.  A few flowers seem friendly like daisies, or sassy like snap dragons,  others are delicate, and some that appear wispy.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in celebrating the Memorial Day holiday with friends and family, that we lose sight of the real significance of what the day really represents.  These military men and women weren’t seeking fame or fortune, but sacrificed their own lives and safety, out of love and duty, for the land we call home.

Over the years, perhaps out of maturity or age, I am learning to make right, what I have made wrong.  It is very humbling to ask for someone’s forgiveness, saying I’m sorry; hoping minimal damage has been done. Things we say in haste may have a profound affect on someone’s  life, without even realizing it.

Let their sun-shiny gladness marinate within your soul, and then spread that warmth where ever you go.  Things seem brighter and hope appears.  Notice what a difference it makes in your day, and the ripple effect it has on others.