Today marks the anniversary of the tragic event of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on December 14, 2012. Whether you knew someone personally or not, it affected us all. After the tragedy, I was angry. I was upset. I cried at the sight of the victims on the news. I wanted to cast blame. I wanted answers! As a mom, I, of course, thought, “I just can't imagine the pain those poor parents are experiencing.” But I was still able to do so many things I take for granted everyday: I was able to hug my children a little tighter, look into their eyes a little longer, laugh at their childish antics, cheer at their ball games, smile at their triumphs....Things that were taken from those parents, two years ago today.
So rather than try to make sense of it or search for answers that didn't exist, I went in search of all that was precious and good. In a world that has a potential for so much hatred and evil, I knew that there was also a lot of kind and wonderful out there....I just had to look for it. So I went in search of “Random Acts of Kindness”. If I didn't witness someone else doing it, I did something myself. I shared these things on my Facebook page, and I received so many sweet comments. It turned out to be a gift I gave myself. It made such an impact, I decided to re-post them (and a few new ones) each year. These posts will start tomorrow, and go for 26 days: One “Random Act of Kindness” in honor and memory of each life that was lost. I love to read posts from others either being the “do-er” or “receiver” of a “Random Act of Kindness” (or “Paying it Forward”), so please feel free to add your experience in the comments of these posts for everyone to enjoy!
This experience gave me more peace and motivation than I could have ever imagined. As I am usually exhausted, (and more than a little cranky) after the holidays, I had an energy that was exciting! As the New Year began, I changed my focus from what I hadn't accomplished by years end to what I had done right. I tried to treat people the way I thought THEY would want to be treated. I tried to be sympathetic and to understand that other people's behavior may be the reaction of something beyond their control. I tried to put myself in other peoples shoes----Maybe the crabby lady in the drive-through that didn't say much more than an inaudible grunt as she handed me my bag of food was probably upset because she just got a phone call about an ill family member...The woman in the grocery store that was yelling at her kids in the middle of the store was probably stressed about paying for her groceries after learning her husband had just lost his job. Rather than being a jerk, rolling my eyes, or worse, I was humbled to realize, that could just as easily be me.
So as 2014 comes to an end, I reflect and realize how blessed I am. Although my husband's job created the need for us to relocate to a new state, we were blessed that the move was to Charleston, SC, an amazing community that we love more and more each day. The other day, after I dropped my son off at school, I had to dash into the grocery store at the last minute. Now keep in mind, it is 7 am, and I had just thrown on a sweatshirt, yoga pants (that have NEVER been to a yoga class), and sneakers, thinking I could dash in and out and no one would pay much attention to me. Yet, as I am running back to jump into my car, a gentleman exits his car next to mine (which, at that hour, is the ONLY other one in the parking lot), throws his hand up, flashes a great big smile and shouts, “Merry Christmas, young lady!” How could you not smile and have a great day after that! I smile at how blessed I am that my son has adjusted beautifully to his new home. He was embraced by the most awesome group of boys, being the newest member of his travel ball baseball team. He has amazing teachers, youth leaders and baseball coaches that are molding and shaping him into the man he is going to be someday. I smile because both our girls are hard-working college graduates----one that walked the stage just yesterday! I smile when they come home for the holidays and want to experience the same old family traditions. I smile because I am blessed with an amazing, responsible husband that is a wonderful provider and also an awesome dad to our three kids.
I realize how blessed we are that although we had to leave some very dear friends in GA, we have made some new friends that we are making new memories with. (And the drive to our old friends is not that far.)
I realize how blessed I am to have found a new brokerage to work for that is a perfect fit for me. My broker is supportive and a real joy to work with. Never a dull moment when Rob Woodull is around! My colleagues have graciously welcomed me and all are simply wonderful. Our administrative staff are fabulous. Our marketing and training staff and facilities are, quite simply.....superb!
I realize how blessed I am to have a career that puts me with some of the most wonderful clients. To be entrusted to help them with one of the largest, most important purchases they will make in their lifetime, is quite an honor. They share their families with me. They share their dreams with me. We share lots of laughs, and yes, sometimes tears.
So take a look around you and count your blessings. Then pass along some of the goodness in your heart by helping someone that could use a little kindness. Do it in memory of the precious babies and teachers that lost their lives two years ago. I will guarantee you this: The more kindness you give, the more you will receive! #randomactofkindness #sandyhookelementaryschool #janiepughsellshomes #365thingstodoinwarnerrobinsga
#goldenkeyrealty
One day, it was pouring down rain when my son and I went to the grocery store. Before we got out of the car, I suggested that we should retrieve a few extra carts from the parking lot and return them as we walked to the store. Of course my son's first response was, "Don't they have workers that do that?" I replied, "Well, yes they do. But I am sure they don't like to have to go outside in the freezing rain to retrieve the carts. Just because you get paid to do something doesn't mean you wouldn't like a little help now and then with the least favorite part of your job."
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