Have Courage and Be Kind

As you all probably know by now, I am very much drawn to the fairy tale romanticism stories such as Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast offer. I love the idea of dreams coming true and true love persevering through incredible odds, and who wouldn't want ball gowns and a bit of magic in their lives? Hopefully many of you have also seen the trailer for the new Cinderella movie coming out in March. If not, here it is! I am so excited!!!!

What I love most about this, however, is not the gorgeous ball gowns, the magical night of dancing, nor even the happily ever after that is bound to come. What I love most is the advice Cinderella's mother gives:

I've decided to make this my motto for this upcoming year. It goes along with another of my favorite quotes, which I've posted about before: "Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." I know that courage pays off, even if you don't get what you were going after, and I always have believed that a little kindness goes a long way.

So be courageous this year. Tell that guy how you feel. Go after the job or major or college that you want. Go skydiving or mountain climbing or bungee jumping or ice skating or skiing or do that one thing you've always wanted to do but have never done for fear. To heck with the reasons why it might not work out. To heck with reasons why it shouldn't be you.

Take a breath and take the leap.

Be kind this year. Smile, especially on days you don't feel like smiling. Be patient with the person running the cash register. Offer to carry someone's groceries or give them a ride to the airport or babysit their kids while they go to a job interview. Always keep in mind that everyone is going through something that you can't see. Try to see the good in people, don't just latch onto the bad.

Be kind to others and be kind to yourself.

May 2015 be full of acts of courage and kindness.

I love you all and I pray that you love yourself.

Do something courageous or kind today and let me know what it was!

I will do likewise and update you in my next post with what I did and some great things others did!

Share your bravery and share your kindness, and this world will be a brighter, more beautiful place.