Tag: kindness

kindness · Life · mental health · Musings

DON’T BRING WREATHS WHEN I AM DEAD…

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“You may not be able to make all the difference, but the little that you do can make a lot of difference.”

Photo by Javon Swaby on Pexels.com

Why do we have to wait for someone to die before we let them know how much we appreciate them and how much they mean to us. Why do we have to wait for someone in our lives to die in the midst of their struggles before we realize that maybe there’s something we could have done to make their lives a little bit better, even if what we can do is only in small measures.

A lot of times we shy away from helping others because we are so caught up the quicksand or miry bog of our own issues and life’s challenges that we lose patience with anyone else who comes to us with their problems. We love success stories but never the messy journey that led to the success, and sadly, if someone is not a ‘success’ based on parameters set by society, they often get lost and forgotten in the midst of a crowd.

In this week alone, I have come across posts of people’s passing – known and unknown – some were under very pathetic circumstances and caved under the weight of their struggles.

You don’t have to do so much to make a difference in someone’s life today. Let those you care about know how much you do care about them. Buy them flowers whilst they still live and not a bogus wreath to place on their tombstone or shallow grave when they are no longer there.

Positive Affirmation Challenge

What About You? Positive Affirmation Day 38

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I am a consciously living soul. I am kind, empathetic, loving and respectful of others.

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This is a lovely affirmation from Bella.

Thoughtsnlifeblog: I am free from all waste and negativity. I am happy and light.

P.S. If you wish to join this positive affirmation challenge running for 90 days, please add your quote to the comments and each day, I’ll share everyone’s quote with their links.

#LawofAttraction, #Manifestation, #Believe #Thepowerofpositivethinking, #positiveaffirmations, #LetGoLetGod #abundancementality, #findinggreaterjoy, #BodyMindSpirit, #ShiftingPerspectives, #FulfilledLife #PurposeDriven

Featured Blogs

Featured Posts – Share Your Post Links

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Sharing, Blogs, Networking, Growing Readership, Connection, Bloggers, Blog Posts

‘PLEASE SEND IN YOUR LINKS.’ 

Today’s featured blogs are:

The last fragile whispers

I started my morning reading this lovely piece and commented:

Oh my, this is absolutely delightful and tender. A life cycle covered in a heart-tugging, well written short prose. I totally love this Oneta

The unspoken truth

Have you read ’13 Reasons why?’ I haven’t. Consequent to reading Jamila’s post, I’m inspired to watch and read the book.

It’s important to treat others right. Treat them with kindness you would never know but it could save a life. Also, it’s important to be aware of our actions, aware of the words we are saying. It’s impossible to know what’s going on in someone’s life and how we might be adding to his/her pain.

Indoor walkways

These fabulous, timeless walkways will inspire you to go clicking your camera.

The struggle for human rights

The struggle for human rights has literally gone on forever. Sometimes, it seems we are going backward.

Let’s talk

Short and evocative. There’s a stanza in there just for you to ponder on.

Do step in, explore these blogs and show some love.

Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘Remember, we create a cohesive community when we come together.

My Thinking Corner

Bring The Sunshine With You – My Thinking Corner

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Kindness is a gift that gives back. When you extend a kind hand to others, you extend it to yourself – Jacqueline

Image result for image quotes about kindness

Today, look for little opportunities to be considerate to others. If you are driving, allow others to enter the traffic queue. If at work, ask a colleague who looks stressed if they need your help.

Remember that though we all want to change the world, we first have to initiate little changes around us. If there is any kindness that you can show or something good you can do for any fellow being, do it as you may not meet that person again.

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~ James Matthew Barrie

Check out my latest book ‘Unbridled.’

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When I call Your Name…

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Support, Love, Community, Together, Encouragement

As I write this post, the song from ‘Like A Prayer’ by Madonna hums in my head, except that I change it from ‘when you call my name,’ to ‘when I call your name.’

Indeed, it’s a prayer when we beseech others and they attend to us through the kindness of their hearts. Last week, I sent out an SOS post requesting for support from all of you to help me with pushing my new book ‘Unbridled’ and indeed I heard your voices.

Many of you responded with advice, tips, offers, reblogs, featuring and I am working slowly through the list of things to do. I am so thankful for the outpouring of support. I am down on my knees and bless God for being in the midst of the blessings of this community.

Indeed, your voice takes me higher. I am grateful and think of an African proverb that says ‘when relatives help each other, the community grows stronger.’ You are my relatives.

Below is a snippet of review from Aspen Book Tree Reviews

First, I do want to say that some of the poems may be triggering for those recovering from abuse.

Second, I want to say, this is beautiful poetry.

The free verse is strong, descriptive, haunting, lovely.  Jacqueline paints with her words. like an artist.

This is no Monet, this is a Helen Frankenthaler with her bold marks and colors.  There is a section which is written in relation to abuse and some of it is very dark.   Darkness is gut wrenching at times, but the light of hope that shines through is blinding.

My heart agonizes for the girl who has lived through excruciating torment.  But the woman she has become?  She is an Amazon; a warrior of her own heart.

I am very moved by Jacqueline’s words.  I already have my favorites and it’s amazing how Jacqueline reaches in and I feel the warmth.  The last 20 poems are exquisite and delightful.

I give this book a high recommendation, for yourself, for a friend… maybe for an Amazon you know.

Thank you, Jacqueline.  You are amazing.

To Purchase ‘Unbridled.’

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Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Echoes of Sacraments, Iftar, This and That

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In recent weeks echoes around my neighbourhood have been on the calm and reflective sided.

From my children receiving their Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation, to The Ramadan season, it’s been a time of spiritual inflections. It has been a time of expressions of love, kindness, and generosity that cuts across boundaries of faith or ethnicity. I see people of all works of life come together in ways that make my heart full and appreciative of humanity.

Interestingly, my personal life hasn’t gotten any slower though the tempo around the region is slower and the blazing heat is intense.

 

Poetry/Poems

The gift of love…

jacquelineobyikocha15 Comments

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To receive love
you’ve got to give love
open your heart
and love somebody
before it’s too late.

The magic of love
comes from the freedom
of giving it
and watching it multiply
in so many little ways.

When you’re just receiving
and not replicating by giving
or counting who gave most,
the joy of the free gift of love
will remain consistently lost to you.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

 

She is amazing at describing love and life in her poems. She creates such beautiful images with her words. Truly, she is a talented writer and I’m so excited to have her poetry book and to continue reading through it.

 

Out of the silent breath

Featured Blogs · Share A Link

Featured Posts # 61…Share your post links.

jacquelineobyikocha

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‘PLEASE KEEP SENDING IN THE LINKS.’ 

Today’s featured blogs posts are:

Felony stop: This is so hilarious, that I had tears rolling down my face in laughter 🙂

We should find joy in the suffering – day 14  of  the encourage marathon: Suffering can be quite a stretch on those undergoing through one hardship or the other, but these words in this post are a true blessing and can help one to navigate.

The kindness of strangers: It’s really in the little things that we do. Our gestures don’t have to be huge to be impactful. A read worth your time.

Book trailer: Romance made for me: A lovely trailer that gives me ideas. Simple, short and interesting.

Please do step in and show some love.

‘Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

P.S. Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘We create a cohesive community when we come together.’

P.S. You are invited to our monthly blog party this weekend. It’s fun and you get to meet fantastic folks 🙂

Below is my first Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

I hear you in my thoughts…

your words of wisdom,

of love and encouragement…

they are etched upon my soul.

They keep me warm.

**

*an excerpt from my poem*

My Thinking Corner

Tuesdays Trickles…My Thinking Corner #23

jacquelineobyikocha8 Comments

Every Tuesday, I share snippets of thoughts that I call ‘My Thinking Corner.’

I would like to invite you to participate. The challenge is quite simple.

Each Tuesday, share your very short snippets of positive, inspiring, motivating, health, spiritual, writing advice, clips, posts etc, that can serve as a prop to motivate others and simply add my link to your post.

I call it my thinking corner because, I actually take out a bit of time just to think through things, encapsulate my thoughts as much as possible and detoxify my mind. It helps give me clarity of vision and might help you too.

It might work for you in a different way, but the idea is to get the positive thoughts flowing.

Please send in your little thoughts. You never know whose life you might inspire.

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♥ There’s a lot going on in life to be bothered with the noisome pettiness of things that aren’t worth the time of your life. Let go and move on!

♥ When you impart positive knowledge you influence eternity. You have no idea where the influence ends due to its ripple effects. Don’t stop imparting.

♥ Practice kindness for Providence never forgets.

♥  Who will change it? It’s you and I.

♥ Your plans are not as important as what you’ve done. Get doing!

 Today’s thoughts came in from beautiful thinkers:

Killing fear: I like letting quotes like this sink in and repeat.

Step by step leap: Rosema keep’s it sweet and straight to the heart.

Consideration: understand, respect…simple message, yet impactful.

Stress-free zone: Nothing like family to be there when we need them. A positive vibe filled post.

I hope that you find these little drops useful now and again. Do check them out and please share snippets of your thoughts with us.

Thanks and blessed be.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

P.S. You are invited to our monthly blog party this weekend. It’s fun and you get to meet fantastic folks 🙂

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Brand me whole as only you can

that the entire score of me

knows nothing but the fullness of you.