my work is loving the world

my work is loving the world.

that means finding joy in cloudy skies

happiness in rainy days

enduring a too-warm too-dry winter that wasn't without at least too much complaint, maybe only feeling a little guilty for not hurting from the cold

looking up and finding light when your heart is down or feeling dark

laugh a little, even when you feel like crying

being kind to yourself even when the voices you hear in your head are harsh

that's where it starts

then it means looking outward even when you feel compelled to retreat inward

lifting, loving others whose hearts and heavy and feelings are dark

noticing and appreciating and paying forward kindness both small and large

remember, there are no small things

being of good cheer even on those "fake it till you make it" days

maybe especially on those

seeking understanding and responding in kindness to those who lash out and wound

maybe even removing yourself from target practice or that which drags you down

seeking instead to life where you stand, even if it seems only a little

offer a word of encouragement

point out a silver lining

remind yourself "it's not about you"

seek to see others in a different light when needed

build bridges

make friends

choose kindness