The Bright Side

Welcome to the bright side of things.  I know that times have been tough for everyone, and that life sometimes breaks apart in fits and starts at its seams, bursting with anxiety and gloom in all its darkness.  Sometimes it's hard to just take in a deep breath--I know this.  But as in every dynamic, there is a probable upside, even if it is merely considered a silly learning experience or, conversely, a epiphany-like chance at introspection.  This post chronicles a few recently found up sides...

Have you heard of The Bright Side Project?  I stumbled across their website through vitrifiedstudio, who is having a giveaway (which is currently open through 9/18) there.  In addition to hosting giveaways, The Bright Side Project is a collection of DIYs, interviews with shop owners, and quotes--with a "when life gives you lemons...make lemonade" perspective.  Very optimistic and real without being overly sentimental or gushy.

(I tend to steer away from the gushy.) 

The Bright Side Project's mission statement is clear: no matter how bad you currently have it, there is optimism among the ruins.

On a more personal level, as you know, my shop's September sale (via a 30% off coupon code: HARVEST) is half over as of yesterday.  I recently received an order from a buyer who purchased a Pay it Forward item, which is exempt from the sale, with this coupon code.  Upon realizing its exemption, this buyer actually sent me back the money due.  How refreshingly honest is that?  Very much so.  For me, this integrity-laden act genuinely made my day, put a little skip in my step--not that someone read the fine print and adhered to "the rules," but that someone cared enough to be kind.  And to simply pay it forward, which is inspiration enough for me.

Pay it Forward | New Year

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday...

I know that not everyone is able to purchase a gift because of the current economic status in our country (and world, for that matter).  So I have greatly reduced in price a few items in my shop in an effort to "pay it forward."  Random acts of kindness are oftentimes hard to come by, and this is my teeny-tiny contribution to the world.

"Paying it forward" is associated with a random act of kindness, and for me, little distinction is made between the two.  Both terms are also synonymous with carrying out a good deed.  It is my hope that you "pay it forward" in some way or another, too--whether it be paying for the person behind you in line, giving a formidable tip to a worthy wait person, or even helping an elderly neighbor cross the street.  A little kindness (and mindfulness) goes a long way.

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Truthfully, I, myself, could make a better note of the latter.  Mindfulness, that is.  Also, I don't really believe in making New Year's resolutions.  I have a difficult time believing (or making believe in) something that warrants such goal-oriented thinking: a goal that must be made in a specific time of year, and completed in x amount of time.  Time isn't quite as linear as we believe it to be.

So cheers to not making New Year's resolutions.  Cheers to being mindful and creative: jotting down a to-do list rather than feeling the need to make a goal and keep it because, let's face it, there are too many variables in life to consider.  Goals are more like ideal road maps, anyways.  The most enriching experiences are found away from the hum-drum of the norm. 

Have a fun and safe new year!