There is so much happening in the world today: Ebola in West Africa; fighting in Gaza, Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine; violence against women in India; tensions between North Korea and South Korea; hurricanes and typhoons in the Pacific; and anger in Ferguson, Missouri. What can one do with all that is happening? Most that are reading this article probably do not have first-hand access to these events. If by chance you are someone caring for the sick and injured, providing resources to the displaced, and attempting to ease tensions as a peacemaker in the areas mentioned above – I thank you with all my heart.

For the remainder of us, we feel the stress of these events even when they are across the globe. At times, that stress permeates in our bodies and creates aches, pains, and illness. In order to rid ourselves of these stresses, we feel the need to be productive and even search for ways to be directly involved. We ask ourselves, “What can I do?” I have an answer, nothing. Yes I answer nothing. For those of us who have no direct control over a situation we must let go of thinking we can control it. We cannot.

What I can control is what I do with my life. I can stay healthy by making better choices in my eating & lifestyle choices. I can show others how I want to be treated by treating myself and others with kindness, respect, and love. The person at work that irritates me more than anyone else – I will send them a silent blessing. The nosey neighbor that needs to know everyone’s business – I will wave and smile to them while they sit on the front porch, then send them a silent blessing. The familiar stranger that I see coming out of the corner store as I go in – I will say hello to them and wish them a good day. At the times that I have the financial ability (an extra $20 in the pocket), then I will pay it forward by buying lunch for the person behind me at the drive-thru.

You who are beautiful, kind, and loving have the capacity to express yourself to others with the simplest of acts – a smile, a handshake, or a silent blessing. What did you say? It has been a while since someone told you that you are beautiful, kind, and loving. It is nice to be told that you are a loving and compassionate person. You say it makes you feel wonderful inside. I would like to share something very important with you that you may not know. The irritating co-worker, the nosey neighbor, and the familiar stranger haven’t been told that for a while either. Please share that wonderful feeling of love and compassion with your smile and a silent blessing. The smallest acts can inspire the greatest movements.