When that person at the deli slices the exact amount of meat you asked for, notice! That's me, and my small triumph some days. People people people can drain you in customer service, but they can give back a little hope as well.
Actually heard a mom say to her kids, "People are grumpy at Christmastime, but we're going to be kind. I'msorry you had to see that grumpy person." Wow! 🩷
I love this so much. Today I complimented the janitor on the clean windows at the pharmacy, because they're always so pristine. That's not by accident!
Side note: My mom was excellent at folding towels, and to this day, I have no idea how she did it so uniformly. I have made peace with the fact mine will never look as good as hers did.
CARLY. The towels! Yes! Some people do seem to have a knack for it and I ... not.. .have it. Ha. Glad to be in good company. Thanks for the encouraging words, friend.
I love folding my towels. It’s something I can do well and makes me smile and feel a sense of accomplishment and even peace when I see them all stacked up with their folded edges all aligned. Unlike the rest of my life that is crazy misaligned with the edges sticking out and more to take care of. I wonder what your Mom got from her perfectly beautiful folded towels?
I’ve become so picky about what I’ll give my eyes to on a screen (the children take majority of my energy in the daytime), but when I see a new post from you I always choose to read. You keep it real and you offer hope. Depth and light. Thank you.
Gut punches galore this week. And then knucks on Sunday from your tiny nephew. I tried to "notice" a lot this season. It made it better- and harder. Yesterday our family ventured out to return items that didn't quite fit or weren't exactly the color we were wanting. At one store I noticed an employee I hadn't seen this season. I remembered her because we share our first name. I greeted her by name and told her why I remembered. We chit-chatted while she rang me up, and I asked if she enjoyed her holiday. She replied with such genuine contentment that she really had. She had Christmas Eve off. She said she thanked her boss profusely and was able to spend the holiday with her daughter who lives in Nashville. It's been a heavy week, but I walked out of the store with tears in my eyes, so happy for her joy.
Oh Regina, thank you so much for these words. I'm convinced if everyone could get knucks from that little dude, the world would be a-ok. You and your family are bright lights in my life and to all in your paths. So encouraged by you and all this.
I was thinking today over your genuine optimism and sincere hope (actually after reading 'Sticky Notes' by Matt Eicheldinger- are you familiar? I feel like you could be besties). I'm trying to be the best me I can be and always feel encouraged when I read your pieces. Thank you.
I've yet to be in the same room with Matt, but we're connected online. Thank you so much for these kind words and for the reminder to check out his book!
Bravo! Brad, you are a gifted grown up that I aspire one day to be like. You are insightful, honest, and so relatable. Continue using your God given talents to reach others.
When that person at the deli slices the exact amount of meat you asked for, notice! That's me, and my small triumph some days. People people people can drain you in customer service, but they can give back a little hope as well.
Actually heard a mom say to her kids, "People are grumpy at Christmastime, but we're going to be kind. I'msorry you had to see that grumpy person." Wow! 🩷
I love this so much. Today I complimented the janitor on the clean windows at the pharmacy, because they're always so pristine. That's not by accident!
Side note: My mom was excellent at folding towels, and to this day, I have no idea how she did it so uniformly. I have made peace with the fact mine will never look as good as hers did.
CARLY. The towels! Yes! Some people do seem to have a knack for it and I ... not.. .have it. Ha. Glad to be in good company. Thanks for the encouraging words, friend.
I love folding my towels. It’s something I can do well and makes me smile and feel a sense of accomplishment and even peace when I see them all stacked up with their folded edges all aligned. Unlike the rest of my life that is crazy misaligned with the edges sticking out and more to take care of. I wonder what your Mom got from her perfectly beautiful folded towels?
I love that! She probably got something similar out of it.
I’ve become so picky about what I’ll give my eyes to on a screen (the children take majority of my energy in the daytime), but when I see a new post from you I always choose to read. You keep it real and you offer hope. Depth and light. Thank you.
Thank you for this :)
I absolutely love this and find it so inspiring! I will bookmark it and return to this reminder of astonishment as an anchor in this beginning year…
Ann, so grateful for you. Happy this found you! Thanks for the kind words.
Gut punches galore this week. And then knucks on Sunday from your tiny nephew. I tried to "notice" a lot this season. It made it better- and harder. Yesterday our family ventured out to return items that didn't quite fit or weren't exactly the color we were wanting. At one store I noticed an employee I hadn't seen this season. I remembered her because we share our first name. I greeted her by name and told her why I remembered. We chit-chatted while she rang me up, and I asked if she enjoyed her holiday. She replied with such genuine contentment that she really had. She had Christmas Eve off. She said she thanked her boss profusely and was able to spend the holiday with her daughter who lives in Nashville. It's been a heavy week, but I walked out of the store with tears in my eyes, so happy for her joy.
Oh Regina, thank you so much for these words. I'm convinced if everyone could get knucks from that little dude, the world would be a-ok. You and your family are bright lights in my life and to all in your paths. So encouraged by you and all this.
Reading this made my heart glow a little. Thank you.
This is such high praise. Thank you. Truly.
If I could put a hundred hearts on this, I would. Ok, I’ll get a running start….💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
haha! This made me laugh. Thanks so much, Grace.
I was thinking today over your genuine optimism and sincere hope (actually after reading 'Sticky Notes' by Matt Eicheldinger- are you familiar? I feel like you could be besties). I'm trying to be the best me I can be and always feel encouraged when I read your pieces. Thank you.
I've yet to be in the same room with Matt, but we're connected online. Thank you so much for these kind words and for the reminder to check out his book!
So grateful for your shares, each and every time. You are a gift 💝
Here’s to peace & sanity in 2026….Joy too! 😉
Ooooo I like that wish for 2026. With you.
Lovely, Brad. With you 💪
Thanks so much, Jacob. It's been a blast seeing your grow and share and just be who you are. You and your work are a lighthouse to many.
Thank you, Brad. Your words and the way you move through the universe are inspiring. Joy to you and yours!
loved this so much
Thanks so much! Really grateful you’re here
Bravo! Brad, you are a gifted grown up that I aspire one day to be like. You are insightful, honest, and so relatable. Continue using your God given talents to reach others.
Chris, what a gift you are. What a gift these words are. Thank you, friend.
🥰
Sure do love your family! Sending you all so many cheers
Thank you again for your words of wisdom that are always eye openers for this guy at appropriate times!
Really means so much, Marc. So grateful for you.
Yes, yes, and yes! Thanks, Brad!
Grateful there’s a you, Linda!