This is why I do what I do

Would you like to hear a 100 percent truth?!? There is far too little paying anything forward in this world. Far too often these days people are so focused on themselves and the "us vs them or ME vs them" mentality that we often forget that you get much further in this life together than we do alone...never forget that. WE GET MUCH FURTHER IN THIS LIFE TOGETHER THAN WE DO ALONE. Humans are social creatures. We don't do very well alone. We thrive off human interaction. So the next time you think it's a good idea to try and go it alone, it's not. We need each other plain and simple and although we may not need each and every person in this world in our personal lives, we all need a major lesson in treating the people who mean most to us with the utmost respect. I truly began to learn this lesson starting with my grandpa's death about a year and a half ago and I really learned what it is to miss someone. My grandpa used to live 5 minutes from me, 5 MINUTES, and I only saw him a couple times a year. When he passed away in 2010 I felt a loss that was so great that I learned that day what true loss was...a complete and total regret that I should have spent so much more time with someone who was truly amazing in so many ways and I didn't soak all that he was up nearly enough. I vowed from that day on...NEVER AGAIN. People are on this earth to make this world better...people, we're fucking it up!!! I was just as guilty as the next person of having a far too individualistic outlook on life, "the pursuit of individual rather than common or collective interests; egoism." It's all about me and I will step on you to get where I need to be. You and I are in competition and if you're in my way I will trample you. I have said it before and I am saying it again...we are looking at this all the wrong way. We should be utilizing the talents and benefits another person has, not shitting on it. I mean this is almost unfathomable to me, but COULD YOU fathom a world where all the brilliance worked together instead of alone!!! We could be a flippin' amazing human race!!! But noooooo!!! We see something amazing in someone else and we vow to crush it and do better or we envy their accomplishment...WRONG!!! Wrong and wrong again...what if we looked at these people and said, "this is an ally" or "wow, I'd love for them to teach me to be the same way," we could all do so much more. If we all just loved each other and appreciated each other more WOW what we could do and be!!! I am someone who knows the power that can be generated from an extension of warmth from someone else...it can make your day, it can put you on top of the world, it can inspire you, it can start a CHAIN REACTION. There is so much power in spreading love rather than living life in competition and putting each other down. It may sound silly, but think of the Disney movie Monster's Inc. The whole movie is spent focusing on making a "profit" off of the energy of fear. Once it is realized that joy and laughter creates much more energy than fear, EVERYONE is happy. I think that movie was genius, bravo Disney, bravo. This is how we need to think. There is so much more love when you spread love, happiness, laughter...THIS IS WHY I DO WHAT I DO. I know some people have a hard time grasping my "campaign for kindness." Well, it ain't hard, grasp it and just do it. Be thankful for the people you have in your life when you have them. Period. As previously mentioned, I understand loss and regret for not having taken advantage of the people in my life from day one and if you haven't felt what I am talking about, you are a fortunate soul and you best make sure you never have to. It hurts and almost 2 years later I can't think about it without bursting into tears. The point is that you don't have to learn the hard way, you can love people now and not have to "not know what you have til it's gone." That's stupid, DON'T DO IT!!! Make a difference and make the most now. This is why I am telling people on Facebook/in person/via text/via letter how I feel about them. It doesn't matter how you tell someone, but flipplin' TELL THEM!!! The love you feel by telling someone something positive, something heartfelt, something genuine, and then seeing how deeply it affects them is literally FULL CIRCLE. It starts with you, hits the person it's directed at halfway, inspires someone else who sees it, and then comes back around and hits you in the face with warmth. People love to be told they are loved, so tell them. You know you want to be told and you know how much you love being told, but it is no myth that you can love being the one who gets to start the chain and spread the warmth too. So don't be shy!!! To help you out, here are some of the responses from me telling people how much I love and appreciate them and especially their role in my life: 

Most recent:

On 2/2/12

From my friend Tiffany:

Aww!! That was sooooo sweet and made me tear up! I love you linds and you hold such a special place in my heart too for the same reasons! Mostly because we have the same feisty attitude but more importantly we put all of ourselves into everything we do! What I love most about you is how fearless you are and you are the most loyal and trustworthy person I know! I love you to pieces and I miss you dearly!! :) ♥

On 1/27/12

The response from my friend Courtney to my campaign for kindness: 

"OMG you just made me cry...I so needed that thanks Linds! That means so much to me!!! I miss all our fun times we def had so much fun momma bear you so so so made my night babe."

FROM Karla:

Thanks Linds!!!! I miss the heck out of you and our many courthouse laughs. I'm looking forward to seeing you this Tuesday."

On 1/12/12

From my mother in law:

AH! Aren't you sweet. Thank you! I'm very glad that I've made you feel so special because you are incredibly special to me. Not only for the love you have for Travis but for also being a wonderful friend and daughter to me and loving aunt to Kendra. I treasure our chats and all the Hoiday time you've shared with us both. I love you!!!

On 12/26/11

From my friend Megan:

WOW!! You made my New Year. You too are so sweet. Not many people in this world are able to leave the BS aside and notice others trueness and gifts. Far to many people are busy harping on what one didnt or did do .. like a tit for tat match. Thank you for noticing my love and compassion for others. I would love nothing more than to be there for you and travis when you decide the time is right for kids. Hugs to you .. YOU ARE A BLESSING!

From my cousin-in-law Heidi:

Aww thanks Lindsay! You make me feel so welcome in the family. I really wish or schedules weren't so opposite so we could actually hang out

on 12/18/11

From my friend Jenny:

Lindsay! you made me tear up! thank you so much! Im so happy that you are in my life! you are one of favorite friends too! i want you to know that you are that great of a friend, you put all of your heart in and you truly care about the people in your life and do everything to make them happy. you are awesome and i love you too!

On 12/12/11

From my friend Danielle:

You just made my whole year. I love you bunches chick and I'm glad to have found another "girlfriend" that gets me!

On 12/10/11

From my friend Kaitlyn:

Lindsay, you have no idea how much it means to me to hear/see you say this. I had to reread it because it made me cry the first three times I read it! Its so nice to know that the things I do dont go unnoticed by others, even when I sometimes feel on the edge of my breaking point. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart! And I can't even begging to express how greatful I am to have you in my life! ♥ you lady, your truly one of a kind!!!

It's 100 percent worth it, so pay something, anything forward. Find a way you want to spread the warmth and go for it!!!