Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. (Oxford Dictionary)

There’s something beautiful about living from a place of gratitude.

You don’t live with the expectation of kindness, but by being ready and open for it, you allow more kindness and appreciation to dwell in your heart. You can notice a thousand moments of kindness that would have previously gone unnoticed.

For me, kindness is watching little songbirds flit about my rosemary bush, eating its seeds. They aren’t doing it FOR me but seeing them dance and enjoy one of my plants is an act of appreciation that warms my plant mama heart.

It’s thanking a tree for its shade on a hot summer day.

Snuggling into a blanket’s embrace for a cozy nap.

My little acts of appreciation send kindness back to those little birds, tall leafy trees, and warm blankets. I’m surrounding myself with kindness.

I like being surrounded by kindness.

It lifts my spirit. It softens my heart. I’m more patient. At this point it goes without saying, but I’m a kinder person when I’m surrounded by kindness. Go figure.

Had I started with the intention of being kind to surround myself with kindness, it wouldn’t have worked. The focus would remain on me. Gratitude is a gift of appreciation and kindness without expecting anything in return. The blessing of giving gratitude freely is kindness.

As we enter this holiday season, my wish for you is to live in readiness to appreciate kindness.