(Photo credit: Angel Brandner)
It was my older daughter's birthday in the beginning of April, and I wondered what I could send her since I wasn't going to be with her for the first time in 19 years. She's away at college, and I wanted her day to be extra special. What could I send her that I hadn't before already?
And then it hit me.
Chocolate.
Not just any chocolate, but Fiendish Sweets chocolate.
My daughter discovered these delicious experiences that suited not only her love of chocolate, but also her gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-reduced needs.
(Photo credit: Jennifer Warren)
When the thought popped into my head, I contacted the owner of Fiendish Sweets, Jennifer Warren (who'd also been my daughter's high school Spanish teacher).
I thought I was just going to order some chocolates, have them sent and that would be that.
But there was more to the gift of chocolates than I had anticipated; I ended up connecting heart-to-heart with this inspiring chocolatier who absolutely loves what she does.
The combination of her generosity, her attentiveness, her intelligence, her creativity provided such a richness in our conversation that I felt like we were old friends.
Later, we met at the post office to mail my overstuffed box of chocolates. The line was super long that day, and she was ahead of me. In her usual genuine way, she started up a conversation with a lady a few people behind her.
As soon as Jennifer got to the counter, she ordered what she needed, including four postage stamps. When she was finished, I witnessed her quietly handing the stamps to the lady with whom she had been talking and who was still in line. She needed the stamps to send her bills.
I watched as the lady in line lit up with appreciation and gratitude. Her whole demeanor changed. Jennifer's act of kindness not only saved the lady time and money, it also brightened her spirit with gratitude and a smile.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched the lady leave the post office in a higher vibe than when she had arrived. She was sure to uplift others as she went on with her day.
(Photo credit: Jennifer Warren)
As for my newfound friend and chocolatier, she is the gift that keeps on giving.
It's not what Jennifer does, but rather who she is being that inspires me. Her authentic self is what drives her and she allows it, with a smile, an ear, and a wealth of information.
She is spirit in session wherever she goes, and I smiled as I got a glimpse of myself as I watched her effortlessly extend Love to her fellow human beings
I felt renewed in continuing to be the same.
A couple of days later, I heard from my daughter. I could see that the Love that went into those chocolates went all the way to her dorm room where she and friends delighted in the experience of them.
(Photo credit: Jennifer Warren)
So, the next time you're out on an errand, bring your authentic self and extend yourself to those around you.
Whether it's listening to a "stranger," helping someone with a task, giving a compliment, whatever it may be -- especially if you don't feel like it. Do it anyway!
You never know who you will inspire and uplift.
And then watch what happens.
(Photo credit: Jennifer Warren)