Into Each Life Some Kindness May Fall

The quote is actually “into each life some rain must fall”*, and while I have certainly met some grouchy people too, I am struck by kindnesses that have been extended to me since embarking on my adventure. This is a tough economic time and we wouldn’t be too surprised to see people focusing on their own survival versus extending a hand to another. But in the four months since Calm and Sense has been open, and even in the months prior to the launch, people that were virtual strangers have rallied around me and offered the absolute kindest of gifts: their encouragement, time, knowledge and connections.

My apologies to readers who aren’t from the Raleigh area, these names won’t mean much to you. But before you stop reading, I do challenge you to think about who has helped you in your journey. Not for money, or because they had to, but because they were willing to shower a little human kindness on you. Make your own list (and share it with us too if you’d like). I can guarantee that you will be surprised by the sheer number of people on it! And then remember to return the favor.

So here is my list of angels who helped me when I needed it most. My sincerest thanks to all of you and I hope to help you too someday because good karma should always be continued:
My husband Jim, sister Julie, and mother Sally for their unconditional love and encouragement
My Oakwood neighbors who come in with smiles on their faces and words of encouragement
My early “advisory panel” who brainstormed, evaluated products, and lent encouragement: Debby, Jacky, Laura, Kay, Vicky, Patti, Kathy, Sparky, Denise, Karen, Vonder, Gretchen and Heidi
Leigh Blow and Meredith Watson (www.moonlightdsgn.com) for their networking help and feng shui expertise
Ginna Browning (www.remedyclinic.com) for her reflexology expertise and healing touch
Cindy Cicero (www.mindful-lifebydesign.com) for teaching us Qigong for healthier living
Margaret Cohen (www.margaretcohenhomes.com) who so generously shares her network of contacts
Dennis and Kristi of CT Weekends and Brian of Hereghty’s (www.hereghty.com) for their warm welcome to “the neighborhood”
Tom Devine (www.tomdevine.com), creator of this website and the Calm and Sense branding
Pat Donohue (www.patriciadonohue.com) for leading our new meditation group with words of wisdom and experience
Mary Edwards-Zucchino (www.evolveyogaraleigh.com) who shares her knowledge of health and wholeness
Rebecca Laws Nemetz (www.studiohargett.com) for adopting this “newbie” with encouraging words and networking (and reminders to Breathe!)
Sherrill Laffey (www.reviveraleigh.com) for sharing her magic massage fingers and great ideas
Lorrie Mizzel of Cutting Edge hair salon for talking up my store with her clients
Lesa Whitehead for her critical eye and good taste in selecting store fixtures

* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Rainy Day”