Skip to content

None of us know when our last day in this realm here on earth will be, as each moment dies in order for the next moment to be born.

Know that we are not our experiences. What happens to the physical does not need to alter the spirit, the essence of who we truly are. You are not your stories: if you don’t like your history, tell yourself a new one, a more positive one. Create your story the way you want it to be.

In full knowledge that I am lucky to be alive, each day is a blessing. Each day starts with thoughts of gratitude. I believe when we are grateful for what we have, no matter how small, we bring blessings into our lives, those blessings may come as a smile from a stranger, a hug just when you need one, a meal when you are hungry, or simply the courage to find your way through a really tough day.

The two most important questions I ask in my life are, “What can I do for someone else today?” and, “What will I do for myself today?”. I ask them in that order because in doing something for someone else I’ve done something for myself. The world should be looked at as a “favor bank,” a place where we continually pay things forward.

In a world that seems to live as if each one of us is a separate being, I challenge that belief with my knowledge that we are all connected. The air you are breathing has been breathed into the lungs of someone else next to you, miles from you, and even halfway around the world.

When we understand our connectedness, we realize that whatever we do to someone else, we do to ourselves. Kindness given is kindness received. You may not find that kindness in the person you gave it to but kindness will return to you. Live in present moment awareness and you will see the blessings.

Kindness, unlike stuff, creates joy and blessings in our lives. So many people believe that if a small amount of “stuff” makes them happy, then surely the more “stuff” we have, the happier we will be. I have found this to be exactly the opposite. The less stuff we have, the less complicated our lives are and the simpler we live the more grateful we are.

I truly believe that at the end of the day if we were asked what is right with the world we need to be able to say, “I am.” One person can make a difference and should always strive to do so, one act of kindness at a time.

 

Avatar photo

Vicky is a health coach to survivors and others, worldwide, who are ready for change in their lives and have goals they want to reach-naturally. She holds an RYT in Vinyasa Flow Yoga, is a Reiki practitioner, Laughter Wellness instructor.

Her own journey as a survivor of molestation, rape, domestic violence, and cancer brought many valuable lessons. She chose to pay forward those lessons and give back to other survivors. She started her journey of service by first speaking to a group of women about domestic violence, how it affected her life, and how to break the cycle.

She now shares educational presentations, offers personal coaching, assistance to survivors, organizes and holds events for many causes, volunteers in many parts of the world, all as a means to give back and help others heal. Her journey has taken her in many directions, around the country, and around the world. Previous collaborations include Penn State University, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, WITF Facing Cancer Together, Livestrong, Tamika & Friends, and Indiana University Health Systems, to name a few. She has been featured on PBS television, Radio Smart Talk, Amazing Women Rock, and numerous other outlets.

She is currently conducting an experiment into human kindness, leaving handmade inspirational messages in random places on her travels.

For more information, please visit unlimited-smileage.org