Deep Thinking

I'm not really sure why, but lately I've really been noticing thoughtfulness from people. I feel like in our over technological -impersonal world--thoughtfulness has deteriorated. Being thoughtful takes so much effort and creativity. It takes sensitivity and usually it causes someone to go out of their way for someone else.

I am a huge fan of the book titled, "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. If you haven't read it-please do! It changed almost all close relationships I have. The book talks about the five ways that are universal that express love. They are: physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, gifts, and quality time. I took the Love Language conference in college and the primary way I felt loved was "quality time." I feel energized, intimate, and connected when I'm spending one on one quality time with someone. Getting coffee (or water for me---I don't really do coffee) is such a high for me. I love to have people share with me and listen at the same time.

It's been six years since I took the Love Language assessment. The older I get the more I think I have a completely different love language than the five listed in the book.

THOUGHTFULNESS.

Nothing on this planet makes me feel more loved, appreciated, and cared for than something thoughtful. I think thoughtfulness is too much work for most people so when I experience it from someone I feel like I need to latch on for dear life because it's truly a rare quality. Stop and think for 10 seconds--who in your life is incredibly thoughtful. Either with writing you cards, picking up something that reminds them of you, remembers every birthday, shows up everytime....the list goes on. I can honestly say that I can count on one hand the amount of people in my life that are truly thoughtful people. That doesn't mean the rest of the people close to me aren't great people---but thoughtful is a completely different level.

Challenge this week: try something thoughtful. For someone. Anyone. It will take a moment of your time. It probably wont be convenient. You may not get the reaction you are wanting. It doesn't need to cost money-most thoughtful things don't. It will be a seed planted for someone else--and its impact can change someone.




(the people I lived with when I moved here.....baked me a birthday cake and hid it in the house for me to find.....totally thoughtful---took time---not money---and made my birthday away from friends and family unforgettable! THOUGHTFUL!)