“Kindness gives birth to kindness.”
— Sophocles —

There are few things on this earth as impactful as kindness. The ripple effect one kind encounter can have is immeasurable. Kindness is a powerful gift you can give away every day, all day, and never be replete. It’s the gift that keeps on giving to both the recipient and the giver.

When I was getting ready for my 2nd Thursday Book Club monthly meeting on February 13, I didn’t feel good. In fact, I thought about not going, but I enjoy my book club and try to never miss. So, I thought I would sort of cop out and just put on yoga pants. But then I thought better of it and came to the realization that putting on real pants takes no more effort than putting on yoga pants. You may not believe it or agree, but this is a true statement, except, perhaps, for the button and zipper. Nonetheless, I got fully dressed and went…on time, of course.

“I have found that if you love life, 
life will love you back!”
— Arthur Rubinstein —

I know. It’s February, the month when love sashays into the spotlight and gloats. For some, that’s wonderful, and we are all happy for them. However, sometimes it doesn’t matter if you are a Miss, Mrs., or Ms., February can be a tough month to get through.

There are too many expectations, real or perceived, surrounding Valentine’s Day. It’s a time when many begin to compare their relationship—or lack of a relationship—to the unrealistic romantic fiction of our favorite rom-com, or to the love birds who constantly post their never-ending happiness on social media.

However, this month doesn’t have to be difficult. There are so many aspects of love to celebrate and so much more to the whole love thing than just being in a relationship. This year, whether you are involved in a great love affair or not, celebrate love for all it can be. Don’t let this month be anything but a reason to rejoice, for love is a many splendid thing.

Stop. drop and be reasonable. Before you leave that scathing review about howyour server didn’t bring your ketchup timely, or rush to get your child their fourth Coke, please employee reason before you tear down and damage someone’s hard-earned business with intolerance and unreasonable expectations..

I am not a reviewer. Why? Probably because I have no desire to be the authority on everything, but more importantly, I am a business owner, and I understand and respect the incredible amount of dedication and hard work that goes into making a company run.

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life!”
— Omar Khayyam —

What are you waiting for? The children to be older? Your job to get better? A raise? Retirement? Perhaps you know for sure your life will be better once you lose 20 pounds or get a bigger house. Are you waiting to feel better? Heal? Do you believe that once all or some of these things—or whatever it is you’re waiting for—happen, life will be so much better. Finally, the time will come when you can be happy and start to live the life you were meant to live. Right?

So, I have to ask again, what are you waiting for?