Dance Through Life And Be Kind
Start writing a post
Relationships

Dance Through Life And Be Kind

Be kind, cherish every day, and remember Jackie.

54
Dance Through Life And Be Kind
Pixabay

It has always been a strong belief of mine that you should always be kinder than necessary. Even as a young girl, my parents always reminded me that whatever I do in life, to always show kindness. You really never know what other people are going through, or what they will go through in the future. And you never know how your life will change, too.

Well, you don't truly realize the impact of something as small as being kind until life hits you with something big. As many of you know, my friend Jackie passed away in a car accident last month. Jackie was what we on the church retreat team called our "light bulb". She was just one of these people that had a zest for life, and she carried that with her everywhere she went. And you know what I will always remember the most about Jackie? Her beaming smile, and the fact that she was always kind and genuine with everyone that grazed her life.

I've been planning out this article in my head for weeks now. Rehearsing the words in my head. Jotting on scraps of paper about what I wanted to say, and what Jackie would want me to say. Through my short nineteen years on this earth, I don't think any event has completely shaken me from my day-to-day routine than this has. It hit me like a ton of bricks that you can't ever really know what the next day or even your next breath can bring. And while we have all heard that before, it never really occurred to be how much truth there is in that. We all have this ideal map of how we would want our lives to go, but how can you plan out something so precisely when you don't ever get to see what the big picture is supposed to be.

I want to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. Over the past month, I think I have grown to appreciate life and the people I love more than I could imagine. Everything has been put into perspective, and I hope you as the reader may gain even just the slightest bit I what I have learned by reading this brief entry. Think about the things that matter to you the most. You probably think of family, friends, pets, etc. Now think of things that stress you out,or maybe make you angry. When you compare them to the things and people that mean the most to you, do those negative things even matter? What I hope you realize is that they really don't. That's what I have come to see, and I think that has made me a more gracious person in the long run.

I'll leave you with two songs that I think are worth the listen. Put aside ten minutes, close your eyes, and listen to the words. The first one is one that I have listened to every single morning on my way to work. It puts me in a good mindset for the day and is a daily reminder to be kind. So first take a listen to Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw. And then once you've done that, listen to I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, because all who knew Jackie knows how much she loved to dance.

If I touched just a single person with this article, I feel I have done my job. Be kind, cherish every day, and remember Jackie.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58232
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37513
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959144
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193082
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments