Later Today, I'm Spreading The Love. Paying It Forward.

Today, I'm embracing my great-grandmother's philosophy once again. Make a big kettle of something delicious. Bake some bread. Open your door. Later today, I'll be feeding some of my favorite peeps. Spreading the love in the form of a big kettle of corn chowder with apple cider bacon and herbs, french bread, apple cinnamon cheesecake cookies, and a tossed salad. All homemade.

There's a reason for all of this. 

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions. A week ago today, I got a kick and punch that knocked me down on my ass.  It made me angry. I felt violated.

But.

After sharing my story on Facebook, sharing the ugly messes that occasionally happen, something rather incredible happened. The universe shifted. Did a lil' shimmy shake. A few random acts of kindness were extended in my direction from those I do and do not know personally.

Aside from being exceptionally grateful beyond words, I learned a few things this week that I'd like to share...

1. It's okay to be angry. Anger is an emotion. A week ago, when I discovered what happened, I was angry. The following day, I was angry too. I cried. I was short. I was frustrated. All of that was okay. I don't need to keep my shit together all of the time. I'm human just like you, you, you, and you.

2. It's okay to share the messy, yucky stuff. More than likely, someone has been there, done that, is there, was there, whatever. When people start sharing their messy, imperfect stories, it makes things real. Eventually, a sense of camaraderie surfaces. It's almost like a virtual support group. People step up to the plate and tell their stories.

3. Random acts of kindness happen when you least expect it. I didn't share my story for attention or handouts. I shared my story because I needed to vent. Get it out there. To hear from people who have had similar experiences. Amid all of this, people offered to help. I declined. There were a couple of people who extended random acts of kindness without asking. They. Just. Did. It. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful we are.

4. There are good people in this world. Every single day, I witness stories and photos contributing to my loss of faith in humanity and my mind frame of, "What's happening to the world we live in." However, there are still good people out there. Trust me. There are.

5. Pay it forward. Always. You should never look down on someone unless you're helping them up. Paying it forward comes in many forms. Pass it on. Extend those random acts of kindness. I WILL continue to pay it forward until the day I take my last breath.

6. There is no shame. Everyone experiences hardships in their life. Bad things happen. The unexpected happens. No path is ever paved flawlessly. It happens to the best of us. Expect it. You're not immune despite the best of efforts and preventative measures.

Later today, I'm spreading the love. Extending some kindness. Paying it forward.

Top that off with scrumptious food, great conversation and lots of laughs. Life. Is. Good.