I am holding half an acre

Liberty Mutual is using my favorite Hem song, Halfacre, in its newest commercial, which is sort of about being good, and responsible, and nice. I like the concept. It's such a simple thing, really, this thought that we can extend love and forgiveness and understanding and help to others - family and friends, co-workers and strangers. All you really have to do is smile. Be open. Help someone. There's a lot to be said for being good.

While driving through St. Petersburg on the way to my brother's house a few weeks ago, I saw a bench with a logo that said "just be nice". It's a concept that I've been thinking about over the past few months since I've been meeting so many new people (and dealing with each different personality) while settling into my new position in a new city with the company that I've worked for over the past three years. So anyway, this bench sort of stuck with me, and I did a little research, and discovered the man behind the movement, and his website. Here is another concept that I can get behind. I like this man, and his idea, his "spark". It may be simple, but it's really brilliant advice.

When I look back at everyone I've known, the people I remember fondly (the people I remember at all ) are the loving, kind people, who seemed to shine with a different sort of light. Somehow I know that they will do great things, in big and small ways (Eleanor Helm, for instance, was the sweetest girl that I knew in high school. She was kind, soft spoken, brave and good. And a couple of years ago, she went on to work with the Peace Corps . I don't remember most of the names of the people that I attended high school with, but I will never forget hers). Today I choose my friends based on these qualities. Kindness, humor, integrity, creativity, bravery, the desire to help, the ability to forgive, patience, and the strength to begin again. I think that you have to surround yourself with people who are cultivating the qualities that you wish to see more of in yourself. Kindness has a powerful healing quality, and when you're practicing it (with others, yes, but with yourself also), love abides. Peace abounds.

"I am carrying this scrap of paper
That can crack the darkest sky wide open
Every burden taken from me
Every night my heart unfolding"