Three days each week when I swim bright and early at the YMCA indoor pool, the same two lifeguards are usually on duty. These ladies have been there for at least the past two years, and while I seldom speak with them, knowing they trade off watching over me from that perch above the pool is comforting… just in case something were to happen. As I leave after my hour in the water, I always wave and smile on my way out the door – a simple thank you for their role in my efforts to stay healthy.
On Valentine’s Day, one of them hurried over when I arrived and handed me a plastic sandwich bag with a note attached. I noticed they did the same for everyone who came that morning. Since I don’t carry ‘cheater’ glasses to the Y, I waited until returning home to read it. Each item listed on the note pertained to the contents in the bag. This gesture brightened my day… and I keep the gift on my desk.
The ‘Survival Kit to Help You Each Day’ (Love Survival Kit) includes:
Toothpick… to remind you to pick everyone’s good qualities including yours
Rubber-band… to remind you to be flexible; things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out
Eraser… to remind you everyone makes mistakes; that’s how we learn
Tea Bag… to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of blessings; that is what makes life worth living every minute of every day
Band-Aid… to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s
Candy-Kiss… to remind you everyone needs a daily hug or compliment
Mint… to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family and others around you
Bubblegum… to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything you desire
Big Heart… to remind you that you are loved greatly and that you too have a huge heart