Category: Lake Tahoe

Stick to kindness

9/19/2018

“Oh Wow, she sure is busy!”

There was that word again… busy.

“Oh yeah, she is VERY busy!” I said with a half-smile as I attempted to turn the corner with the obnoxious, immobile,
race-car shopping cart that we just HAD to use. Picture this - my rambunctious toddler hanging out the side, half buckled,
arms waving as she screams for “Mow Ogurt” all while a whimpering newborn strapped to my milk-soaked chest begins to hunger
squawk. I start to feel sweaty and overwhelmed because I still have 10 things on my list, but we are losing our cool and I am not
brave enough to nurse this baby in public. So, I must abandon the cart and head for the car. As I’m attempting to pull said busy child
out of the car cart, I am stopped by a fellow grocery shopper who felt the need to say something. Mama-hood was rough, and I
was in the thick of it, just trying to keep everyone alive and once again- I was blindsided by another “busy” comment.

For those of you that don’t know, “busy” has become a somewhat socially accepted way of telling someone that their kid
is an a-hole. Fast forward a few years and I can’t even recall how many times I have been told how “busy” my children are or
how many side eyes and head shakes I have received. I KNOW they are loud. I KNOW they are running and dancing around the
store. I KNOW that I gave them candy in exchange for a moment of peace. If anyone is truly busy here, I’d say that it is me. I am
very BUSY, and I am TRYING my hardest! So, unless you have something nice and uplifting to say, don’t say anything at all. If you
see a parent out and about that is struggling try to offer a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or even a simple smile.

Your small act of kindness could have a big impact on someone who is one glass of spilt milk away from a mental
breakdown. I see parents daily who look like they are at the end of their rope. There have been so many times that I
have wanted to say something but didn’t.

Recently, I saw someone on social media share a picture of a Post-It that someone had left on her car. It said something
along the lines of, “Hey you! You are doing amazing! Keep it up!” and I thought to myself, what a simple and amazing idea to
encourage each other and spread some kindness. Which in turn, brought me to the idea of starting a #sticktokindness project.
My goal is to be the friendly face, kind word, or high-five that these parents (or anyone for that matter) need on the rough days.

If you’d like to join in on the fun, you can grab a Post-It pad, jot some encouraging notes and keep them in your wallet/purse
for the next time you bump in to someone who needs a pick-me-up. Share them on social media and tag #sticktokindness.
I wonder how far we could spread the love?

To all of you out there who are questioning your sanity day in and day out- YOU ARE AMAZING. Through all the exhausting
trips to the store, miserable car rides, and never-ending bedtimes, I have come to find that my very “busy” children are also
incredibly witty, intelligent, and funny. They are the kind of people that can and will move mountains and I am sure yours will too!
Well, I know they will because they have freaking awesome parents like you!

The days are long but the years are short – Hang in there and stick to kindness!

<3 Skye T.

Comments

Choose The Light

8/30/2018

Comments

With everything negative you see happening around the world, in the news and even
in Northern Nevada, I choose to be a light. I’m certainly not turning a blind eye or ignoring
all the issues, I’m just choosing to bring joy and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
I DO- because I can’t be one of those people that do not DO.

  I learned a long time ago that the hard way is the best way. It’s EASIER to focus on the negative
in your world and your life. It’s easier to worry about things you have no control over. It’s easier
to  compare yourself to others. It’s easier to have self-doubt. It’s easier. It’s harder to be brave.
It’s harder to stand up for what you believe in. It’s harder to open your heart and love everyone
for whom they are. Its harder to have the confidence to go after your dreams without
letting setbacks discourage you.

If my life was on the news and it was a constant negative, I would hope the people watching
would think of ways to make a positive impact, instead of feeling helpless. I tell my kids to not
fall in love with “sameness”, but instead to be in love with “uniqueness”. Because it’s EASIER
to go along with the crowd and be a follower. Its HARDER to be a leader and make a difference.

Our community is AMAZING at coming together in crisis, but I challenge all of you to
help in a positive way daily.   Here are some ideas to get you going.

Be of service- volunteer. RISE & Dine is a hands-on giving project that mirrors the true spirit of Reno! Three Saturdays a month, a team invites volunteers throughout the community to cook their favorite recipes, and together they serve dinner and distribute clothing to hundreds of locals without a home. With the help of our supporters, RISE feeds thousands of Reno’s most poverty-stricken throughout the year. I personally have done these many times and just having conversations with the homeless is more appreciated than the food because they are just like us, and the have stories that need to be heard. Visit the Rise and Dine Website for more info ---> Rise and Dine
Random acts of kindness. A little goes a long way to bring joy to others. Next time you see your neighbors’ trash can out after its been emptied, bring it up for them. Send an encouraging text or better yet, mail a letter to someone who you think could use the love. Drop off a care package to our local heroes! Smile at everyone you see. The magic of a smile goes a long way. Here is a fun idea for a local police officer care package!
GIVE. Giving is SO good for you. It’s good for your own happiness, your health and your gratitude. I’m not making this up, it’s science folks! Show up and give your time. Give your money or resources. Give credit where it’s due.

It really is up to us. Which is great, because we’re capable of
changing everything if we choose. Because we can.

So next time you are at home relaxing, turn the TV on and see a local story on the news that is
breaking your heart; put that pen to paper and see how you can do something to help, or plan out
your following day to spread the joy and love.

I love Northern Nevada with a passion! Whatever I can do to make our wonderful community
a better place to live, grow, learn and succeed, I’m going to put in the work.

Be Unique. Choose the light.

Xoxo
Kristin Gandolfo
Positive Reno

Comments

Stick to kindness

Choose The Light

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