The candle on my table reminds me of a simple truth—we all carry a "flame." The way we tend to it matters. If we nurture that flame with thoughtfulness, patience, and kindness, it becomes something that can brighten the lives of those around us.
There’s something about Sundays that feels like a fresh start, a moment to pause before the week begins again. This weekend, as I lit one of my favorite candles, I found myself watching the flame dance softly, its light steady yet alive in motion. The gentle flicker and calming aroma stirred a reminder in me that kindness, much like that flame, has a quiet yet powerful way of changing the atmosphere around us.
Life gives us choices every day. We can choose to uplift or weigh others down, to bring peace or add to stress. I’ve been reflecting lately on what it means to be a team player—not just in work or big projects, but in the small, everyday ways we interact with the people around us. Sometimes, being the person others enjoy being around simply looks like listening closer, offering a smile, or holding back a sharp word when we’re tempted to snap.
It’s easy to spiral into frustration or defensiveness when things don’t go as planned. But here’s the truth I’ve come back to again and again: negativity has a ripple effect, just like positivity does. If we’re not careful, the way we carry stress or impatience can spill onto others, often without our realizing it. But when we choose kindness, grace, and understanding, it transforms not just our mood but the energy of those moments.
This week, I encourage you to focus on being that steady, kind presence. Be someone others feel safe and valued around, not a source of unnecessary tension. Take time to listen more, offer grace quickly, and carry the kind of warmth that mirrors the comfort of home. Together, small, thoughtful actions can make a world of difference in the lives of those around us.
May we all step into this new week with hearts open and willing to bring more light than stress into the spaces we’re in. And when we find ourselves falling short—which we all will from time to time—that same warmth can remind us to start again.
Here’s to walking gently, loving fiercely, and always choosing kindness over everything else.
💛Christiana
