Pulse November 2015 | Page 74

STYLING & PHOTO BY ECHOSTARMAKER.COM “Grant that I may not criticize my neighbor, until I have walked a mile in his moccasins.” —Indian Prayer (which hung in my father’s office as a daily reminder) L ife can (and often does) change in a second. As many of you know, I recently had a health scare that reminded me —as much as we would like to think so—we are not bullet proof. The days between the initial doctor’s visits, the surgery and getting the allclear phone call reminded me of an important life lesson. It’s funny how things in life can seem SO important (ISPA Conference, 25th anniversary, keynote speakers, etc.) and then can suddenly become unimportant when things come to a grinding halt. I began to focus on the little gifts—the gestures of kindness we show FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER! @LynneMcNees to those we love the most and the subtle differences we can make in people’s lives with a smile, a handwritten note or a personal touch. During Pope Francis’ recent trip to the United States, he delivered a mass on this LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! International SPA Association topic. As I listened, it connected me back to the life lesson I am trying to practice as I move past this recent reminder to slow down and breathe. “… little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family. They get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children. They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion. Like the warm supper we look forward to at night, the early lunch awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work. What kind of world do we want to leave our children?” As we approach the time for New Year’s resolutions and family reunions at holiday get-togethers, don’t wait for a scare to focus on the things that really matter. Explore what is within yourself, be grateful for what you have and focus on the little gestures. What are your little gestures—and can you do more of them? —LYNNE McNEES, ISPA PRESIDENT 72 PULSE ■ November 2015