From the Heart: The Power of a Few Kind Words

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~Mother Teresa

It is a blessing and a privilege that I get to do what I do for a living.

It is not lost on me that I get to create, to write, and to share things here that come from deep within me, and that offer up my unique point of view, my vision, my taste, and my voice.

And it is also not lost on me that so very often what I offer up is received with love, enthusiasm, and gratitude, and I am humbled by this expression of kindness.

My heart is made full with joy that there are such utterly beautiful people in this world who make it a point to freely share their lovely words of encouragement, and I am so deeply moved and inspired by this.

...if it wasn't for you, who would I share any of this with?

As you may know, I've been navigating some new and deliciously vulnerable times lately that are stretching me in every direction until I find myself growing thin in certain areas. These are times that are tapping parts of me that haven't been tapped before, and pushing me to deliver in ways that I never imagined that I could, all the while making me question if I even ultimately can.

And through all of this, there have been some precious souls who have taken some time to share kind words with me, that have acted as angels to inspire me and nudge me along, reminding me of the mercy to be found in soft words given generously.

And for this, I am so very thankful.

I am thankful for your readership. I am thankful for your support. I am thankful for your blessings and your loving thoughts and “good juju” vibes that you've sent. And most importantly, I am thankful for you, because if it wasn't for you, who would I share any of this with?

As a person sitting on the receiving end of a few kind words, let me tell you that they are like a salve on abraded skin, like kisses on tear-stained cheeks, like a good rain on parched earth.

Know that your kind words have sustained me many days, and have brought joy and gusto back to my soul when it has grown temporarily weary.

So to those of you who have shared a few kind words through your beautifully heartfelt emails and comments (both recently and in the past), or who have shared your wonderfully touching experiences with preparing my recipes for yourself or your family over the years, or who have shared with me your own hopes, dreams and aspirations—things of a personal nature—I cannot express enough fondness, thanks, and genuine love for you.

You make what I do feel like heaven on earth, and like the privilege that it is.

Taste what's good and pass it on.

Ingrid