"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses."
Chinese Proverb
I was inspired to write this post when an 80-year-old woman walked into our shop and said she was buying herself flowers, because no one in her entire life had ever given her any. Sad, isn't it?
Who Needs Flowers?
No one really. Or do they? According to several studies, fresh flowers actually have a positive effect on ones's emotions. You can read about the findings of these studies here.
There are those who are well-loved and always remembered. We go out of our way to help them and do what we can to make them feel special.
But, there are others, who rarely get encouraged by others. No matter how good, thoughtful or in need they may be, they're forgotten.
You can make a big impact on the life of someone you know today with a simple, inexpensive bunch of flowers. That simple gesture says, "I was thinking of you. You matter."
Who can you give flowers to?
1) The person that's always there for you no matter what you're going through.
2) The patient on the other bed at the hospital who never seems to have visitors.
3) The woman that cares for your children or your parents while you work.
4) That friend or co-worker who's going through a difficult time or always seems depressed.
5) The person who went out of their way to make the seemingly impossible happen for you.
6) Someone in your life who accomplished a major or minor goal whom you'd like to continue to inspire.
7) Your mom, or the one that's been like a mom to you, just because.
8) The child you want to encourage.
9) The older neighbor that seems to be alone in the world.
10) The person trying to make it through the anniversary of someone near and dear who died.
That's my list of people you can encourage with a gift of flowers. Who's on your list?
Mimi
I occasionally bring flowers to my office and give them to the department secretaries and assistants just to make them smile. I don't keep flowers in my apartment (not good cat food) so when i see pretty flowers I'll buy them on a whim and take them to the office.
JL
Posted by: Judy-Lynne Peters | 06/12/2010 at 03:35 PM
When my son was young I made it a family tradition to place flowers at the Viet Nam War Memorial each Memorial Day.
Posted by: Judy-Lynne Peters | 06/12/2010 at 04:02 PM
Great advice! You know, I think we all tend to think to give flowers for a special occasion, like Valentine's, Mother's Day, a birthday or an anniversary, etc. And while that's nice and to be expected, it would really make someone's day to surprise them with flowers when they least expect it ... just because how great they are!
And any bouquet or arrangement from Fly Me To The Moon Florist would DEFINITELY make their day! :)
Posted by: Chris Philippi | 06/17/2010 at 08:21 AM