Today is International Happiness Day...and yes, I know a message about happiness might seem trivial after the recent traumatic events in Christchurch, New Zealand, but I’d love you to stick with me.
When I started this business 8 years ago...one of my visions revolved around smiles on faces. More colour, more fun, more cheer = more smiles = more ‘happiness’.
Or so I thought.
Over the years I began to dissect what happiness really is...in my mind anyway. One of the many places my mind moved was over into our incredible community of women in our private Facebook group. The words that sprung to mind were authentic, encouraging, supportive, funny, kind, respectful and compassionate, just to name a few.
What started as a group of strangers, from all over the globe, coming together over a shared passion for our jewels, has become so much more. And something that I never could have anticipated.
Women from all corners of the globe, many of whom are doing it tough, some are undergoing chemo for cancer, others are in the midst of environmental disasters such as drought, fires or floods, some have lost their jobs and others are grieving for the loss of loved ones or battling postnatal depression. The stories of hardship are certainly not isolated as are the stories of support. This community of women (and a few good men along for the ride) continue to lift each other up, continue to make each other laugh and continue to act with kindness and authenticity.
Only yesterday we had a message from one of our beautiful customers asking us to transfer a gift voucher to one of the ladies in our community who was doing it tough so she could select some jewels to lift her spirits...and this isn’t the first time this has happened, in fact more and more people in our community are carrying out anonymous acts of kindness.
People who have NEVER met in the ‘real world’ are sending gifts of colourful jewels purely in order to lift someone up, make someone’s day, let someone know they’re being thought of and hopefully put a smile on their face, even just for a moment.
Here in the office, we tear up EVERY SINGLE TIME! The incredible generosity of people wanting to support others in time of need makes our heart explode with emotion.
And to come full circle...want to know my definition of Happiness?
Well, it’s certainly something that I’m still unpacking and probably will for many years to come, but I’m thinking it’s gotta be something to do with giving...almost as if happiness is the byproduct of giving. Giving someone a memory that they can cherish, giving yourself a moment that will light you up, giving someone a hug knowing they will feel a little more loved, giving a compliment to someone that will take them from feeling self conscious to a feeling of 'yep, I got this'.
One thing I’m certain about though...happiness is certainly not created by WHAT happens to us, but more about HOW we respond.
I’ll leave you with that to just ponder for a bit.
So, what’s your definition of happiness? Comment below and let me know what’s on your mind.
Oh and P.S. see the two gorgeous ladies at the top? That's Sue and Hannah - two of the amazingly supportive women within our community! Thanks ladies for modelling for us and thanks for being so AWESOME!
Want to join this amazing community? Head over to Ruby Olive - Be the designer on Facebook to feel all of the warm, fuzzy feelings this community brings.
Jewels featured from top to bottom
Top image: Hannah (left) wears Contrast Flat Disc Necklace, Garden Party Tipped Ring, multiple bangles, and South Pacific Round Studs in Emerald. Sue (right) wears NEW Hibiscus Necklace and older South Pacific style.
Bottom image: Skye wears Everyday Long Necklace in Yellow
1 comment
Dear Skye,
You are a beautiful storyteller…your words are always so thoughtfully chosen & full of sincerity. Hearing about the community support people have for each other certainly brings a smile on my face.
Thank you for sharing this Random Act of Kindness – as a great lover of your jewels…I’m certain that the gift which is soon to be received…will undoubtedly go some way to bringing a touch of colourful happiness into this person’s day!! 🌈🌈🌈