The Visits

Not that long ago, I had a friend from back home come to visit me and I had such a great time.  I can remember too being hospitalized and getting visitors.  In both cases, it meant the world to be that kindness brought folks to see me and bring with them great joy.  Even dropping by a nursing home and visiting strangers can brighten up someone's day!

What can we possibly do?

Do you think this is a kind world we live in?  Can we do better?  Would more kindness be a better thing?  Think about it for a moment.  What can we possibly do to bring more kindness into our lives and the lives of all those we come in contact with?

Keep those cards and letters coming

Keep those cards and letters coming in.  It was a long time ago when Loretta Lynn sang those words in a song and Dean Martin said them at the end of his television show.  It has been said by many folks over the years.  I was thinking of them though because I really want to invite you all to respond.  You don't have to write a letter or even a card.  Below there is a comments section and a word or two there would be most kind.  Let me know what you think about this blog.  Tell me a story of kindness that you witnessed or were a part of.  Make suggestions.  It really would be of great help.

short message

Be Kind!

            (that's today's message - yes, it's short, but it doesn't always have to be long and detailed, right?)

Often we need patience

Often we need patience in order to find true happiness, because it doesn't always come fast and it sometimes it doesn't even come easy, but it is always worth it!  Be kind to yourself and tolerate those delays.

things left undone

Mother Mary Angelica once said "There are many who are not guilty of doing anything wrong but very guilty of sins of omission - the things they neglect to do - the good things - the kind, thoughtful words, compassionate thoughts and hopeful attitudes they might have had towards their neighbor."

Five years later

March 25, 2013 will always stand out in my mind.  One of the nicest, kindest, most loving people I have ever known - my mom, died that day.  I'll also remember the great kindness shown by the hospital staff.  There was a certain nurse's aide who had met Mom the day before, but who this day was working on a different ward.  During her lunch break she came to visit Mom and she gave her a sponge bath, changed her clothing and bedding, and rubbed lotion on her.  This dear lady was back on her own ward when Mom passed away a few hours later, but because of her, Mom left this life in a nice clean state.

Those who come in to our lives

Everyone comes into our life for a reason; some good, some bad.  Be kind to each one of them.  We can make a difference in their lives, just as they make a difference in ours.  Each person who comes into our lives, helps to make us who we are.

like butter on toast

As I was putting butter on my toast this morning, I thought about how I was spreading it from one side to the other.  How wonderful it would be if we did the same thing with kindness.  Let's spread it all over, like butter on our toast!

For beautiful lips

The wonderful humanitarian and actress Audrey Hepburn once said "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

Kind visit

I just received a kind surprise.  A dear friend whom I seldom see, is coming to my town for a few days!  How very nice of her.  We have lots of catching up and I just know we are going to have a great time!

Day of Happiness

Every March 20th since 2013, the International Day of Happiness (established by the United Nations) is observed.  How wonderful, huh?  Everyone deserves to be happy in life and that a day is set aside to focus on this gives us all hope.  Let us continue to show kindness and be nice to each other and work for a happier world!

Building up others

Putting someone else down doesn't make you look better. Building up others will do that. When you build up someone else, you build up yourself at the same time. Oh and it actually feels good to say positive things about other people!

Comments or suggestions

Talking kindness every day I think is much harder than being a kind person.  How many ways are there to say it?  I'd hate to repeat myself, but I think kindness is so very important.  So, what do YOU think?  I would so love to hear your comments and suggestions!

From the mouth of Saint Patrick

"Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall."  -Saint Patrick

Joy to the world

Joy to the world!  Sound like Christmas huh?  Nope.  It's not Easter yet either.  No reason we shouldn't be spreading joy though.  Joy begins with each one of us.

Doughnut shop

This really cute Easter doughnut was being purchased by a police officer - he was really looking forward to it because he commented on the decorations with the eggs and the chocolate.  A little boy waiting with his mom said he wanted ne of those too.  Unfortunately there weren't any more.  No problem.  The cop asked the clerk to give the doughnut to the little boy instead of himself - he even paid for it.  After that, it was hard to tell who had the biggest smile, the little boy or the police officer.

Godspeed Stephen Hawking

"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. Where there's life, there's hope."  -Stephen Hawking (8 January 1942 - 14 March 2018)

Rich or Poor

If someone were to pay you five cents for every kind word you said about other people and collect a penny for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor? Think about it!

I'll get him a card

The UPS man mentioned when making a delivery, that he would be retiring in April.  Immediately one of the women in the office made a notation on her calendar, and when he was out of hearing range she said, "I'm glad he told us.  I'll get him a card."  What a lovely example of kindness.

Not a lecture

Yesterday I mentioned my thoughts when I began this blog a couple of years ago and would I have enough to say.  One thing I am certain of - It has never been my intent for this to be a lecture.  When I share quotes by others and stories of kindness it is not to say this is how YOU should behave.  What I really want to say is this is how I think we ALL should behave.  I hope that by writing these words each morning, I will be inspired to be a better, kinder person.

How much is there?

I remember back in 2016 when I began writing this daily blog.  "Kindness huh?  Is that really what I want to write about?  Will I have something to say for long?  How much is there?"  Well I need not have worried.  The world always needs more kindness and so I will continue urging and hopefully making myself a bit kinder in the process.

Just a natural

Being nice to other people - is that kindness?  Is it love?  Is it a special way of living?  For me, being nice is just a natural.  It just happens, because we care.

What's it all mean?

Not sure what I mean when I speak of kindness?  Let me use some other words:  affection, helpfulness, benevolence, consideration, altruism, warmheartedness, friendliness, thoughtfulness, generosity, big-heartedness,   compassion, neighborliness, charitableness, warmth, unselfishness, gentleness, concern, understanding, selflessness, benignity, hospitality - you get the idea.

joy

Saint Teresa of Calcutta said "Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."

Words from Saint Teresa of Calcutta

During her lifetime, Mother Teresa (now Saint Teresa of Calcutta) said many inspirational things.  One of my favorites:  "I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love."

of chocolate bunnies

The drugstore looks like Easter is tomorrow, when actually it isn't until April 1st.  I glanced at all the candy and now I am thinking of chocolate bunnies and those wonderful filled eggs.  Oh my!  Oh course a kind thing at this time of year is to buy a bag or two of those candies and leave them in the breakroom at work or surprise your friends and family with some treats!

Another command

I always tell folks that my mom would say March 4th is a command (march forth).  It's been nearly five years since Mom passed away, but I'm certain I will always remember this.   Cherish your memories everybody, and may we all march forth on March fourth and do kind things for one another!

Timing

The wonderful science fiction writer Octavia Butler, wrote some nonfiction too. She once spoke so eloquently of timing saying "Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over."

The most vulnerable

We should be kind to everyone - I say that all the time, but it is especially important that we show kindness to the most vulnerable, the very young and the very old.  Look out for the kids and the elderly in your life.

Marching orders

So what kind of instructions do we have for the month of March?  Being kind to everyone of course!  With spring just around the corner (despite the huge amounts of snow on this first day of the month, kindness should be even easier!