School daze

Remember when school didn't begin each year until early September?  In most places it was the day after Labor Day.  Now it begins much earlier and where I live, it is year round.  (There is a brief break each June).  Are we being kind to our kids or are we putting them into a daze?

First thoughts

Already blogging about folks giving back to society, I was thinking two years ago of a simple thing we all can do to make a difference:  be kind to others.  I began this blog a few days later and was thinking then more of the various random acts of kindness that we often hear about.  I've mentioned those acts here before and quoted lots of people, but from my first thoughts about doing this blog came a great gift for me.  I try to be a better person.  I try to continually be more kind.  I intend to keep on trying too!

so many happy birthday wishes

Oh my!  Yesterday I received so many happy birthday wishes.  There were some cards in the mail and numerous social media posts.  The day began with a special birthday breakfast with my sister.  There was so much kindness shown.  I am truly grateful.

Get out those party hats!

Yes, today is my birthday.  I was thinking the other day about how kindness seems to always be magnified at special events like birthdays and anniversaries.  Oh how I love a good celebration, but don't just party for me, party for everyone!  I'm inspired to treat everyone like every single day is a birthday for them.  Get out those party hats folks!  Let's celebrate life!

Too much hate

There is too much hate in the world.  Yesterday a mass shooting in Florida injured several and took more lives.  Why?  Why do we let this keep happening?  In another place, a nine-year-old boy took his own life after being bullied  for being gay.  We need a world of kindness, love, and respect.  Say no to hate - ALL hate.  We CAN change things!

Remembering the kindness of John McCain

It is heartwarming to read the many kind messages about Senator John McCain who passed away yesterday.  His daughter said some wonderful things about the father who "taught me how to live." Meghan McCain also said now that her dad is gone, she's motivated more than ever to spend her lifetime living up to "his example, his expectations, and his love."  Words I see from so many to describe him are kind and honorable.  What a great way to be remembered!

The Special Ends

The special week of kindness ends today.  No, that doesn't mean we should stop being nice to each other.  We need to keep the kindness with us always!  How did you do this week though?  By thinking about it, do you think you became a little kinder?  Perhaps we should try this again from time to time.

closer to the end

As we get closer to the end of our self-proclaimed special week of kindness, how has it been?  Do you think this has helped you to be a bit kinder?  Any stories you want to share?  Let us finish this week with a bang! 

Five

Today is day five in our week of special kindness.  (How are you doing with that?  I hope this is encouraging some to be more kind)!  Oh and it is also just five days until my birthday.  Woo hoo!  That just made me think of another way to show kindness - treat folks they way you would on their birthday, but treat them that way every day!

Special Number Four

Trying to do some extra special things this week.  I hope you're joining me.  It's our fourth day and I have decided to spend some extra time on social media posting encouraging messages and reading ones from other folks.  I'll check out Instagram, facebook and twitter right now and then throughout the day, and hopefully my kind words will brighten someone's day!

The Third

This week we are trying to put some extra effort on being kind people.  Perhaps it already comes naturally for you.  Wonderful!  I still need to work on it myself.  I'm not perfect.  This is the third day of this special week and today I want to make sure that everyone I encounter, sees me smiling.  I'm not talking about a sick demented expression that looks like I am up to no good, but a pleasant, happy face.

2nd Day Special Week

Kindness is an always thing.  It's not just reserved for special occasions.  Therefore doing a "special week" might seem odd.  I goal though is always to make me a kinder person, and hopefully some of you as well.  So, each day this week, let's try a little harder.  I think I'll stop and get some flowers at the grocery store and then hand one to everyone I meet this morning.

A Special Week of Kindness

It's summertime.  It's the beginning of another week in August.  How about we add something to the calendar?  Let's proclaim this a special week of kindness!  As you know, I wish we were always kind to everyone, and I try so hard to be kinder myself, but if we put the spotlight on our kindness during the next seven days, perhaps we will all try even harder.  It's certainly worth a try!

take care of yourself

When you are in good health and full of energy, it is so much easier to be kind.  Exercise, eat right, drink plenty of water, and get regular medical checkups.  In other words, take care of yourself!  Being kind certainly includes being kind to YOU!

National Non Profit Day

The spotlight today is on volunteers, benefactors, and all those who are part of nonprofit organizations.  One of the kindest things a person can do is to give back to the community and make a difference, so be thinking about that on this National Nonprofit Day and perhaps it's time to get more involved.

Everyone

Everyone deserves love, kindness and respect. Everyone. That includes you.

Happy birthday Mrs Child

The wonderful chef, author, and tv personality Julia Child once said  "A party without cake, is just a meeting."  Today would have been her 106th birthday, so let's eat some cake!

What's that you say?

Sometimes being kind is as simple as opening you mouth.  Really.  I mean it.  Tell people what they mean to you.  Compliments clerks for their service.  If somebody truly makes your day, tell them.  The world needs more positive talk.  Begin with a nice cheery "hello" or "good morning"!  What's that you say?  You like my friendly attitude?  Aw  You are so kind!

banana bread

Last night there was a knock on my door in the early evening.  I wasn't expecting anyone, so I was someone surprised.  I was even more surprised to open the door to my neighbor standing there with some banana bread she had baked.  What a lovely, thoughtful, and kind gift!  (Oh and it was delicious too). There was a time when neighbors interacted more.  How lovely if there were to begin once again.

Who was on the phone

Texting seems to be the preferred form of communication these days, but I will always prefer the sound of a human voice.  For me there is something special about a telephone call.  It isn't just a kind gesture.  It also says "I care" and "I'm here for you."

Touched

Being touched by kindness - what a wonderful thing.  I love when someone does a kind act for me.  I really do.  It warms my heart.  I also love witnessing acts of kindness.  There is something very special about seeing someone do a really nice thing for someone else.  Of course I love doing those kind things.  All these things touch me.

99

Folks seem to live longer these days and if you can have a long life and a healthy one, how wonderful, right?  I have a neighbor who turns 99 today.  She is always smiling and seems to truly enjoy life.  I know she brings joy to those around her!  She isn't an internet user, but I'll say it here anyway:  Happy birthday Alfie!

August morning kindness

From time to time I have listed various random acts of kindness.  On this bright August morning, I have a few for you.  As you go about your day, pick up trash. Call or visit a homebound person. Pay a compliment at least once a day. Transport someone who can’t drive. Make telephone calls in support of equality urging others to put aside hate. Say something nice to everyone you meet today. Send a treat to a school or day-care center. Volunteer at an organization that needs help. Any ideas you want to share?

Here comes the rain again

Rain.  We need it, but most of us don't like getting caught out in it.  When a storm comes up suddenly, and you get soaked, that certainly isn't pleasant.  I remember years ago when a popup storm was pouring down on people.  A man rain into a store and bought dozens of umbrellas, which he then handed out for free.  Now that's kindness!

Kindest of all

I'm sure people have done kind things for you in the past.  It feels good, huh?  That's why I like encouraging kindness.  Think for a moment about all those wonderful things that folks have done for you in the past.  What was the kindest of all?

Kindness Rinse Repeat

Did you ever notice the directions on a shampoo bottle?  Most likely you only read it once.  Shampooing your hair becomes habit.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Pretty easy, huh?  It's like that with kindness too.  If we practice kindness often enough it becomes habit. 

Looking out my window

First thing every morning, I open my blinds and then while checking overnight email and morning news, I sip my coffee and check the immediate beauty around me.  Looking out my window I can see if I will need any kind of protection when I go out on my walk minutes later.  (All of that happens before I write this).  This morning I could see a lady exercising outside when I first peered out.  A little while later she was still outside as I began my walk.  "Good morning!" she beamed as I approached her.  She already made my day and it's on seven o'clock.

More than a slogan

"Be kind to one another" isn't just a slogan for Ellen DeGeneres.  How many checks has she given to needy people on her tv program, for example?  How often does she share stories about people who do good for others?  I've said it before and I will say it again, I love the wonderful example she sets for us!

She didn't have to share

There's a lady I work with who will frequently bring in a couple of plates of homemade cookies.  Sometimes she makes brownies instead.  They are so delicious!  Everyone enjoys them.  There must be eighty to a hundred cookies.  That has to be time consuming, baking them all.  She didn't have to share.  Nobody has to.  What a great thing it is though!  Her kindness is appreciated by so many!

Going to be a great day

Do you ever spring out of bed, rested and refreshed, and just knowing that it's going to be a great day?  How wonderful if that was the way it always is, huh?  We actually control a lot of that.  Want a kinder world?  We control a lot of that too!  We don't control the actions of others, but if we set out to be kind and nice, some of that is bound to rub off on those around us.

it's a celebration

Can I celebrate this entire month?  August is my birthday month.  At the very least, I should be extra kind to everyone!