Hope

Not fun being home, huh? At least we are protecting ourselves from this virus. The only thing more contagious than a virus is hope, and I am sure things will eventually improve and we all need to hold fast to that belief and spread a little bit of hope to others.

Always

When should we be kind to others?  ALWAYS!  There really is no exception.  Just because someone isn't kind to us, does not mean we should not be kind to them.  Just because we are living in difficult times, doesn't mean we should stop being kind to others.  Pretty simple, huh?  If we are always kind to everyone, imagine what a wonderful world this would be.

three things

Be compassionate. 

Be respectful. 

Be kind. 

Think of how much better the world would be if we all did these three things!

Not just talk

A friend told me she was amazed that I could talk so much about kindness.  Well, it's important.  Not just the talk, but the encouragement and the actual doing.  BEING kind is so very important. Our kindness encourages others to be kind as well, and we can't just talk about it, we have to actually "walk the walk."

kindest thing this week

What do you think will be the kindest thing you do this week?  Oh there are certainly many loving and nice things we can all do for each other, (and everyone can add suggestions in the comments below if you like), but I like the idea of always trying to outdo myself.  Let's be kind to everyone! Let's put some smiles of those faces!   Let's all try to be more kind than we ever have been before.

Stop the spread

We are in the midst of a pandemic, as you know, and one of the kindest things we can do right now is care about others and try to keep them safe.  Let's listen to the experts and follow their instructions.  Part of this includes keeping physical distance from others and also wearing a mask when out and about.  We do this not just to protect ourselves, but to stop the spread and to look out for others.

From a different time

I was watching an old tv show last night and noticed the folks helping each other on with their coats and holding doors open or helping someone with their chair.  We don't seem to do most of those things anymore.  Why does it have to be from another time though?  Kindness is an always short of thing.  I love it when someone holds a door open for me!  Here is one of the easiest ways of showing kindness - never forget about these little things.

No special training

Being a kind person doesn't require any special training.  You don't have to go to kindness school.  For many people it just comes naturally, and if it doesn't, it is pretty easy to make yourself kinder each day.  Every day I try a little harder.

Tough weekend

I just had a tough weekend, and I know I am not alone.  I don't want to sugar coat things.  There are a lot more difficult days ahead.  We need kindness now more than ever.  I have preached about being kind for a long time, in fact I have been doing it here every morning for over three years.  It continues to be so very true though.  Being kind not only makes others feel good, it also makes us feel good.

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone!  I am so glad you are reading these words.  I hope your day will be wonderful, filled with kindness and good things.  Oh and be sure to share some of that kindness and love with others!

Using all your talent

Erma Bombeck was a very talented women. Remember her? She worked on the Equal Rights Amendment, appeared regularly on tv (including Good Morning America), wrote over 4,000 newspaper columns, and published fifteen books. Bombeck died way too early after enduring many health problems, but she gave us so much and did so in a fun way. She was always kind and encouraging and shared things that were simple to understand. One thing that stands out in my mind is when she said "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me." In Erma Bombeck's case, that was certainly true.

What the world needs now

With all the hate in the world, I am reminded of these beautiful words from Hal David:

What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
No, not just for some, but for everyone

Say no to silence

Let your voice be heard! Silence enables. Silence is acceptance. Silence is compliance. Silence threatens freedom.  Don't ever stop speaking out!

Home Alone

If COVID-19 has you stuck at home all alone, don't worry.  This is indeed the safe place to be.  Be kind to yourself.  Reach out to others too.  Remember when folks used to call on the phone just to chat?  Now would be an excellent time to bring that back.  Of course we have texting, email, social media, and so many more options to keep in touch.  Just because we don't get together with other people, doesn't mean we should lose contact!

Dream it

I have often said this, but it is so true!  If you can dream it, you can achieve it.   Never give up. Oh and when you accomplish your own dreams, reach out and help some other folks do the same.

Of and speaking of Fred Rogers

Oh and speaking of wonderful Fred Rogers (and have you seen the movie?), I've quoted him a number of times here. He was such a kind man! I love that he said “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” 

comments

It's actually very rare that someone leaves a comment here.  Some folks who know I write this will occasionally make a comment directly to me, but I just want to remind you that your thoughts here are always welcome.  Perhaps you have a suggestion.  Maybe you have an idea about something I have completely overlooked.  You might just want to say what, if anything, these words mean to you.  Let us hear from you!

Grim News

Watching the grim stories in the news can be hard on anyone, and there seems to be more and more of it.  This is a very important time to be extra kind to folks.  Show patience.  Be understanding.  It's amazing how much we can accomplish together, even when we are not physically together.  Always care and always be kind.

Blood needed

In the midst of this pandemic, with folks staying at home, blood donations have dropped sharply, yet life-saving blood is still needed.  One of the kindest things you can do is donate blood.  It's safe and it doesn't take much time.  One unit of blood can help three patients!  If you are able, donate.  Check and see when the next blood drive will be in your area.

Change ahead

I see changes ahead.  People are talking about us staying home for a few week and changing the way we do some things.  This is good.  Change isn't always good, but when it results in safety and health improvements, it certainly is.  Let's go with the flow, follow the advice of the professionals, and always keep kindness in everything we do.

Concerned

I am growing more and more concerned about a virus that seems to be striking people of all ages, all around the world.  Please be kind to yourself and to others.  Practice good hygiene.  Follow the informed advice of your providers.  I'm not trying to sound any alarm bells, but this looks like something awful is happening and we have to care for each other.

Mission accomplished

The wonderful Maya Angelou once said "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." I'd say she indeed accomplished that mission!

In the news

In the news we are hearing more and more about a virus that is sending people to hospitals and has already claimed lives.  This is the kind of news that can be difficult to deal with.  Of course we can always make some good news by being kind and caring.  Let us do our best now more than ever, to make days brighter for everyone.  Just maybe our efforts will be in the news!

Loose

He used to sign things "Loose."  His name was actually Lewis, and this was one of the playful things he did.  There were many.  We served together a few times on boards.  We also spent many a Sunday listening to music or movies or just talking.  He was one of the kindest people I have ever known.  When I introduced him and his wife to my mom a number of years ago, they all immediately became friends.  Being with his was such a joy and I learned so much from him.  In many respects, he was my mentor.  Yesterday morning he quietly passed away at home.  I will always be grateful he came my way.  Rest in peace Loose.

Humble and Kind

Last night while shopping, the store was playing Humble and Kind, a song written by Lori McKenna and sung by country music artist Tim McGraw. I've heard it before, but last night, I was really listening to the lyrics: "Don't take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you're goin' Don't forget turn back around And help the next one in line Always stay humble and kind." How wonderful if this could become the theme song for our lives!

Let's do it today

After reading this, take a moment and make a plan for later in the day - a plan to do some intentional things that are nice for other people.  Make a point to be happy and upbeat and to treat those you encounter with respect.  Now, take this today plan and make it a tomorrow plan too and then the next day and then EVERY day.

Hello everybody

Hello everybody!  How are you this morning?  I hope that many of you show up here every day, but if you happen to be a first-timer, let me offer a special welcome.  I hope you'll come back too.  This is a blog about being kind.  No bells and whistles here.  We don't even have fancy graphics or photos.  About the same time every morning, I sit down and write something about kindness.  I hope it helps.  I know it has helped me.  I now seem to think about the kindest way to approach things in any situation.  Please feel free to share this with your friends and to make comments below.  Oh and come back often!

Marching forth again

My mother always said March 4th is a command (march forth). I have told you about it here every year since I started this blog too. Of course I think of Mom more often than just this day, but when the calendar turns to this page, I think of Mom's command with a smile. May all the world march forth on March fourth and do kind things for each other!

Can't get enough

I was remembering an old-time television commercial last night. Can't get enough of that Sugar Crisp, Sugar Crisp, Sugar Crisp. I couldn't get the tune out of my head. Then I started saying Can't get enough of that kindness, kindness, kindness. Oh my! I'm not sure about the breakfast cereal, but I know it's true about kindness.  You can never get enough! 

Health crisis

There seems to be a health crisis spreading all around the world.  I sincerely hope we have learned from the past and that we will follow the advice of health professionals.  It is also very important that we share the kindness.

Let us March

Let us march into March with a whole lot more kindness.  Let is keep on marching all March long!  Never give up on kindness!