What a month

What a month this has been!  Seems to be getting worse each day.  We must all hold on to hope though and continue to share love and kindness.  There is no virus that can destroy love.  Yeah April has certainly been odd, but we are here and we will continue and we hope you all continue to be safe and stay well.

Humanity is resilient

During this time of COVID-19, these words from Jason Chu are particularly encouraging:  "Humanity is resilient. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years as a political prisoner and came out to heal a nation."

Hearing about kindness

I have hearing about kindness via tv reports and social media and it is so nice to know about the basic goodness people possess.  The world is certainly going through a tough time, but if we are nice to each other, it becomes so much easier.  I'm sure you might be hearing some kindness stories too.  Please share them in the comments below.

deep breath

Take a deep breath.  Now relax.  Now maybe one more deep breath.  Yeah these days are not going as we would like and so many things are being postponed or cancelled, but kindness cannot be cancelled.  The good in us will always be there.  Remind yourself of this, and than take another deep breath.

It's the little things

For most of us, life is a whole lot different these days.  If you are among those who are staying at home in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, you might be going stir crazy, but think of all the others who are also at home and maybe feeling a little lonely.  It only take a few seconds to text someone.  I received a nice long informative email from someone yesterday, and it made my day.  A few days ago I called a lady I seldom see and we had a lovely conversation.  It's the little things like this that can make a tremendous difference.  When we all reach out, we really aren't alone!

Words of Saint Mark

"Do not become a disciple of one who praises himself, in case you learn pride instead of humility." -Saint Mark the Evangelist

Kind to someone else

Yesterday I asked you to recall what was the kindest thing anyone ever did for you.  Now, thing about the opposite.  What is the kindest thing you ever did for someone else.  I'll bet it's harder to remember.  If you are a good person who is always kind, it's not something you really think about.

Kindest to you

Think for just a moment.  What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?  How did it make you feel?  Think about it and why you remember it.

For the beauty of the earth

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is today, a day when most of us are staying at home.  Ordinarily on this day there are programs and celebrations and events to help protect the environment.  Today is different.  In the news though you may have seen the good things that have been happening with us staying home.  The air is cleaner.  The streams and rivers are clearer.  There is virtually no litter.  For the beauty of the earth, let us vow to keep things good.  When we begin venturing out again, let's keep that air clean, those waterways clear, and our cities litter-free!

Kindness from the Sassy Cow

So many people are coming together and making a difference during this pandemic, and I was so happy to read this story yesterday. Sassy Cow Creamery products are carried by over 75 retailers in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, so some of you already know about them, but this week they are in the news for something very kind. Owners James Baerwolf and Robert Baerwolf began a “Kindness Cooler,” where folks can go and pickup milk and other dairy products. The brothers said the refrigerator will be kept full until after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.  Now that's kindness!

My Nana

My mother's mother we all called Nana.  I have so many wonderful memories of her, especially a few months when I lived with her.  We took turns cooking meals and doing various household things, and every day was fun.  I'm lucky to have had such a wonderful grandmother.  While I do think of her often, I do especially every April 20th because that was her birthday.  Rest in peace Nana and thanks for the many kind memories!

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone!  Oh I know, it might not seem all that happy, but things will get better.  For now, keep showing love to those you know, whether they live with you in the same household, or if they are folks you have to reach out to with technology. Show the love, keep that kindness coming, and be patient.

Stop it

One of the kindest things we can do right now is to stay home and avoid direct contact with others.  I keep hearing talk about slowing the spread, but what about stopping the spread?  We can do it, but instead of modifying our behavior, lets change it altogether and truly keep our distance. 

one month anniversary

For many folks, today is the one month anniversary of staying home and sheltering in place.  Unfortunately there is more to come.  We WILL make it though.  The important things is to not give up.  To follow the guidelines.  To keep showing kindness toward others.  Remember, we aren't stuck at home, we're safe at home!

Home alone

If you are expecting me to say something about Macaulay Culkin, you are wrong.  I'm thinking though of all those who are home all by themselves because of COVID-19.  We ALL should be staying home, unless we are performing an essential job.  Many are complying, and this is a good thing.  Many though are experiencing something they might not normally see:  loneliness.  Now is a good time to reach out to those who are alone.  A phone call, even just a short one, can brighten someone's day!

What say you

Kind deeds are what I talk about here.  We can always use kindness!  What do you have to say though?  Can you share some stories?  I'd love to hear about some kind moments you have encountered, and I'm sure our readers would too!

always

When should we be kind?  On birthdays and anniversaries?  Of course!  At holidays?  Yup.  Just an average everyday moment?  Yes, then too.  It's really quite simple.  We should be kind every day of our lives.  We should be kind always!

together

Support each other,
Respect each other, and
Be there for each other.
We are all in this together!

Alleluia

Another day of kindness is upon us!
Let us rejoice and be glad!  Alleluia!

It's a win-win situation

The selflessness we show comes naturally for many. It's like breathing out and breathing in. We don't even have to give it a thought. I'm sure you know folks like that. I think it is something that can easily be learned too. It just feels good. Whether it's natural or learned, being considerate and generous, makes others feel good too. It's a win-win situation.

Modifications

Under normal circumstances, there are Passover, Easter, and spring events at this time of year with people getting together with each other.  Not now.  This year is very different.  Today is Good Friday when many would usually be in church, but not this year.  Social distancing and staying at home is important, but don't forget what you usually do.  It may take some modifications, but that's okay.  There are lots of internet resources and of course there's the good old phone.  Use your imagination.  Stay safe!

Politics and religion

So many arguments arise from discussions of politics and religion.  It is okay to have a difference of opinion, but respect should always be included.  If you want to persuade someone to come over to your way of thinking, being rude and nasty isn't a very good way to bring that about.  Kindness is the great equalizer.

Ready for some change

If you are like me, you are ready for some change.  It isn't likely that everything will go back to how it was, but I know I am tired for limiting my people contact!  Oh my!  Stay safe though my friends, an be kind!

Social media posts

In the middle of this pandemic, I keep seeing encouraging news and positive words posted on social media.  Yesterday someone posted "Compassion has no limit. Kindness has no enemy."  How true!

How is everything

I love it when folks ask me "How is everything?"  It shows they care.  If you have been sheltering in place these past few weeks, you might really be needing some connection to others too.  What a kind thing it is also.  Let's all check on each other a bit more and show that we care!

Kind landlord

Did you hear about the Brooklyn landlord who has waived April rent for his residential and commercial tenants due to COVID-19?   Well, according to news reports, he said to his tenants "If everyone could stay home, take care each other; whoever is fortunate to work, please try to help the person who can't put food on the table."  Such an incredible act of kindness!

Remembering Dr King

On the anniversary of his tragic assassination, I recall these encouraging words of Martin Luther King, Jr:  "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

News story

I just read a news story about a lady who makes up bag lunches every day and places the bags on a table in front of her house for anyone in need to help themselves.  Many folks have lost their jobs and we aren't supposed to be gathering in groups, so it is tough for some.  This lady is certainly doing her part to share the hope and the kindness!

bizarre days

These certainly are bizarre days.  I won't argue with that at all.  It's all the more reason though why we should practice kindness at all times!

Custom set aside

The long-standing custom for playing pranks on April first will hopefully be set aside today.  There are serious things going on in our world that we need to pay attention to.  Being kind though should never be set aside.  Kindness is more important now than ever before!