No place for hate

The hate and violence in various places these past few days is quite discouraging.  I don't even understand the concept.  Love and kindness is so much more positive.  There is always room for more positive attitudes, and as far as I am concerned, there really is no place for hate.

Continuing to build the list

Every now and then, I have listed here some random acts of kindness.  Here are more:  Give toys to the children at a shelter. Volunteer to fix up an elderly couple’s home. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Call an estranged family member. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier. Mow a neighbor’s grass or sweep a neighbor’s walk.

more than ever

 Be kind.  It's always important, but now more than ever.

Behind the music

Todd Rundgren has always been one of my favorite musicians. The moment I hear the first notes of Hello It's Me, I get a lump in my throat. I remember that Rundgren once said "Music is the way I understand how to communicate now, the way that I've learned how to communicate . . . but it will eventually have to go beyond that. You see, I've realized that music is not what keeps people involved - it's the attitude behind the music."

said before

Way back when I was first on the radio, I used to close each day saying "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." That was likely something I had read, but I liked it, and still do. Another one that most likely was said before: "Only I can change my life. Nobody can do it for me." That too wasn't an original thought by me (no idea who said it first), but I really like it.

a job you love

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.  Really.

let me talk to you

Let me talk to you about hospitality or niceness or affection or helpfulness or warmth or unselfishness or benevolence or consideration or warmheartedness or friendliness or neighborliness or charitableness or gentleness or understanding or thoughtfulness or generosity or big-heartedness - in other words, kindness.  That's what this daily blog is all about.  Come join us each day and tell your friends too!

from Making Wishes

In her book Making Wishes, Richelle Goodrich says that "Kindness is a magical spell - performed by enlightened beings - meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls that they might fly." Such a lovely way of saying it!

What else is there to say

I talk here every day about being kind.  What else is there to say?  What am I leaving out?  How do we make this world a kinder place?  What do YOU think!  I'd really love to hear your thoughts.

speak with kindness

Good words bring good feelings to the heart. Always speak with kindness. Always.

Senior Citizens

Today is Senior Citizens Day and while kindness toward everyone is something we all should always be showing, today let's make a special effort to be kind to senior citizens.  Perhaps a visit to a local nursing home or reaching out to grandparents or other older relatives would be a good way to spend the day.

hearts will always remember

Our minds won't always remember exactly what happened, but our hearts will always remember the feeling!

Joy

Feel the joy,
Be the joy.
Joy attracts joy

happiness

Happiness is a choice, not a result.  Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy.  No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy.  Your happiness will not come to you.  It can only come from you.  Make yourself happy and help others discover this too.

feeling with the heart

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.

joys in life

There are few joys in life that equal a good book, a good conversation, a good walk, a good smile, a good hug, or a good friend.

lift them up

Inspire someone who is having a hard time, not by lowering yourself to their sadness, but by lifting them up through your joy!

tears

Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness.

They are a sign of a pure heart.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Friggatriskaidekaphobia, fear of Friday the 13th. Many reasons for this, but especially in numerology where twelve is considered the number of completeness (12 tribes of Israel, the 12 Apostles, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 days of Christmas, 12 hours of the clock, etc). The number thirteen is then considered a transgression, going beyond completeness. This day though doesn't have to be unlucky.  Be kind to yourself. Don't add unnecessary worry. Be kind to others too. I think we can make this a very lucky day - certainly a very kind one!

And the livin is easy

Remember that old song?  ""Summertime, and the livin is easy."  I could almost burst out singing!  That living we sing of just isn't quite as easy for everyone though.  Remember that.  Your kindness toward others can go a long way!

start with a positive thought

Always begin your day with a positive thought. No matter how tough yesterday was, a fresh opportunity to make it better awaits you today.

First thing in the morning

I may have tons of time at certain points during the day, but first thing in the morning I am pretty busy.  These days I am on zoom for about half an hour.  I write a short message here.  I check email, messages, and enjoy some breakfast.  I write a second blog (about making a difference in the world).  I am back on zoom once more.  All this before 9:30!  If you are wanting to hear from me, you will, but I just might take a few moments to get to it.  Be kind.

birthday wishes

Just a couple of weeks before my birthday and one thing that would make me very happy is more kindness. I'm serious. Such a lovely present it would be if I saw more folks caring about each other. When you are a kid your birthday wishes probably include various presents and a party and and celebrations, but that really isn't all that important to me. I'd much prefer you donated to a charity dear to me or spent some time volunteering.  Being nice to each other is such a wonderful gift!

Happiness Happens

We have a day to encourage happiness! Yup. I'm not making this up. Today is National Happiness Happens Day, so smile and be happy. Yes, it's true that there is still a lot to worry about, but there are always reasons to rejoice and recognize those wonderful moments of delight, joy, pleasure, and glee. Be kind, as always, and especially be kind to yourself. Enjoy the happy moments and make more of them happen!

never-ending kindness

Sometimes kindness comes unexpectedly from folks far away that we barely know. That happened to me last night, and it wasn't just one incident. The same person show concern for me over and over and some very nice actions followed. The beginning of a great friendship with this never-ending kindness actually brought tears to my eyes. I won't go into detail, but this made me very happy.

gratitude

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.

Wonderful daughter

In the hallway of my apartment building I ran into a young woman whom I thought I had seen from a distance earlier.  "Are you a new neighbor of mine?" I asked.  No.  She was checking on her mom.  We chatted for a while because this women seemed so nice, it was almost impossible to believe.  She was coming over every two hours to put drops in her mother's eyes.  Normally she came a bit less but still was around a lot helping with chores, getting groceries, and just keeping Mom company.  I think that's pretty wonderful!

Quote

Here's a quote for you on this Friday morning as we prepare for our weekend.  I do not know the source.   "Distance does not separate people, silence does."

who they are

Love someone for who they are,
not who you want them to be.

I love August

I love August.  Last year and this are different for sure, but the nice weather is still here during this month and I know tons of people with birthdays and anniversaries.  One of them was yesterday.  Two are on the same day as mine later in the month.  I could easily celebrate all month long.  So many bonus reasons for being kind.

friendship

I was told that the average American has sixteen friends, three of which are extremely close. How about you? Today is National Friendship Day and I'm reminded also that the best way to have friends is to be a friend. Reach out with kindness, and be someone's friend.