Sunday, December 31, 2023

You Say You Want a Resolution?

Tomorrow we start a brand-new year, and traditionally many of us will begin by making resolutions.  How about you?  What will you resolve to do?  For me it continues to be about kindness.  We can never have too much!  I'm going to try even harder in 2024.  We can make this world of ours a better place, one kind act at a time.

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Has this been a kind year

How kind has 2023 been?  Was I kind enough?  Were you kind enough.  Could we have done better?  On this last weekend, I invite you to think back and reflect on kindness.  In my opinion, I can always do better, and I will continue to work on that.  Please join me.  It really makes a difference!

Friday, December 29, 2023

we can all relate

Blind people can see kindness and deaf people can hear it.  We can all relate to kindness regardless of where we come from.  Kindness is a universal language.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

a few random acts of kindness

Here are some things we can all do to show kindness toward others: Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. Buy a pack of brightly colored stickers and give them to children you meet during the day. Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Invite someone new for dinner, either in your home or in a restaurant. Give toys to the children at a shelter. Say nice things randomly to friends on social media. twitter Buy some bottles of water and randomly hand them out to strangers on the street. Drop off a plant or a plate of cookies to your nearby police or fire station. (Please add your own ideas below)!

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

We can top that

When we were younger, most of us had a competitive spirit.  We wanted to win at sports or academia or maybe something as silly as who can eat the most hot dogs.  There is certainly nothing wrong with trying to improve and do better.  How about it we worked on being kinder?  Yesterday I think I was a kind person, but I can top that.  I can do better.  We all can.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

sharing

On this Tuesday, as you go about your business, take a moment to think about the kindness you experience and how it makes you feel.  Share that with others and help them experience it as well!  Kindness is always best when shared!

Monday, December 25, 2023

Happy Christmas everybody!

You deserve happiness and joy whether or not you celebrate Christmas.  This is true not only today, but every single day of the year! My wish for you is lots of love and kindness today and always. Let us all continue to do our part to share and spread that kindness to everybody.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

David Levithan says

Author David Levithan says "Kindness connects to who you are, while niceness connects to how you want to be seen."

Saturday, December 23, 2023

The Dickens you say

I have heard a lot said about dishonest behavior in the past few days. I makes me think of these words from Charles Dickens: "I have known a vast quantity of nonsense talked about bad men not looking you in the face. Don’t trust that conventional idea. Dishonesty will stare honesty out of countenance any day in the week, if there is anything to be got by it."

Friday, December 22, 2023

Something to look forward to

Do you have things you look forward to?  Every December, as Christmas draws near, I look forward to the holiday celebrations.  My birthday was three months ago, and I always look forward to that.  One of the big things I look forward to every single day is seeing friends and neighbors, chatting with strangers, seeing smiles and acts of kindness.  I will never tire of seeing people do nice things for each other.  We can all look forward to that.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Sing a worker's praises

Sing a worker's praises to their manager or on a comment card — a little recognition goes a long way. Believe it or not, people complain much more often than praise even though most workers deserve the praise more often than the complaint.  

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Thinking of Mom

She is no longer with us, but she left a mark - a very good mark.  Mom was loved by just about everyone she met.  Her kindness I'm sure had a lot to do with that.  She was always thinking of others, especially me and my sister.  I miss her a lot and think of her often, especially today, her birthday.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Monday, December 18, 2023

make up your mind

Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." I suppose the same thing can be said about kindness.  We are as kind as we make up our minds to be.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Missing Mister Rogers

I sure am missing Mister (Fred) Rogers.  He was such a kind man and always pointed us in the right direction.  He once said "As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has, or ever will have-something inside that is unique to all time."

Saturday, December 16, 2023

change a person’s life

It would seem that actor Jackie Chan agrees with me. It was he that said, "Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life."  Indeed.

Friday, December 15, 2023

halfway

We are already halfway through December!  Oh my!  This month always seems to go so fast.  We have nearly reached the cold months of winter, and very soon the year will end.  Let's keep the kindness going and warm everyone with good feelings!

Thursday, December 14, 2023

setting our aim

"Danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; 
  but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark."  
                                    -Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

make it big

It is true that simple acts of kindness can transform people’s day, but what about something large? Lets go the extra mile and do something big like free yard work for an elderly neighbor or changing a flat tire for someone on the side of the road.  Getting into kind habits is wonderful, but if we make it big, think about how much more wonderful.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

so important

Just in case you have never been here and read my words before, I want to say something about why I write this, and it's so important.  Kindness is one of the greatest things in the world and we can never have too much.  It is my hope that we can have a kinder world.  I know it is possible.

Monday, December 11, 2023

Care

Too many suicides. Actually, ANY suicide is too many. Care about your family and friends, and even total strangers. Be there for them. Checking in on those who have depression is an important step in reminding them that they are not alone and are cared for. Simple gestures, such as a smile or a greeting, can go a long way as well.

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and 
confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you 
or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
988

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Homework Assignment

I do have many ideas, but I'd love to hear what you have to say as well, so here's your homework assignment: Think up a way to make this a kinder world.  Feel free to think up many different ways if you like. Then, share your suggestions here so that we can all join in implementing those ideas. Let's see how many different ideas we can come up with!

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everybody! Love yourself. Love and respect others. Be a light in our world. Above everything, be kind.  It is so very important.

Friday, December 8, 2023

The Holiday Season

When we say "happy holidays," most people only think of two or three, but December has many! Last night at sundown, Hanukkah began and lasts until December 15th at nightfall. Coming up are Longest Night, Festivus, Christmas, Boxing Day, Zarathosht Diso, Kwanzaa, International Cello Day, and New Year's Eve. Oh my! Which ones do you celebrate? Of your kindness, find out about the customs of others and help make their celebrations happy!

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Jimmy's wisdom

Former President Jimmy Carter is 99.  Perhaps his wisdom is a key to his long life.  He once said.  "Earlier in my life, I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office.  But as I’ve grown older, I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see—the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are."

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

This is your family

Athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick says "My parents told me from the time I can remember that, 'Yeah, you're adopted. But this is your family.' I can remember my mom, she tells me this story: when I was little, I was looking at her, and I was like, 'Why isn't my skin the same color as yours?' 'Oh, you're adopted, but I wish I had pretty brown skin like you,' said Mom."  From a caring family came this caring American hero.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

from Archbishop Tutu

Remember the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said "Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."


Monday, December 4, 2023

lovely quote

This morning, I want to share this lovely quote from philosopher and essayist Thomas Carlyle. He said "Without kindness there can be no true joy."  Think about it.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

The Value of a Moment

Sometimes we never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory that we wish we could experience over and over and over again!

Saturday, December 2, 2023

What we need is love

We can remove statues and symbols all day long, but it's the hate in people's hearts that needs to be removed.  We need to share love and kindness.  We need to put aside violence and destruction.  Hate is never a value we should be embracing.  What we need is love.

Friday, December 1, 2023

AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 each year, is a day of solidarity for people around the world who are affected by HIV, a day for voices to unite by sharing experiences, remembering those lost, and standing together in the fight against HIV. Today is an opportunity for every community and each individual to honor the more than 32 million people who have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness.  In your kindness, let us continue the fight, and never forget those whom we have lost.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

thirtieth

Today is the thirtieth day of this month. Is that significant? Of course, it is! Every single day of our lives is significant. Today is the day when we share love and kindness. Yesterday was that day too of course, and tomorrow will be as well. The joys of the thirtieth of November are the joys of every single day of our lives!

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Obama on Change

Now more than ever, let us not forget the wise words of former President Barack Obama, who said "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

in times of anxiety

In times of anxiety and when we are experiencing extreme stress do you know what helps calm your anxious thoughts?  Kindness.  Yup.  Here is just one more reason why being kind is so good.  I have heard this from experts and also experienced it myself.  If a court ruling has you frustrated; if crime in the streets has made you tense; if there is stress in your life due to hatred and injustice, try doing something especially nice for someone.  I don't mean to minimize life's problems, and we certainly should work on correcting the ills of society, but a kind act can also be a wonderful tonic.

Monday, November 27, 2023

surrounded by kindness

For some it just comes naturally.  I think so of it has to do with tradition and how people act around you.  If we are always surrounded with kindness, then it would seem we are more likely to be kind.  Of course I am no expert.  What do YOU think?

Sunday, November 26, 2023

the kind people

I love hearing stories of kindness. Sometimes on the local news we hear of a neighborhood hero or maybe in a Facebook post. The kind acts that people do always warm my heart and getting all the details is such an extra bonus. Sharing stories can be done here too - just add them in the comments below!  I really never get tired of here about kind acts and the kind people in our world.

Saturday, November 25, 2023

thankful for the good

So very thankful am I.  I'm thankful every single day.  Yes, we keep hearing bad news, but somehow, we seem to neglect the good news.  There is a lot of good too.  There is also a lot of kindness too.  We can always make more.  Let us keep being kind and let us keep being thankful for all the good.

Friday, November 24, 2023

remembering that turkey jook

How many of you have had turkey jook (some people call it congee or rice porridge)?  One of my favorite memories of kindness is when I was given a nice big bowl or a few days after Thanksgiving. It was so delicious and I can still remember how good it made me feel.

Thursday, November 23, 2023

gratitude

I have always loved the Thanksgiving holiday.  It's not because of the turkey or pumpkin pie and it isn't because of the parades and the football.  I like the idea of gathering together in gratitude.  Most of us don't say thank you often enough and there is so much to be grateful for.  I love the great kindness associated with this day too.  Enjoy your holiday!

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

profound words

This morning I want to share these profound words from Albert Schweitzer: "When you callously ignore the suffering of others, you lose the capacity to share their happiness, too." Give that some thought.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

make someone happy

One of the happiest things for me is when I make someone happy.  It doesn't have to take a lot of effort.  It's usually pretty simple.  Talk to people.  Be interested in their life.  Show that you care.  It's amazing but if you make someone happy, you will find that it also makes you happy.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Remembering Mrs Carter

Yesterday, Rosalynn Carter writer, activist and humanitarian and former First Lady of the United States, passed away.  She will certainly be remembered for her kindness and for her wisdom.  Mrs Carter once said. "There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers."  At one time or another, she was all four.  

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

National Drummer Day

Today is National Drummer Day, so be especially kind to drummers. By the way, do you have a favorite drummer?  Think for just a moment of all the drummers you have ever heard perform, and be glad.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

teddys

Today is National American Teddy Bear Day. My apartment is filled with teddy bears. My mom, Teddy, collected them.  I know they gave her great joy and brought joy to all the people she showed them too.  Mom also gave teddys to special people in her life.  Teddy bears bring joy and kindness, so hug one today!

Monday, November 13, 2023

Especially today

Today is World Kindness Day.  I urge everyone to be kind every single day of their lives, but especially today.  We truly can make a difference.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Light Up My life

Remember back when Debby Boone sang "You Light Up My life"? It's a happy song because lighting up someone's life is such a kind and happy thing to do. Today and every day, do your best to light up someone's life!

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Words from Robert F Kennedy

I have always liked these words spoken by Robert Francis Kennedy: "Some men see things as they are and ask why.  I dream of things that never were and ask why not." 

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

How about you

How about you? I keep listing random acts of kindness here, but what about you? Please always feel free to add ideas in the comments section below or to just tell us a story about kindness. There are so many wonderful heartwarming stories out there, and sharing is caring!

Sunday, November 5, 2023

pulled pork and spaghetti sauce

My sister is a good cook.  She's great making fudge, any baked goods, pulled pork, and spaghetti sauce.  She takes goodies to work for her coworkers to enjoy and she brings thing by for me too.  She is one of the kindest people I know too and today being her birthday, I just HAD to mention her.  What a great world it would be if we all had sisters like mine!

Saturday, November 4, 2023

From Charlotte's Web

In E.B. White's classic "Charlotte's Web," there is this wonderful passage:
    “Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.'
    'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

Friday, November 3, 2023

who

Every one of us have met someone who is kind.  If we are fortunate enough, we have met several people who are.  Kindness is not just for family and friends.  Hopefully we encounter kindness in the workplace, at school, when we are shopping, and even from the celebrities we enjoy.  Think for a moment about who might be on your list of kind people.  Let's all do our best to add to the world's kindness.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

what's it all about

Generosity, concern, consideration, niceness, giving to others (in many cases more than they deserve). That's what kindness is all about.  It makes you feel good too!

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

make the most of every day

It is so important to make the most of every single day, and in our kindness, we should help others to also make the most of every day.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Halloween is

Radio personality Elvis Duran is very wise. He once said “Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it’s about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves.”

Monday, October 30, 2023

focus

Focus.  Focus on the positives - there are always positives.  Focus on the positives, and above all, be kind.

Friday, October 27, 2023

Sad news

I just learned the sad news that someone I have worked with took his own life earlier this week. He was such a bright star and will certainly be missed. It's hard to believe that he is gone, and even harder that it was as a result of suicide. Every life is important.

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free 
and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources 
for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
988

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Stop the violence

Children were playing games at a party in a bowling alley.
Locals were drinking and dining at a restaurant.
Last night seemed normal – until it was rocked by the latest horrific act of gun violence.
When will this stop?  When will people care enough to do something.
We need kindness in America.  Stop the violence NOW!

Sunday, October 22, 2023

make a difference

We can all make a positive difference in the world, and personally I think it should be an ongoing thing. Today though there is a special spotlight. It is Make a Difference Day. What can each of us to to improve the lives of others?  Being kind is a very good beginning!

Friday, October 13, 2023

paraskevidekatriaphobia

Are you afraid?  Don't be.  Paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th) is easily overcome with a smile and a confidence that this day can be just as good as any other.  Be kind to yourself.  Never fear. 

Sunday, October 8, 2023

one

One word can end an argument.  
One smile can start a friendship. 
One look can save a relationship. 
One person can change your life.

Saturday, October 7, 2023

smile

Smile. Do it a lot. You will find it contagious and notice others smiling too. Oh and just for some added incentive, today is World Smile Day.

Friday, October 6, 2023

remembering her kindness

Funerals are sad occasions of course, but it was so very uplifting to hear the positive words spoken yesterday about Dianne Feinstein.  One of the things I heard over and over was talk about her great kindness.  What a wonderful way to be remembered!

Thursday, October 5, 2023

do something nice

Today is National Do Something Nice Day. You KNOW I had to mention it here, huh? It's an actual commemoration on the calendar and it's a perfect time to showcase our kindness.  In the comments below, I'd love to hear about some of the nice things you do today!

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Saint Francis Day

On this day honoring Francis of Assisi, these words attributed to him: "Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Happy birthday Jimmy Carter!

James Earl Carter Jr. was born October 1, 1924, in Plains, GA, at the Wise Sanitarium (the first American president born in a hospital), the son of Bessie Lillian Gordy and James Earl Carter Sr.  He was the nation's 39th President, but I think he is known more for his great kindness all that he gives back.  Today he turns 99! Happy birthday Jimmy Carter and thank you so much for making a difference!

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Be an angel

I was thinking of angels yesterday - the heavenly messengers.  Of course there is another kind.  Have you ever heard someone say "She is such an angel"?  Of course they mean the person is nice and kind.  We should all want to be that kind of angel.

Friday, September 29, 2023

Dianne Feinstein

California's Senior US Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein died last night.  In her memory this morning, I offer the encouragement that comes from her own words.  She very wisely said "We're not perfect, and there are some dark patches in our past, but what makes us special is that we recognize these evils, we come to grips with them, and we fix them."

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Stay

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and I want to remind everyone once again how important it is to CARE about others and for everyone to know there is always SOMEONE there to listen, even if it is a stranger.  Life is precious.  Stay!

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, 
free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, 
and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, 
and best practices for professionals in the United States.
988

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Missing Wilson

I miss Wilson Fang!  Eight years ago on this date he passed away.  I'm so lucky he spent some time with me.  He easily could have been the poster-person for this blog.  Wilson was one of the kindest people I ever met. I hope I can be as wonderful a person as Wilson was.  Such great memories of such a terrific person.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Remembering

"Remember the hours after September 11 when we came together as one! It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us." -Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Stay

I am saddened every time I hear that someone has taken their own life.  Everything is not perfect, but there is so much to stick around for.  Stay.  If you need help, ask.  If you know of someone who needs help, help them. Don't wait until it's too late. 

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
                                                    988

Friday, September 1, 2023

Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I'm going to say something about this several times. While suicide prevention must be addressed year-round, the month of September especially reminds us that we can make an impact and help those in crisis and their loved ones.  Every life is important.

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
                                                    988

Monday, August 28, 2023

happy birthday to me!

 Do you know what I would really like for my birthday?  A kinder world, that's what!  Let's make it so!

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Enjoying your summer

So are you enjoying your summer?  You know what would make it even more enjoyable?  You already know what I'm going to say.  Kindness.  Yup.  Kindness makes everything more enjoyable!

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

water

Lots of hot days where I live. One very kind thing to do on days like this is to buy bottles of water (those little ones work just fine) and randomly hand them out to strangers on the street.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

ALL

Sometimes I wonder how many people have actually read the Declaration of Independence. In the second paragraph, you'll find these words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Now please note there is no asterisk. It doesn't say except for people of color or people with blue eyes or people who are gay or Jewish people or transgender or any other exception. It says ALL!

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Happy July!

Let's all do the best we can to make this a very kind month.  Happy Saturday.  Enjoy your weekend. Happy July everybody!

Friday, June 30, 2023

That's it

We're done with June now. That's it! Let the month go out on a very kind note though. See how many people you can make smile today.  See how many hearts you can warm.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

fully visible

"While as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible." -Broadcaster Anderson Cooper

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

because of who you are

Do things for people, not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.

Monday, June 26, 2023

every single American

"Every single American — gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender — every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society. It’s a pretty simple proposition." -Barack Obama

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

define yourself

“Accept no one’s definition of your life, define yourself.” -Harvey Fierstein

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

someday

Someday we won't have to "come out of the closet."  We'll just say we are in love and that will be all that matters.  Someday.  Happy Pride everyone!

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

It takes no money to respect the individual

"It takes no compromise to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression." -San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk 

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

live authentically

Don't ever tell someone that they can't be exactly who they are.  Gender identity and sexual orientation are personal.  WE are in control, not others who might hate us.  Be a friend.  Be someone that others can count on.  We all deserve to live authentically.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Taylor said

Singer Taylor said it so well last week. “We can’t talk about Pride Month without talking about pain," she said. "There have been so many harmful pieces of legislation that have put people in the LGBTQ and Queer community at risk.”

Sunday, June 4, 2023

words from Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama told us "Each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness. No one deserves to be bullied."

Saturday, June 3, 2023

the rainbow of humanity

"What I liked about the rainbow is that it fits all of us. It’s all the colors. It represents all the genders. It represents all the races. It’s the rainbow of humanity." - Rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker

Friday, June 2, 2023

more important that ever

Every morning for the past several years, I sit down and write something here about kindness.  Most of my posts are fairly general and could apply to any day of the year.  This month I decided to focus on my LGBTQ+ community.  We deserve kindness and respect - everyone does.  Right now, with so much hate in the world, it is more important that ever.  Show some extra love and kindness this month to everyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Thursday, June 1, 2023

love is love is love

Lin-Manuel Miranda's words from his Tony Award acceptance speech seven years ago still bring tears to my eyes, and on the first day of Pride month it seems so appropriate to remember them.
              "And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love
                   cannot be killed or swept aside.
              I sing Vanessa’s symphony, Eliza tells her story.
              Now fill the world with music, love, and pride
."

Friday, May 5, 2023

they add up!

Those little things - they add up.  Just a smile and a friendly word can mean so much.  We all have the ability to bring happiness to others.  Small acts of kindness can mean a lot.  What can we do this Sunday to make a difference.  I'm sure there are numerous things! It's those little kind things that people do that mean so much.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

May the Fourth

What is the correct response to "May the Fourth Be With You'? 
Kindness. Kindness is the correct response to anything.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Earth Day 2023

We know Dame Jane Goodall largely for her work with wild chimpanzees, but on this Earth Day 2023, I am reminded of something the primatologist and anthropologist once said: "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."  Let's get out there and make a positive difference and let today be a day of action for our environment and for our planet.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Thoughts of Nana

Every April 20th I think of my grandmother - she was born on this date.  I think of Nana more than once a year though.  She was one of the kindest and fairest people I have ever known, and I learned a lot from her.  I think our entire family learned the importance of kindness because of her.

Monday, April 10, 2023

sharing the candy

I hear there is a big sale on Easter candy beginning today!  Buying up some of it and sharing it is certainly a kind thing, don't you think?  Of course sharing the candy is always kind, even when you have to pay full price!

Sunday, April 9, 2023

The Joy of Easter

Of all the days in the entire year, what could possibly be happier than Easter Day?  Oh and talk about kindness - oh my!  Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Remembering Roger Ebert

Film critic Roger Ebert died on this date in 2013. One of the things I remember about him is his encouraging words. He once said “To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try.”

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Maya Angelou's thought

On this Valentine's Day, I am reminded of this thought from Maya Angelou "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine."

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

February!

The second month of the year already!  February!  (Don't you wish everyone could pronounce it)?  Anyway, this is a good time to remind everyone about the importance of being kind.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

last day

It's hard to believe that we have already reached the last day of the month!  Wasn't New Year's just yesterday?  Oh my!  Has January been kind to you?  More importantly, how kind have you been?  Let the kindness continue right into the next month, an all our days to come.

Monday, January 30, 2023

Jonah's words

"It is a popular trend nowadays to say love is very much conditional. I've heard people compare it to a glass of water that eventually runs out when love isn't reciprocated. This encouragement of selfishness must stop," says my friend Jonah Kim. "True love is an infinite well and is absolutely unconditional," Jonah says.  I've shared this before, but it's important.  He concludes "True love feels almost helpless in its endless giving, without asking for anything in return.  And if the ones you love love you back, there is nothing more beautiful, precisely because we love without premeditated expectations."

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Your stories

I always love hearing stories of kindness.   Sometimes on the local news we hear of a neighborhood hero or maybe in a facebook post. The kind acts that people do always warm my heart and getting all the details is such an extra bonus.  It can also give all of us idea on how to be more kind.  Sharing stories can be done here too - just add them in the comments below!

Saturday, January 14, 2023

If we all help

I have always felt called to give back to society and to try hard to make a positive difference.  One of the reasons why I write here every day is because I would love to see a kinder world.  Big task?  Not really.  If we all help, it will happen.

Friday, January 13, 2023

Friday the 13th

Always be kind to everyone, but today be especially kind to those with paraskevidekatriaphobia.  Being afraid of Friday the 13th is a real fear.

Friday, January 6, 2023

We can do it

Want to see a kinder world?  We can do it.  We really can. Yes it takes some work to get everyone together and caring about the same thing, but I have no intention of giving up.  Let's make kindness our daily way of life!

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

The Lead Singer

There's a certain singer in a popular band, who so very kind and nice.  Posing during a recent performance with a little boy attending his very first concert.  He made that little boy's day, and with such a simple act.  Oh and I'm not talking about an isolated incident.  I hear about the kindness of this singer all the time!  I need to journey to one of their concerts, so I can see it up close for myself!

Monday, January 2, 2023

a nice hot beverage

It is still cold outside. In some places it can be extremely cold.  Bundle up and share warm wishes with others. A very kind gesture might be to give folks hot beverages - cider is particularly popular at this time of year.  Hot chocolate is good too!

resolutions

I'm not sure how many people make New Year's resolutions these days but setting goals can always be a good thing.  I'm sure you already know what I am going to say now.  I resolve to be a kinder person, and I hope that you will join me.

Sunday, January 1, 2023

a brand-new year

It's a brand-new year!  As we welcome 2023, let us all try to make this the kindest year ever.  Let's care about ourselves and care about others.  Thanks so much for reading these daily messages these past seven years.  Be kind!

Happy New Year!

Celebrate!  It's a holiday!  Today we begin 2023, and I KNOW we will all be kind to each other, not just today, but throughout the year.  Let's share the joy.