words of wisdom

As we prepare for a new year, I was thinking of these words of wisdom from Langston Hughes: "I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go."

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.

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." 

goals

The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The real tragedy lies in having no goals to reach.

it makes a difference

What we do and how we act really makes a difference.  I have seen it so often.  Those positive moments in our lives are priceless.  Please believe me.

we're not finished

So many holidays!  Oh my!  I love this time of year.  Whatever you might be celebrating today, let's all be kind and nice to each other.  I'd love to see that celebration every single day of the year!

It’s Officially Christmas

I'm listening to Dan+Shay sing "It’s Officially Christmas." They are correct of course. Today is Christmas Day. I know a lot of people don't celebrate and then there are those who have been celebrating for over a month now. Yes, we are all different. In our kindness though we should respect that. So often this is called the "Season of Giving" and what better gift is there that the gift of kindness? Happiness to you all!

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.

My tradition

There isn't a single holiday decoration up at my apartment and I haven't sent out any Christmas cards.  That my surprise you. I do celebrate, I'm very traditional and it isn't Christmas yet. I'll be putting up a tree tomorrow afternoon, and I will be singing carols.  I'm very traditional when it comes to kindness too.  It is ALWAYS important!

daydreaming

Sometimes I daydream about all of the ways I want to make someone happy.  Does that seem odd?  We need more joy and happiness in our world, and I want to make that happen.  I know many of you are with me in this endeavor.  The daydreaming might be good, but I need to do more.  Let's all make it happen!

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!

Kindness from Mom

My mother was a very kind person.  People noticed.  It was part of who she was.  I hope a lot of that rubbed off on me.  I try.  Today would have been Mom's birthday, and even though she passed away several years ago, this is one of those days she is especially present in my mind.  I want to do things that would make her proud.  I miss you Mom!

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."

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

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.

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.

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!

uniquely powerful and impactful

Acts of kindness are uniquely powerful and impactful.  Please believe me.

make my day

Remember the catchphrase spoken by the character Harry Callahan in the movie Sudden Impact? "Go ahead, make my day!" Well today, make someone's day. (No, not like in the film). Just do something kind.

There are so many possibilities. In fact, I think together we can make many people's day!

Start spreadin' the word.

I have said "Start spreadin' the word" here before, and I hope some of you will start leaving a word or two also.  Comments can be left after any post.  Feel free to include your own kindness ideas.  I just know there are some wonderful ideas out there!  Tell others about this blog.  Spread the word and spread the kindness!

I'm back!

It's been over a full month since I posted here.  Did anyone miss my posts?  My absence was due to a very simple problem.  My computer broke.  Since I write here about kindness, let me tell you that my return is due to kindness.  I was given a brand-new laptop!  It is great to be back and I will return to talking about kindness.  First though I want to say something about gratitude.  I am VERY grateful for this wonderful gift!