We're done

As we await the brand-new year, we're just about done with 2024.  I hope it was a good year for you and a kind year.  Now, let's make 2025 even kinder!

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.

only the laundry

My mom said the only thing that should be separated by color is laundry, but when I was little, I remember seeing "whites only" signs and public water fountains were all labeled "colored" or "white." I didn't understand it. I still see people not wanting to interact with people of different races or ethnicities and I still don't understand it.  Why be separate? The more we experience each other, the more we experience life!

goals

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

They add up

Those little things - they add up. Small acts of kindness can mean a lot. I remember when I was little and we would go out in the cold for the winter festival where I lived. Our little bodies would be freezing and Mom would give us a great big hug. It was just a small gesture, but it sure helped to warm us up! That nice hot apple cider helped a lot too!  With the cold months arriving, I was thinking back to winters past.  I remember when we would go Christmas caroling and people would invite us into their home for a nice hot bowl of jook or some steaming hot chocolate.  It's those little kind things that people do that mean so much. 

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!

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!

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.

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!

The kindest one of all

How many facebook friends do you have?  How about your followers on Instagram or twitter?  Over the years we meet a lot of people.  Do we stay in touch with all of them?  Probably not.  For me it's the nice ones - the kind ones, that I always want to stay connected to.  Think about all the folks in your life.  Now, who is the kindest one of all?

Hot Chocolate

There was a wonderful British soul band that was popular during the 1970s and 1980s, called Hot Chocolate, but you know I am actually going to say something about the beverage. What I have to say is really pretty simple. I happen to like hot chocolate (cocoa) just about any time, but especially when the weather is cold.  One of the kindest things anyone can do is to offer me a piping hot cup!

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.

Can you make a list?

Occasionally I have listed some things that we might do for each other.  These random acts of kindness are only a starting point.  The list of ideas is endless.  I have found that just by thinking about it, I have a desire to do more and more kind things.  How about you?  Can you make a list?  Think of some kind acts.  Share your ideas with us too!

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!

A difference

Which feels better, being kind to someone, or having someone be kind to you?  Is there a difference in the feeling?  Both are nice, huh?  When you see that someone appreciates your efforts, there just isn't a better feeling!

every person

every person has a voice.
every person  has a story.
every person  has a dream.
every person  has an ability. 
never be afraid to share yours.

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!

Tell them now

I'm seeing such a wonderful outpouring of positive statements about people who have recently died.  That of course is a good thing, but I can't help think about the thoughts that weren't expressed during a person's lifetime.  If you love them and respect them, tell them now.  Let them hear it directly from you during their lifetime.  Don't wait until after they are gone.

your comments and feedback

The counter tells me a lot of folks visit this blog. Of course, we don't know if you actually READ the words here.  Perhaps a bit of feedback would help.  Leave a comment below.  Say a kind word or two. Encourage us with a story of kindness.  We'd really love to hear from you!

Your meaning

Kindness.  What does it mean to YOU?  It's easy to talk about being kind, but are we all on the same page here?  What is your meaning?

Share it

Kindness is not something to hide in a closet or to only bring out for special occasions.  Oh no!  Something this special needs to be out in the open.  Something this special needs to be shared!

Are you a kind person

Are you a kind person?  A little self-examination can be a good thing, so take a good hard look at yourself.  Are you nice to people?  Does it just happen or do you have to really work at it?  I know that it is harder for some folks to be kind, but it is possible for ALL of us.  Sometimes it might take a bit more effort, but every single one of us can be kind.  Let's do it!

Be there for them

I keep hearing reach out. Share your problems. Talk about it. Reveal it. Ask for help. Yup.   All of that is good of course, but if we truly care, it is up to us to reach out to others. Do you know someone who is all alone and possibly feeling lonely or depressed?  Don't wait for their cry for help. Be there for them!

good in every day

Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day.  Say it again.  Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day.  Remember that.  Don't let things get you down.  Be kind to yourself!  Now, one more time - Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day!

Gratitude

When someone is kind enough to give you something, return that kindness by acknowledging their gift and saying thank you.  Someone buys you lunch?  Say thank you!  Someone gives you a present?  Say thank you!  Someone donates to a fundraiser you are sponsoring?  Say thank you!  I think written thank you notes are especially appropriate.

Make someone happy

I woke up on this Friday morning and the first thing I thought of was to make someone happy! (Yes that is indeed an old Jimmy Durante song. June Christy, Doris Day, Perry Como, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Sergio Franchi, Dinah Washington, and Judy Garland also recorded it, along with a number of others. That isn't the point I am making though). Making someone happy shouldn't be too difficult. Will you join me?

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Theodor Seuss Geisel (whom we better know as Dr Seuss), must have been a very kind man. His numerous children's stories are fun, but they are also inspiring. This morning I am thinking particularly of these words from Oh, The Places You'll Go! "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go."

three things

I know I have said this before, but since I agree so much, I just have to say it once more.  The words are from novelist Henry James who said (to his nephew Billy James) "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind." I agree!