they know

If someone is falling behind in life, you don't have to remind them of it. They already know. If someone is unhealthy, they know that too. If someone is struggling in their relationships, or with money, or with self-image, they know.

Take responsibility and breathe kindness

"If everyone took personal responsibility for their animals, we wouldn't have a lot of the animal problems that we do. I'm a big spay-and-neuter supporter. Don't have babies if you're not going to take care of those babies. We don't need more. We just need to take care of the ones we have. Take responsibility and breathe kindness." -Wonderful words of wisdom from the late actress Betty White 

friendship

"The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?" ―Henry David Thoreau

help one another

One of the most beautiful things we can do is to help one another.  Kindness doesn't cost a thing.

Kindness costs nothing

Kindness costs nothing but changes everything. A single act of kindness can brighten someone’s darkest day.  Be kind!

Mom

It was twelve years ago on this date that Mom passed away after a short illness.  I miss her.  I miss her a lot.  This blog came about because of her great kindness and because of something she said about her dad, my grandfather.  Thanks, Mom, for spreading kindness!

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.

intentions

At the end of the day I am at peace, because my intentions are good and my heart is pure.  How wonderful if we can all say this.

Goodness and kindness

Goodness and kindness.  Spread this every single place you go.  Life is too short to be doing otherwise.

idea

Some ideas: Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.  Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Volunteer to read to kids in the library. Donate time at a senior center. Send a gift anonymously to a friend. Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.  Give a pair of tickets to a concert or baseball game to a stranger. 

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.

big and expensive

Does it have to be big and expensive?  Nope.  It need not cost you any money at all.  In fact some of the kindest things we can do are simply being there for someone else and showing that you care.  Try it.  It matters.

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!

Mental Exercise For The Day

Hello!  I have a little exercise for you.  Take just a moment to think about the last kind act someone did for you.  Picture that in your mind.  Think about how it made you feel.  Imagine if everyone you encountered did something kind for you. How would you feel then?  Oh my!  Hold that image in your mind. Wow! Now if we all practiced this same kindness, picture the results.  Incredible.

focus

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

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.

powerful words

I find these words from Winston Churchill to be quite powerful. He said "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

words from FDR

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people."

Cooper Words

Having grown up in the same village as author James Fenimore Cooper, I learned these words of his at an early age, and I agree with him. “Equality, in a social sense, may be divided into that of condition and that of rights. Equality of condition is incompatible with civilization and is found only to exist in those communities that are but slightly removed from the savage state. In practice, it can only mean a common misery.”

the beauty of kindness

The beauty of kindness lies not in its recognition but in its genuine, often silent, capacity to touch lives and make a difference. The essence of true kindness is its ability to affect others deeply, even when the act itself remains unseen.

Always grateful

I am always grateful for the kind comments people make here, for the general kindness we show toward each other, for all the blessings of our creator, and for the good that is everywhere.  Yes, we can always add to that good, but I will continue to give thanks for all that we have.  

Surround yourself with positive

By surrounding ourselves with people who inspire us and lift us up, we create a support system to help us weather any storm. These positive relationships are a source of strength, encouragement, and motivation, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Surround yourself with positive!

Promote what you love

Promote what you love.  Rather than bashing what you hate.  I always want to take the more positive approach.

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.  

Einstein said

These words are from Albert Einstein: “The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth.”

Tomorrow is another one

Today was good.
Today was fun.
Tomorrow is another one.
Be kind.

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.

happy life

You do not find the happy life.  You make it.

It isn't very hard at all

Kindness.  We really aren't talking about a difficult task.  In fact, it isn't very hard at all.  The more we are kind to others, the easier it is to do.  It becomes a way of life.

think about you

Everyone carrying a heavy heart in silence should know the importance of being kind to yourself. Yes, being kind to others is always important, but first think about you and you're going to be okay.

Last chance for February

The shortest month is coming to a close.  Have you been as kind to others as you would like?  There still is time of course.  We have this whole day ahead of us, and although this is our last chance for February, we hopefully will keep on being kind in March!

some random acts of kindness

This morning, I want to share a few ideas of random acts of kindness. Volunteer at your local hospital.  Buy a stranger a free pizza. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading their car. Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game. Call an estranged family member. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Spend some time serving food at a meal program for the needy.

more kindness ideas

Let me share some more kindness ideas today. Compliment a work colleague on their work. Send an encouraging text to someone. Let a car into the traffic ahead of you.  Buy extra at the grocery store and donate it to a food pantry, Buy flowers for someone (postal worker, grocery store clerk, bus driver, etc.). Bring coffee to a co-worker. Post anonymous sticky notes with validating or uplifting messages around for people to find. Help someone change a flat tire. 

it is in our power

Sometimes we want to create our own opportunities for kindness: Going beyond the opportunities that naturally present themselves by intentionally working to make someone’s day. Truly it is in our power to do amazing things!

naturally

Kindness is an intrinsic part of living rather than merely an act of gratitude. The best kindness just comes naturally.

Give peace a chance

Today is World Peace and Understanding Day, emphasizing the significance of peace for human survival.  I talk about kindness here and a peaceful world is about the kindest thing we can have.  No fighting.  No violence.  Peaceful existence for us all.

now more than ever

I'm not sure how or why, but there seems to be a lot of frustration these days and so many people are fearful for the future. We can do better.  Kindness helps an awful lot and now more than ever we need to plant these seeds of kindness and then watch them grow.  Do something nice for people today.  It will make them feel good and also make you feel good.

simple and unassuming

Albert Einstein was smart. We all know that. Look though at some of the remarkable things he said. This, for example: "I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind."

you're not a tree

If you don't like where you are, move.  You can put down roots in a new community.  You're not a tree.

Leo Buscaglia words

Author and motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia said "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

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!

friendship

I have shared these words about friendship, from Henry David Thoreau here before, but this is one of my favorite quotes, so let me share it here once again. “The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?

spread love everywhere

Occasionally I think of the advice that has come to us from others. An example of that is these words from Mother Teresa: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

Two men in California

The whole purpose of this blog is to encourage kindness and to help me focus more and hopefully become a kinder person myself. Some days it seems like kind people are fewer in number than ever before, but then I am encouraged by two men in California. Their kindness knows no limits. They are amazing examples of what we all should be. Their work brings them in contact with many people and so many benefit from their positive outlook and the many nice things they do. Our world is indeed a better place because of these two men in California.

candy, flowers, and cards

Today is that day.  Candy, flowers, and cards!  Oh my!  What will you do this Valentine's Day?  As much as I love doing things for others, I prefer doing it all the time and for no particular reason.  Oh course if a special occasion makes folks a little kinder, so much the better!

I Found A Quilted Heart!

An incredible act of kindness - I Found a Quilted Heart, an just ahead of Valentine's Day! The heart I found is part of a movement of sorts, and what a wonderful idea. The hearts are made out of fabric, cut out into a heart shape, with a layer of batting between the two layers. While mine is quite lovely, I have enjoyed looking at pictures of others. They have a website if you want to learn more. https://www.ifoundaquiltedheart.com/

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.

grateful

Today I am grateful for all of the people who are loving and kind to me.  I hope I can be just as kind and loving to others.

isn't a better feeling

Which feels better, being kind to someone, or someone being kind to you?  That might seem like a trick question.  Of course, it's nice to have both, but you just can't beat the warm and wonderful feeling you get when you do something special for someone. When you see that they appreciate your efforts, there just isn't a better feeling.

powerful thoughts

If we all realized how powerful our thoughts are, we would never again think a negative thought.

make it so

Every now and then I hear folks say they are looking for a kinder world.  That of course would certainly be wonderful, but don't forget that we each have the power to make it so!

bits of good

Bishop Desmond Tutu urged us to "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Essayist, poet, and lecturer Ralph Waldo Emerson said "You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." How true.

David Levithan says

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

from Eleanor Roosevelt

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said: "In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."  I agree.  Let's choose to be kind.

need a break

Need a break?  Go for it!  It is perfectly normal to take breaks.  While I will always encourage kindness to others, kindness to ourselves is so very important too!

Groundhog Day

Will Punxsutawney Phil be kind to us this morning?  It would be nice to see winter come to an early end.  I don't have an answer regarding the groundhog of course, but I know that all of us can certainly be kind to each other!

Special month

You might think that February has less kindness than the other months, simply because it is the shortest.  Nope.  This is a special month.  This is the month in which we focus on love at Valentine's Day.  It is also American Heart Month during which we become more aware of heart health.  What can be better for a healthy heart but kindness?

Mister Rogers

Remember Mister Rogers? Wonderful Fred Rogers was such a great teacher for our kids. He once said “Being kind means responding to the needs of others—and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.”  I agree!

what if

Don't spend your life wondering "what if?" and worrying over something you have no control. The past is over and done.  Looking backwards will cause you to miss out on new blessings ahead.  What will happen on January 30?  You decide.

what it's all about

Being kind to yourself and to others.
Kindness. That's what it's all about.
I really don't need to say any more.

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.

Albert Einstein said

Albert Einstein was so correct when he said, “The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth.”

You just have to care

To make in difference in someone's life, you don't have to be rich or famous. You don't have to be brilliant or beautiful. You don't even have to be perfect. You just have to care.

proud parents

My parents didn't raise me to take advantage of people. My intentions will always be pure. Mom and Dad will always be proud.

seeds of sweetness

Make your actions so kind, that they spread seeds of sweetness far and wide. Those seeds can grow and grow! How wonderful!

we underestimate

I think I have quoted these words from Leo Buscaglia before, but I really relate to what he said, and so I share them again. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

keep them

The best way to keep the people in your life, is to not give them away.  Keep them and be kind to them.

all the good you can

John Wesley said "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."  Such good advice!

Celebrating Dr King

As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year, I am reminded of one of the many encouraging things he said: "May I stress the need for courageous, intelligent, and dedicated leadership... Leaders of sound integrity. Leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with justice. Leaders not in love with money, but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the cause."

Inaugural instructions

Tomorrow is not only a civic holiday, but it is also Inauguration Day.  I am thinking this morning of one of the most memorable phrases from any Inauguration.  It came from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address back in 1961.  He said "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."  Those instructions are just as good today.

too often

I have quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson many times in this space. This particular quote can never be said too often: "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

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.

From Confucius

A saying attributed to Confucius: "Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude." Indeed.

hello

The telephone company used to say "reach out and touch someone" and "long distance is the next best thing to being there."  I'm not sure how many of us think about it, but hearing someone's voice can truly brighten our day.  Not everyone can get out and see folks and if you are stuck indoors and alone, it can become overwhelming.  Take a few minutes and say hello to someone in your life.

Robert Louis Stevenson said

Robert Louis Stevenson said "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

from Aesop

Although I write here in this place every morning about kindness, the words are not always mine. I often quote others. One of my favorites is this simple line from Aesop: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

self-kindness

To truly practice self-love, you have to learn self-kindness, and being kind to yourself means getting serious and committed to your dreams.

special ways

Here are a few special ways to spread kindness.  Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings.  Visit or call a homebound person.  Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Volunteer at an organization that needs help.  Transport someone who can’t drive.  Donate blood.  Have a clean-up party in the park. Volunteer to read to kids in the library.

Kind Doctor

An incredible physician recently treated me in the Emergency Department, and when I thanked him, he was so humble and kind. He said to me "Getting to hear a thanks from patients makes all the hard work worth it. It means more than you think." I will always remember the good efforts of this doctor and I will especially remember his kindness.

against equality

William Faulkner said “To live anywhere in the world today and be against equality because of race or color is like living in Alaska and being against snow.”

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.”

always something

Be kind to yourself and bring your mind back to how blessed you already are.  There’s always something to be grateful for.  

I'm listening

Every morning is a gift, filled with challenges and new adventures that beckon to bring us brand new insight and to guide us onto a new aligned path, only if we sit still and listen. I'm listening. I hope we all can listen and pay attention. May we learn. Enjoy the adventures. Rise to the challenges. Spread love and kindness.

Receiving compliments

Raising funds for a large charity, I was very pleased last night to receive a large donation from someone I have known for many years, but when I saw that on my fundraising page he had written that I have "always had a big heart," it made my day.  The money was certainly great, but oh those words!  We don't go through life looking for compliments, but when they receive them it is such a beautiful tonic.

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."

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.

simple

Be Kind.  It doesn't have to be a long and detailed message here.  The purpose of this blog is so very simple, and so is the message.

Happy Kind Year!

2025 is upon us!  I hope that you are enjoying this holiday season and I hope too that you will join me in making this new year a very kind year for everyone.  Let us spread the kindness far and wide!