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.

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?

move on

Not every moment of your life is going to be amazing and not every person you meet will be wonderful but don't let that slow you down.  Move on.  No need to dwell on the negative.  Keep on giving and being positive.  The world does not become better by reliving those negative moments.  Continue your own personal kindness and keep on making a difference!

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 28?  You decide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

it's in the Bible

Saint Paul had a thing or two to say about kindness and compassion. This from the third chapter of his letter to the Colossians: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

focus

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

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.

powerful thoughts

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

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."

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!

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!

Self kindness

 Be sure to show yourself the same kindness you show others.  YOU are important.  Don't forget that!

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!

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.  

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."

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.

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.

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.

David Levithan says

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

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."

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. 

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.

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.  

welcome 2026

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this eighth day of Christmas and spreading lots of kindness.  Let's make this the kindest year ever!