The Date

It's almost the end of the second month of the year.  Why do I still keep writing last year's date?  Be kind.  I can't possibly be the only one, right?  Let us all forgive each other's flaws.

Sharing the sweetness

Ten days ago was Valentine's Day.  The next day a LOT of candy was being sold at reduced prices.  There's also candy out right now for Easter and general occasions.  If you can afford it, consider buying up lots of candy, especially when it's on sale, and just randomly surprising people.  Sharing the sweetness is such a kind act.

Month that is least kind

Someone might suggest that February is the month with the least kindness because it has the least days.  Nope.  I disagree.  No month should have less kindness.  In fact I'm hoping you will all help me be kinder each day!

kindest day of the week

It's Sunday - a day when more people involve themselves in recreation and fun things, than any other day of the week.  Maybe we can also make it the kindest day, huh?  I'm sure that can be arranged!

he was a stranger

During yesterday afternoon's rain, I saw a man running beside a motorized scooter, holding an umbrella over the elderly lady seated in it. She was being shielded from the downpour, but he was getting quite wet. I overheard some employees in the store talking about him a few minutes later. I had assumed he was her son, or even grandson, but it turns out he didn't even know her. He just saw her out in the elements, and didn't want her to get soaked. How perfect that it happened on Random Acts of Kindness Day too!

Today's the day!

This is Random Acts of Kindness Week and today is Random Acts of Kindness Day.  Around here of course, we think that EVERY day should be filled with kindness, but since that idea isn't universal yet, we can begin with just one day.  Go out and spread that kindness!

love is in the air

It doesn't matter to me if the jewelers, florists, chocolatiers, and card companies all conspire for Valentine's Day. I just like the idea of celebrating love! A bit more often would be nice though. How great it would be to discover that love is in the air every single day of our lives!

hug a short person

The 13th of February is National Hug A Short Person Day! Seriously. I'm not sure who comes up with these, but this is one I really like. Of course I'd like to extend it to hugging everyone. Oh and I'd actually not want to limit myself to just today. How about every day? The world can always use more hugging!  By the way, is hugging someone a random act of kindness?

a whole week's worth

Kindness - is there every enough? For the next seven days, I'm joined by many in an effort to at least raise awareness. This is the start of Random Acts of Kindness Week! I'm always interested in the new ideas too. There really are so many ways to be kind. Off I go to put smile on faces and to spread kindness wherever I go!

Anywhere she wants to be

That old saying "a woman's place is in the home," is ridiculous to me. Last year I heard a woman critical of Hillary Clinton, say "We have no business thinking we are leaders. That's men's work." Nonsense. Just ahead of International Women's Day, I'm thinking of all the inspiring women in the world and am grateful for their leadership. A woman's place is anywhere she wants to be!

Acts of kindness

Every now and then I have listed things we can all do to show kindness toward others. Here are some more: 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 facebook and twitter friends. 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!

we respect all people

“In New York, whether you are gay, straight or transgender, Muslim, Jewish or Christian, rich or poor, black or white or brown, we respect all people – and we will continue to enforce our laws and stand united against those who seek to drive us apart.” New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said these words yesterday. Not just the kind thing, but the right thing. This should be true everywhere!

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain

The February 2nd tradition of deciding how much longer winter will last goes way back. An old English poem says "If Candlemas be fair and bright, winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, winter will not come again." Back in the 18th and 19th centuries in central Pennsylvania, we began looking to a groundhog for predictions. Although he isn't the only one, Punxsutawney Phil became the most famous. All I have to ask is "Mr Groundhog, be kind to us. Let spring come early!"

the month of love

Some folks refer to February as the month of love because of Valentine's Day. I say that love should never be confined. Love is today and it was also yesterday, and will be tomorrow. Instead of the month of love, it should be the year of love, or even better, the lifetime of love!  We do have Random Acts of Kindness Week later on in February, and you KNOW I'm happy about that!