Reverse trick-or-treating

Reverse trick-or-treating is just one of many kind things you can do to celebrate Halloween.  Put on your costumes but instead of going door to door asking for treats, go to specific places (like social clubs or senior centers) and GIVE your treats away!  You might also go to police or fire stations or maybe to hospitals (be sure to ask first though if dealing with patients.  Take treats and donate them to a food bank or shelter too.  All kinds of things you can do for others today.  Have fun!

Spirit Day

Spirit Day (no, not like the spirits we'll be thinking about on Halloween) is an annual LGBTQ awareness day observed on the third Thursday in October that was started a few years ago by Canadian teenager.  It's a time to publicly take a stand against bullying.  Of course I think it is important everyday, but on Spirit Day, Be Brave - Be Kind - Be You!

Conversation hearts

Remember those heart-shaped candies we see at Valentine's Day?  They're called Sweethearts or conversation hearts.  Now I know we still have five months to go before they are due, but I was just thinking of a new type, one we could use all year.  Instead of "be mine," they might say "be kind."  Sweethearts are made by the New England Confectionery Company (Necco), and we're not trying to steal their thunder, but spreading kindness is always good.

be aware of mental health

World Mental Health Day is a good time to remind ourselves that mental illness is no less important that physical illness.  Be aware of the changes others may be going through.  You can make a difference!  Be supportive.  Be kind.  Be compassionate. Be caring.

Ending violence and hate

In a world where this are increasing incidents of violence and hate, it is more important than ever to spread love and kindness.  The horrible incidents over this past weekend have left so many dead and wounded, not to mention the emotional scars.  We should all vow to work for a permanent end to hate and hostility, as we hold in our thoughts and prayers, all affected by the tragic attacks.

Beginning another week

As we begin this second week of October, may it be a kinder and happier we than last, and may we all show more love toward one another.  We can all do great things.  We can all make a positive difference.  Let's spread joy and make the world a better place.

Watch out for the candy

Have you seen the Halloween candy?  It's still early in my opinion (although many store have had Christmas items out for weeks too!) but people are already filling up on sweets, especially all those bite size bars and the special pumpkin shapes and flavors.  Be kind to your friends and don't give them too much, especially if weight or diabetes is an issue.  Be kind to yourself too.  Maybe instead of candy we can start giving out something healthy like fruit or even exercise guidelines.

The importance of WE

In the past few days I have heard so many people say the Las Vegas massacre happened because of this or that - lots of finger pointing all around.  The same sort of thing seems to happen with every tragedy.  "He made it happen.  It's his fault.  If he really cared, he'd do something about it."  After a few days or weeks, there is little thought of the tragedy, and that is where the problem is.  We need to keep on caring.  Together we can change attitudes and behavior and work to prevent horrors.  No one human being is responsible for all of our problems, and no one person can solve it all.  We need each other.  We should all think of "we" instead of "me."  Let's begin by simply being kind to each other.

Never give up

When we see massive deaths from natural disasters and from horrific attacks, of course we get frustrated.  When some beloved celebrities die at the same time, it's even more difficult to deal with.  We are sad and we are angry and we have so many emotions.  We must hope though for a better time ahead.  Let's all show kindness toward others who are dealing with the same difficulties, and above all, let's never give up.  We have the power to bring about change.

Still like what you see?

Last October I wrote here "If you like what you see here, share this with a friend.  Make it a habit of coming to http://ofbeingkind.blogspot.com/ every morning.  Oh and do share your own stories of kindness too!  We really would love to hear from you!"

October is

October is the tenth month of the year but was the eighth month in the old Roman calendar (January and February were inserted later).  That's why it's name means eight in Latin.   October is the month of pumpkins, witches, and candy, even though the celebration of Halloween is actually only a single day - the last day of the month.  October is also All American Breakfast Month, so begin your day with a healthy breakfast.  Oh and October is also a time when we can be more kind to those around us, but actually, that's EVERY month!