That's a wrap

Okay folks, that's a wrap - on April that is.  Of course just because the month ends today, doesn't mean our kindness ends.  We plan to be more kind each day.  I love the feeling when someone smiles and nods at me or when they say thanks.  Being a kind person isn't just for the folks you are kind to - it makes you feel good too!

those April showers

Has it been raining where you live? Somehow I just thought of Judy Garland singing "it isn't raining rain you know, i t's raining violets."  Anyway, they say that April showers bring May flowers.  Think about all we have to look forward to in the days ahead!

What are you expecting

Have you read this blog before?  Do you read it often?  Just what are you expecting to see me write about?  Kindness of course!  Being kind is enjoying life.  Oh my!  The kinder people are, the better our world is.  Don't you agree?

Springtime ease

The beauty of the spring and even the generally nice weather seem to make everything a little bit easier.  That seems to even include niceness. 

The best tonic

I am hoping to be sleeping in my own bed tonight.  Hospital beds are just not that comfortable.  I have never seen so much kindness though.  Yes, some of it is certainly part of the job description, but I have seen a number of nurses, technicians, and others rise above doing just what they have to, to doing what comes from their hearts.  As I said yesterday, that is the best tonic indeed!

Tardy

Tardiness can sometimes be excused.  Today I am writing words here a little later than usual because I am once again in hospital.  Please be kind and forgive me for being so late.  Since this isn't a personal blog, I won't go into why I am here, but let me say I have seen many acts of kindness!  Can there be any better medicine?

Can you make a list?

Just the other day I 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!

The beauty of the earth

Each morning I see things I haven't noticed before.  I see trees and plants and flowers I wasn't aware of and I notice the clouds in the sky and the birds that fly past me and even the occasional rabbit that runs away as I approach.  When you live in a big city, as I used to, you might not be as aware, but I have friends who notice and rejoice in the beauty of the earth.  When you see this, you have to think about preserving it.  We need to think about keeping the beauty around for others.  We need to be kind to our planet, just as we are kind to each other.

How would you like to be remembered?

Yesterday I watched the funeral for former First Lady Barbara Bush.  So many kind words were spoken.  It has been that way since she passed last week.  How would you like to be remembered?  Wouldn't it be wonderful if, like Mrs Bush, you were remembered for being nice to others - for being a kind and giving person?  What a marvelous legacy!

Always

If someone asks you when you should be kind to others, there really is only one answer:  always.  Being kind isn't just for special occasions, it is something that should happen every single day of our lives!

Nana

April 20th was my grandmother's birthday.  I'm not good with dates generally, but I could always remember hers.  She was a very kind woman and I miss her.  How wonderful when one of the greatest memories is of a person's kindness!

Feedback

On this wonderful spring day, consider giving us some feedback here.  Do you read this often?  Have you ever shared this with anyone else?  Do you consider yourself a kind person?  We'd love your feedback!

Thanks Mrs Bush

Thinking this morning of former First Lady Barbara Bush who passed away yesterday.  I kind and caring woman, I will always remember her words:  "Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people - your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way."  Thanks Mrs Bush.

I admire kind people

Rabbi and Jewish theologian and philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel once said "When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people as I grow older, I admire kind people." You KNOW I agree with that!

From Tom Giaquinto

In his book Be A Good Human, Tom Giaquinto says this very important thing:  "We change the world a little each day with our kindness."

the joys of kindness

For me there is something especially joyful about not only doing kind thing, but also witnessing them.  I love seeing other people do nice things for each other.  It really makes my day!

The flowers that bloom in the spring

While I know some of our North American friends still have snow and ice, many more are seeing those first signs that the season is changing and the flowers that bloom in the spring are always such a pretty and encouraging symbol.  One of the kindest things a person can do is to give flowers to someone else.  If you have your own garden, that can be a lovely place to find some beautiful stems, and it is usually fairly each to pick up a nice bunch at the supermarket.

Big Word

Want to know a big word?  Friggatriskaidekaphobia.  It means fear of Friday the 13th.  Did you already know that?  You probably do know that triskaidekaphobia means the fear of the number thirteen.  Anyway, have no fear.  Just be kind and caring today like any other day.

In the workplace

Yesterday I was at an anti-harassment training and I was thinking about kindness in the workplace.  The inappropriate behavior we were warned against seems simple enough to avoid and yet so many have to endure this on a daily basis.  Just like at home and with our friends, kindness it seems is the solution.  Be kind always with no bullying or harassment.  That should be so easy.

Pets

Yesterday I said we should be kind to our siblings, and today it's the critters.  National Pet Day is observed on the eleventh day of April each year, and while I think we should always be kind to animals, it would certainly be great if we paid extra attention today!

Siblings

If you grew up with siblings, then you know that there's no one else in the world who knows you better than your sister or brother.  Yes, they can be a pain in the butt, but you love them still, and so on this National Siblings Day, be especially kind to your sisters and brothers.

Always kind

There are tons of random kind things we can do for others (like paying the bus fare for the passenger boarding behind you, or introducing yourself to new neighbors, or volunteering for a charity, or giving a hot cup of coffee to a homeless person), but being kind doesn't have to be a specific special thing we do.  It's really about the nice way we always interact with others.

Speak up

Did you ever attend a theatre performance that moved you to tears?  Have you ever witnessed something that was so wonderful that it will stay in your mind forever?  Did a stranger ever make your day just by showing a little kindness?  Well, speak up.  Let them know how their actions effected you.  It just might make their day!

being called selfish

Nineteenth century academic and theologian Richard Whately told us "A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's."

Valerie Bertinelli on happiness

Actress Valerie Bertinelli once said "Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There's going to be stress in life, but it's your choice whether you let it affect you or not."  

April fondness

I have always been fond of April.  Growing up in New York, April was when we would usually begin to see flowers, certainly a cheerful time.  People seemed to be more cheerful too, with the winter blues disappearing.  Of course a little bit of kindness can cheer up any time of year, so we can not only make this month special, but every single month.

distance

Distance does not ruin a relationship. You don't have to see someone everyday to care about them.  These days it is even easier to show your care, even from far away!

Who reads this stuff?

Sometimes I wonder who reads this stuff?  Some of you may wonder who writes this stuff?  Well the second question is easy.  From the beginning, I write what you see here each morning, although on a number of occasions I have quoted someone else.  As to who reads it, well I actually have no idea.  That's why from time to time I encourage you to leave a comment.

Arnel's Foundation

Journey's fantastic lead singer Arnel Pineda did something even more fantastic than his singing, he founded the Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc! It's a charity organization based in the Philippines and from what I read it is doing amazing things for the kids there. Now I don't know Mr Pineda at all and my only information is what I read, but he seems to have performed an incredible act of kindness and generosity. The world could use more folks like that.

no fooling

Today is All Foos Day.  It is also Easter Day.  The former usually bring pranks.  The latter usually brings joy and celebration (and a lot of chocolate).  Of course both are additional excuses for being kind to others.  Really!  No fooling!