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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!