More than I can say

I just got back from a short trip and I saw so many acts of kindness, it truly warmed my heart.  I already told you about one of them, and there were actually so many, it is all probably more than I can say without forgetting some.  It encourages me though and I hope you will be encouraged too.  Being kind to each other enriches our world.

Red hot kindness

During the summer months where I live, it can get pretty hot.  We have reached the triple digits every day lately.  Heat can do many things to people, but don't be overcome by it.  Remember the sunscreen and the water.  A kind thing to do would be to have extra to share with someone who might forget.  (Drugstores often have trial size sunscreen and water comes in all sizes these days).  Many cities have cooling centers on those very hot days.  Don't let yourself get overheated, and if you encounter someone who has, seek assistance for them.

The End

Well today I will end the lists, at least for awhile.  I hope it has been as helpful to you as it has to me.  One thing I always picture on any list of random kindness acts is smiling.  It is such an easy thing to do and it brightens everyone's day.  Oh and a simple greeting.  Trying saying good morning or good afternoon to all the folks you encounter today - yes, even the strangers.  You'll be surprised at how many respond back.

Yup, more

Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through. Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers. As you go about your day, pick up trash. Call or visit a homebound person. Pay a compliment at least once a day. Transport someone who can’t drive. Make telephone calls in support of equality urging others to put aside hate. Say something nice to everyone you meet today. Send a treat to a school or day-care center. Volunteer at an organization that needs help. What can YOU add?

continuing

The list continues -Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter. Buy books for a day care or school. Give toys to the children at a shelter. Volunteer to fix up an elderly couple’s home. 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. Say nice things randomly to facebook and twitter friends. And the list continues tomorrow!

Some more for the list

More for the list - Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game. Spend some time serving food at a meal program for the needy. Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.Volunteer a a local hospital or senior center.  Read to kids in the library. Give a pair of tickets to a concert or baseball game to a stranger. Send a gift anonymously to a friend. Pay for the person behind you in the movie line. Tell your parents/children why you love them.

The list goes on

When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job. Give another driver your parking spot. Give flowers to be delivered with meal delivery programs. Give your full attention to someone in need and simply listen. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby. Have a clean-up party in the park. Bring coworkers a special treat. Give the gift of your smile. Draw names at work/school and have people bring a small gift or treat for their secret pal. Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers. Share your smile generously. Take an acquaintance to dinner. Sponsor people in fundraising walk-a-thons.

more kindness ideas

More ideas - Donate blood.  Mow a neighbor’s grass or sweep a neighbor’s walk. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car. Call an estranged family member. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier. Treat someone to fresh fruit Sing at a nursing home. Open the door for another person. Leave an extra-large tip for the waitperson. Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving. Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him/her through that company’s corporate office.

beginning our list

Let's get started with that list of kind things I mentioned.  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. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. Oh my!  What kind acts can YOU think of?

Watch for something different in June

Usually I write something here about kindness in general terms, but watch for something different in June.  I've not this before, especially back when we first began, but for a few days I am going to do it again.  Lists.  I'll write here some specific acts that we can easily do to show kindness.  I invite you to join me, not only in doing these things, but in adding to the lists.

friendly skies

I less than 24 hours, I will be in the air, heading away for a few days.  One thing I am always amazed by is the kindness of those who work in air travel.  From the baggage handlers to the gate agents to the flight attendants to all the many folks who deal with the public at airports and in the air, it is amazing to me how they can always be so nice, especially when they encounter cranky passengers.

small, barely detectable generousity

I adore Margaret Cho. Most of us know her as a very funny person, but she also happens to be very wise. I have found encouragement in so many things she has said, like this: "Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."

Plant a tree

One of the kindest things a person can do, is to plant a tree that will some day give shade to people he has never even known!

Dad

I was fortunate to have a good dad.  He died way too young though.  On this Fathers Day I think of him as we honor all dads.  Fatherhood is a beautiful thing.

a good deed in a weary world

In The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare wrote “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”  I find that very inspiring.

The kindness of neighbors

Since I was little, I have always been aware of the kindness of neighbors.  There was a lovely lady I can recall who always was bringing over fresh bread, right out of her oven.  Mom was always close to the people she lived around.  Apartment living isn't always like that despite what you see on tv sitcoms.  Where I currently live though there are occasional glimpses of neighborly kindness.  The woman across from me once gave me some delicious banana bread.  Yesterday I ran into my neighbor on the other side, returning home with a brand new crock pot.  He gave me his old one!

Common courtesy

Sometimes kindness is just common courtesy, like holding a door open for someone approaching right behind you, or avoiding that hydroplane experience as your car approaches a pedestrian, or returning that other customer's shopping cart as you return your own.

Better, so much better

The world is so much better when people are kind to each other.  Our day is so much better when we are kind to others and they are kind to us.  Everything is so much better with kindness.

There once was a Tuesday in June

There once was a Tuesday in June - um, er  You probably thought this was the beginning of a limerick, huh?  How about instead we just make this the beginning of a very kind day! 

Monday blues

It seems every week I am hearing folks complain about Mondays.  It's the back to work or back to school day for so many, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.  We should cherish every moment of our lives and help make them better, not only for ourselves, but for others.  I'm sure a little kindness can cure those Monday blues.

He takes after his father

When someone says "He takes after his father (or mother)," I always think of that in a kind way, unless of course his father was a multiple ax-murderer.

the kindest thing that you can do

The kindest thing that you can do for another person is what?  Let's think about this.  I really believe that if we spend more time picturing kindness in our minds, we will each become a bit kinder ourselves.  So, what do you think is the kindest thing you can do for someone?

Besties

Today is National Best Friends Day.  I think that is wonderful.  Whether you have one bestie, or BFF (best friend forever) or numerous such friends, it is definitely something to cherish.  Think of all the kind things you do for each other, and be joyful!

what did you see?

Yesterday I suggested that in addition to being kind, we also take a moment to observe the kind acts around us.  "Observe the little things.  Watch how folks can bring a smile to others," I said.  Well, what did you see?  Sometimes we take things for granted, but if just concentrate a little on doing and on seeing, I think we will all become kinder.  It will be second nature.

Observation

Today as you go about your business, take a moment not only to be kind to other people, but also to witness the kindness of others.  Observe the little things.  Watch how folks can bring a smile to others.  It's truly amazing.  Visibly seeing everyday kindness warms your heart.

Helping me

I began this daily blog to help bring more kindness to the world.  I have absolutely no idea if there has been any success.  I must say though that this is helping me.  I've said it before here, but it can be repeated.  By thinking each morning about kindness in the world, I think I am becoming kinder, and that certainly must be a good thing!

Daily Kindness

No, I am not an expert in kindness.  I keep reminding you of that because folks keep saying that I am.  I'm not perfect by any means and I never will be, but I want to be a kinder person.  Each day I try to do a better job.  By writing here every morning about kindness, I'm hopefully not just encouraging you, but also encouraging me and causing me to be more aware of my own actions.  

Ice Cream Sunday

Wouldn't you like and ice cream sundae today?  Would that make this and ice cream Sunday?  Oh my!  What a kind thing to do - sharing the joy of ice cream with others/  What's your favorite flavor?  I'm a huge fan of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey!

Celebrate

So much going on this month.  It is Turkey Lovers Month, Rebuild Your Life Month, International Men's Month, LGBT Pride Month, National Camping Month Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, Beautiful in Your Skin Month, Dairy Alternatives Month, Adopt-A-Cat Month, African-American Music Appreciation Month, Fireworks Safety Month, Skyscraper Month, and Women's Golf Month. We also have Father's Day, Flag Day, and Juneteenth!  Yes, CELEBRATE!

Be Kind In June

Be kind in June, just as all other times.  Be kind to your family and to your friends.  Be kind of course to yourself as well.  Let kindness be your daily way.