One more day

We have just this one more day in this year and this decade and tomorrow we begin again.  How was 2019 for you?  Do you think our world was kind enough?  Can we do better?  Let's always learn from our past, and as we go forward, let us all become more and more kind!

Resolved

Want to lose some weight or get in better shape? How about being more spiritual? Thinking about making some small investments? Maybe you want to quit smoking or exercise more or drink less alcohol. This is the time of year when people make resolutions. (Don't worry. Next week is when we begin breaking them). I have an easy one. I resolve to be more kind and to continue encouraging kindness in others.

My epitaph

There are all sorts of things that people say about us after we pass away, but I would like my epitaph to be, He was a kind person.  What a great way to live life and a wonderful way to be remembered.

Being kind comes in many forms

Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job. 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. Give public testimony about an important civic matter.  Being kind comes in so many forms!

Mister Rogers Said

“There are three ways to ultimate success:   The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” ―Fred Rogers

Wisdom from a poster

I just saw this on a poster -
FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR HAPPINESS:  Be grateful,  Be helpful,  Be Understanding,  Be kind,  Be Yourself.

Good tidings of great joy

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."  

                                                                                                           -The Gospel According to Saint Luke

Better

Which feels better, being kind to someone else, or someone being kind to you?  Some people might think that a difficult question, but actually it's pretty easy.  Of course it is nice to have both, but you just can't beat the warm and wonderful feeling you get when you do something special for someone.  When you see that they appreciated your efforts, there just isn't a better feeling.

Spreading around that kindness

Bring coworkers a special treat.  Give the gift of your smile.  Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving.  Draw names at work/school and have people bring a small gift or treat for their secret pal.  Deliver fresh-baked cookies or holiday candies to workers at government offices.  Sweep a neighbor's sidewalk or shovel their snow.  Collect warm clothing during this cold season for those who don't have any.  So many ways we can all show kindness!

holiday words from Laura Ingalls Wilder

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Winter is here

Here we go!  The first day of winter, that time of year end everyone leaves the door open - the very same door they were slamming all summer!  Remember, in most places it is much colder this time of year, so show extra kindness, especially to those most vulnerable like the elderly and the homeless.

My Kind Mom

Back in 1926 on this date, one of the kindest people who ever lived was born - my mom. Even though she went to heaven a few years ago, I always think of her on this date and of all the things she taught me, and all the joy she so freely shared with everyone.  I hope I am making her proud.

Blue Christmas

At this time of year with the many celebrations, there is great joy, but for some there is also great sadness. If you lost a loved one around the holidays, it may be particularly difficult. The "Blue Christmas" feeling can be very real. Reach out to your friends. Be present for them. Don't overdo it or smother them, but let them know you care and that you are there for them.

Baby it's cold outside

The song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" has been recorded by tons of artists over the years, but it is also the phrase that comes to mind for me when the temperature begins to drop severely.  In the duet of course, one tries to convince the other that they should stay together for a romantic evening because the weather is cold and the trip home would be pretty tough.  In my thinking, when it gets cold like this, it's all the more reason to be kind and considerate of others.  Let's build a fire, break out the blankets, and stir up some nice hot cocoa (or perhaps a hot toddy).  The warmth of human kindness can melt any cold!

Wisdom from James Clear

Author James Clear wisely tells us "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you are becoming."

They add up

Those little things - they add up. Small acts of kindness can mean a lot. I remember when I was little and we would go out in the cold for the winter festival where I lived. Our little bodies would be freezing and Mom would give us a great big hug. It was just a small gesture, but it sure helped to warm us up! That nice hot apple cider helped a lot too!  With the cold months arriving, I was thinking back to winters past.  I remember when we would go Christmas caroling and people would invite us into their home for a nice hot bowl of jook or some steaming hot chocolate.  It's those little kind things that people do that mean so much. 

giving all year

It happens every December, and this year I actually heard people saying it last month - this is the "Season of Giving." I love that so many toy collections, canned food drives, holiday donation programs, and other ways of giving spring up just about now. Giving is such a wonderful thing, even if you really can't give much. Why do we have to limit it to three of four weeks? Why not celebrate giving all year long!

Nearly half over

My favorite month is nearly half over.  Oh my!  I love the way everyone seems to get nicer in December and I love the parties and the gift-giving.  I'm not too thrilled about all the rushing though.  We should slow down and cherish the moments.  It would be so nice if this same spirit could be will us all year long too!

In twelve days

The twelve days of Christmas have not yet begun. (I know. The retail folks might be a bit confused about this). In twelve days, we have the first day of Christmas, and then it continues through January 5th. Those twelve days just might be the kindest of the year, or perhaps it is the twelve days leading up to Christmas morning, as everyone prepares for the gift-giving. How about it we extend it to twelve months!

snowy kindness

Have you seen your first snowfall yet this season? As I think thoughts of kindness (and of white fluffy snow), I am reminder of the words of Kahlil Gibran who said "Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers." Indeed. May we have a long snowy season, or at least one filled with kindness!

True Saying

It's an old saying (I remember saying on the radio more than forty years ago), but it is just as true now as ever:  "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

Still More Holiday Season Ideas

We have done two days of holiday season kindness ideas.  Here are a few more.  Give coffee or hot chocolate to people on their way to work in the morning.  Volunteer to serve a meal at a holiday dinner.  Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter.  I'll bet you can think of even more!

More Holiday Season Idea

 Here are a few more ideas (continuting from yesterday) of things you can do to celebrate the season with some special kindness.  Invite someone to see The Nutcracker.  Donate blood.   Participate in Secret Santa programs for families in need.  Call or visit a homebound person, especially on a holiday they celebrate.  Say something nice to everyone you meet today.  

Holiday Season Kindness

Here are a few ideas of things you can do to celebrate the season with some special kindness.  Send a holiday gifts anonymously to a friend.  Tell your parents/children why you love them.  Give a pair of tickets to a concert to a stranger.  Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through.  Volunteer to read holiday stories to kids in the library.  

the happiness you share

Some people are nicer around this time of year in hopes of getting more Hanukkah and Christmas presents.  Of course there are those who are always nice.  Those are my kind of people.  The biggest present of all is the happiness you share!

I have no proof

I have no proof of this, absolutely no statistics to back me up, but my guess would be that December is the kindest month of the year.  I'm thinking that folks want to be seen in a good light so that they will be remembered favorably when it comes to holiday gift-giving.  Makes sense, huh?  While I also have no proof that planting an idea in your heads might get more of you to try to be more kind, it certainly is worth the try!

Love is

Love isn't what you say

Love is what you do

friendly gestures

Did she just smile at me?  Oh my!  That makes me feel good!  Oh and the folks who wave at you or nod their heads - I have been noticed.  I matter.  Someone cares.  It's a good feeling.  It really is.  There doesn't need to be any special occasion.  Greeting each other, often silently, is basic kindness, and it's so easy to do.

December 3rd

Is it cold where you are?  Are there holiday decorations everywhere?  It's only December 3rd, so it really isn't winter yet and even though Christmas appeared way back in September many places, I still think it's too early.  It is never too early though to be a nice person.  December 3rd is the perfect time for kindness because ANY time is the perfect time!

Best of December

If I asked you to choose, what would you say is the best part of December? Is it Christmas? Chanukah? Preparations for the end of the year? There are so many parties and celebrations in this month, but for me the best thing of all is that people seem to be more kind. There's more giving and more loving, and that is always a good thing!

you can't run from AIDS

We have love so many people to AIDS and there are still so many living with HIV. On this World AIDS Day, it's important to keep going forward and not be in denial. The wonderful Queen Latifah said "I lost relatives to AIDS. A couple of my closest cousins, favorite cousins. I lost friends to AIDS, high school friends who never even made it to their 21st birthdays in the '80s. When it's that close to you, you can't - you know, you can't really deny it, and you can't run from it."  We all need to join in the fight, until there's a cure! 

Kind boss

I love waking up to news on tv or in the paper, about kind acts.  A 69-year-old Vietnam veteran is retiring early thanks to the generosity of his boss of over 13 years, according to a report I just read.  Good news indeed!

Leftovers

One of the kindest things we can do is share our food.  Yes, I began with those very same words here on Wednesday, but it is always true.  Do you have some Thanksgiving leftovers?  Make up a little package and share it with the first homeless person you see today.  Going to work?  Bringing food to the workplace is good too.  So many ways to share and keep the spirit of thankfulness going strong!

Be thankful and be kind

Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, squash, and pumpkin pie - that's what many folks are eating today, but it's not about the food.  Hand in hand with giving thanks, is being kind.  Enjoy your dinner.  Spend time with family and friends.  Be thankful and be kind.

Share

One of the kindest things we can do is share our food.  Tomorrow many of us will be sitting down to huge feasts.  Sadly, there are so many who cannot.  What a great time to share your time, your talents, and your assets.  Donate some canned goods.  Help serve a meal at a shelter.  Invite someone you know to join your household for the holiday.  Share.

Receiving is wonderful

Every day I try to be a kind person and every day I write about it here, but as wonderful as it is to be kind to others, it is also very wonderful to receive their kindness.  Yesterday two women, at different times, were exceptionally kind to me, and it truly made my day!

feedback

Whether this is your first time here or if you read this every day, I'd love some feedback.  Why do you read this blog?  What does kindness mean to you?  What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

True love

"It is a popular trend nowadays to say love is very much conditional. I've heard people compare it to a glass of water that eventually runs out when love isn't reciprocated. This encouragement of selfishness must stop," says my friend Jonah Kim. "True love is an infinite well and is absolutely unconditional," he continues. Jonah concludes "True love feels almost helpless in its endless giving, without asking for anything in return. And if the ones you love love you back, there is nothing more beautiful, precisely because we love without premeditated expectations."

Volunteering Our Kindness

Every week I volunteer for a number of organizations, with one of them being a local hospital.  Let me tell you about the great kindness I see there all the time.  I suppose this may be one of those places where it is more important (although I happen to think kindness is important everywhere), but it really warms my heart to see some of the wonderful volunteers and staff people doing extra little things to improve comfort of patients and visitors.  I highly recommend volunteering to everyone!

Make someone happy

I woke up on this Friday morning and the first thing I thought of was to make someone happy! (Yes that is indeed an old Jimmy Durante song. June Christy, Doris Day, Perry Como, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Sergio Franchi, Dinah Washington, and Judy Garland also recorded it, along with a number of others. That isn't the point I am making though). Making someone happy shouldn't be too difficult. Will you join me?

It doesn't have to be big

It need not cost you money and it doesn't have to be big, in fact some of the kindest things we can do are simply being there for someone else and showing that you care.

Who's ugly?

The world might judge people by the color of their hair, the way they dress, or even how cute their smile is, but the important beauty is found inside.  Some of the most incredibly beautiful people in the world, are folks that others may call ugly.  I like to look beyond that first image and see how someone lives their life - are they nice?  are they kind?  do they care about others?  THAT is where the true beauty is!

beautiful Tuesday morning

Is it a beautiful Tuesday where you are?  It can be!  Always remember that beauty isn't the same for everyone.  Some of us miss it because we spend so much time looking for something specific.  There are so many beautiful things that we simply miss, but is we see with our hearts and our minds, as well as our eyes, we'll find beauty everywhere.

Awareness of those around you

Do you think you're a kind person?  What is your level of awareness concerning those around you?  Do you see the smiles or the frowns?  When someone has tears in their eyes, do you know why?  Could it be that you are so incredibly mean that crying is their natural reaction, or are they shedding tears of joy because they think you are wonderful.  Which would you prefer?  Let's all try to be sensitive of those we come in contact with and perhaps we will become more kind.

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

Don't you just love this time of year?  For a few weeks now that good old pumpkin spice has been showing up in so many things and all kinds of nice fall colors and flavors.  If you live in one of the areas where the leaves change colors this time of year, that's very nice too.  Happy surroundings breed kindness I think.  People seem to show more kindness in the fall and then during the holiday season.  Of course if I could cast a spell, I'd do an extra dose of kindness all year long!

I can always use help

While I may talk about kindness all the time, I know I make my share of mistakes.  I desire to be nice and pleasant and show kindness to everyone, but if I fall short, please forgive me.  I can always use help.  I think the more kindness I am surrounded with, the easier it will be for me.

Weekends were made for

Here we are all ready for another weekend!  Most people when asked will say either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday as their favorite day of the week.  Least favorite is usually Monday.  Can't we make them ALL wonderful?  Of course we can!  Weekends were made for kindness, just like all the other days.

Arnel

I don't know how many of you have heard of Arnel Pineda, but I'm sure someday everyone will know of him.  I'm listening to some of his music right now!  Such talent!  From all accounts he is also a very kind person too, and that's what caught my attention.  Someday I would love to meet him!

That breakfast surprise

Two friends that I seldom see, asked if I might want to meet them for coffee yesterday morning.  Wonderful!  I love chatting with friends over a nice hot cup of joe.  We all arrived at just about the same time, and planning on just getting a tall dark roast drip coffee, I waited behind them as they ordered.  One said "Have you ever had the breakfast bagels here?  The sausage ones are especially good."  Good idea!  "I think I'll get one with my coffee," I replied.  They stepped away from the cash register and I stepped up, ordering my drink and food.  "Oh they already ordered (and paid) for you," the cashier said.  Nice conversation followed, as I had anticipated, but they having paid for me was a kind a lovely surprise.

Ideas for showing kindness

There are so many ways to show kindness toward others. Here are a few. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car. Call an estranged family member. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. Mow a neighbor’s grass or sweep a neighbor’s walk. Smile and acknowledge everyone you encounter. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Treat someone to fresh fruit. Sing at a nursing home. Open the door for another person.

thanks to the veterans

Today is Veterans Day, honoring the men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.  Be especially kind to them and show them your appreciation for their service.

Be kind to yourself

Many people feel that self-care is something that only happens if and when we have time. Oh no! We should all be kind to ourselves too and to treat ourselves with the respect we deserve by making our well-being a priority. Be kind to others for sure, but be kind to ourselves too!

Too much time on social media?

"The one who loves a good rumor hates a peaceful life."  This was on my fortune cookie last night.  Was it telling me that I need to spend less time on social media?

Nothing

Nothing.  There was absolutely nothing here yesterday.  How many of you even noticed?  Yes, I actually clicked a few buttons so there would be an entry, but I left it blank.  Now, picture for a moment a day not without words, but without kindness - ANY kindness.  Pretty grim, huh?  Let's see that it doesn't happen.  Let's see that there is never a day with nothing.

 

November 6th

Just in case you forgot, November 6th is just as good a day to spread kindness as any other.  So, let's do it!

Sister birthday

Happy birthday to my sister who is always very kind.  In fact, she is a role model for me and for others.  (I should write a book about her some day).

nice and kind

Is being nice the same as being kind?  Well, no.  They certainly are closely connected though.  Niceness is being polite.  Kindness goes beyond that.  Kindness is an action.  Holding the door open for someone or giving flowers to a person or offering to pick up something at the store for a neighbor, are acts of kindness.

Happy birthday Colin!

Civil rights activist and former football quarterback Colin Kaepernick says "My parents told me from the time I can remember that, 'Yeah, you're adopted. But this is your family.' I can remember my mom, she tells me this story: when I was little, I was looking at her, and I was like, 'Why isn't my skin the same color as yours?' 'Oh, you're adopted, but I wish I had pretty brown skin like you,' said Mom."  Happy birthday to a true American hero, and thanks too Colin for sharing that story!

Make Kindness Contagious

After the tragic death of six-year-old Natasha Jaievsky in a car accident, her father Edward Jaievsky discovered her writings and drawings about a wish for a world filled with kindness, and he decided to honor her memory by hanging up signs reading Make Kindness Contagious all over Anaheim, California. What a great idea, huh?  What ideas do YOU have to spread kindness?

Your presence

Reaching out to people who are grieving doesn't happen as often as you might thing. Don’t pretend nothing happened. If you don’t know what to do, simply be there. Your presence will mean a lot.

Kindness with candy

Somehow today got to be mostly about candy.  Oh I love candy.  Don't get me wrong.  There is so much more though to Halloween.  This is one of those days that is just screaming for kindness.  (No tricks - only treats).  What can you do to make someone's day special?  It doesn't have to involve candy, but of course that would be pretty sweet.

Just wait

I shouldn't be munching on candy yet - I should save it for tomorrow.  Just wait!  I'm going to get really for a nice fun Halloween, and a kind one!

Trick or Treat

Giving out "the good candy" at Halloween is certainly a very kind gesture, but I remember years ago when a wonderful neighbor of my grandmother really did it big. Her house was decorated and she had recorded spooky music and sound effects, and best of all she had great homemade treats, that she invited you in to enjoy. There were apples you could bob for and candy apples too. She made popcorn balls, fudge, brownies, and hot chocolate and cider. We went in and enjoyed her atmosphere and the yummy sweets, and had such a good time, we almost didn't want to leave! Wouldn't it be great if folks cared about their neighbors still and that you didn't have to be afraid to visit such lovely people?

Separating by color

When I was little, I remember seeing "whites only" signs and public water fountains were all labeled "colored" or "white."  I didn't understand it.  My mom said the only thing that should be separated by color is laundry.  I still see people not wanting to interact with people of different races or ethnicities and I still don't understand it.  The same with sexual orientation - why be separate?  The more we experience each other, the more we experience life!

Will on Ellen

"Somebody's having a hard time, and you help them.  It's that simple."  I just heard Will Smith say this on Ellen.  You can see so many wonderful examples of kindness on the Ellen DeGeneres program and here just now, Will clearly explains what it's all about.  Let's listen to him.

Watch it grow

How many people do you encounter in the space of one day?  If you show kindness toward each and every one of them, and they in turn show kindness towards each other, that's a lot of kindness!  People who might never have been kind in the past, suddenly are showing kindness too, as the entire world grows more kind.  Watch it grow!  Be a part of it!

They're coming

We're just days away from Halloween, about a month away from Thanksgiving, and two months from Christmas.  The holidays are coming!  Don't you wish the kindness and the joy of our holidays could be with us every single day?  Guess what?  It can!  Don't wait for a special day.  Share the kindness and the joy every single day.

Change?

Thinking about changing your personality or your hair color or how you occupy your time?  Why?  Are you making a change for YOU?  If you are doing it for others, think about that hard and long before doing it.  Seriously.  Don't change so that people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love for who you really are.  Sometimes the only change that is necessary, is someone's point of view.

Sandwich kindness

If you look in a kid's school locker, you will likely find books, notebooks, and gym clothes. I just heard though about a kid who keeps a jar of Nutella and a loaf of bread in his locker. Why? He has it just in case any of his classmates don’t have lunch of their own. Now that's kindness!

kind pumpkins

Instead of carving faces on your pumpkins this year, carve messages like "Be Kind" or "Spread the love."  What better way to combine the spirit of kindness and the wonderful fall season, than the power of positivity? 

the very best I can

Our nation's sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln, is said to be our most inspiring. I have read so many of his speeches and writings and one of the things he said that always sticks with me is "I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end."

There are always more ideas

Many times I have listed various acts of kindness here, and there are always more ideas.  Pretty cool huh?  Something we will never run out of! Here's some more ideas: 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 social media 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. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. What ideas can you add?

Buns

First thing at work yesterday morning, a woman who works in another area, poked her head in and asked me and the woman working with me if we would like cinnamon buns.  Oh my!  Yes we would and they were so delicious!

From the mind of Andy Rooney

I used to love hearing Andy Rooney's observations on life. This is one of my favorites: “For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his/her happiness on major events like a great job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.”

And the ground shook

Glancing at the calendar, I realize that today is the 30th anniversary of an earthquake that killed 63 people, injured 3,757 and caused billions of dollars of damage. I was there in San Francisco when it happened, and as horrible as the deaths and destruction were, I also remember something pretty wonderful: people helping each other. Power went out so there were no traffic signals, and folks pulled over to direct traffic for other motorists. At the freeway collapse and in the marina District were there were so many fires, civilians became heroes. So many people came out and tried to help others people. It was a bad day to be sure, but I will also forever remember how human beings showed such love and concern for others.

kindness on the bus

Kindness is when the bus driver waits at the stop she sees you running toward, even though it may delay her by a few seconds.  Kindness is when strangers on the bus keep you from falling down because you have your hands full with a water bottle, a book, and your umbrella.   Kindness is when the bus driver tells you to please hold on.  I ride the bus nearly day can see many examples of kindness.

Happy Mid-October!

 Here is wishing you all a very happy mid-October!  Enjoy your day, and be kind!

Confidence

Confidence is not walking into a room with your nose in the air and thinking you are better than everyone else. It’s walking into a room and not having to compare yourself to anyone else in the first place.

Do all the good you can

Do all the good you can in your lifetime, and make as little fuss about it as possible.

The mind

The mind is a powerful force. It can slave us or empower us. It can plunge us into the depths of misery or take us to the heights of ecstasy.  Learn to use the power wisely.  Be kind.

you made someone’s day just a little bit better

If you can lie down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone’s day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.

Pay Attention

Every morning is a gift, filled with adventures and challenges that beckon to bring us new insight and guide us onto a new aligned path, only if we sit still and listen.  Pay attention my friends.  Listen.  Learn.  Enjoy the adventures.  Rise to the challenges.  Have a great Thursday!

Your thoughts

If you read this every day, you know that I always have something different to say about kindness, but there is so much more that what I might share here.  Would you be so kind as to share your thoughts with us as well?  I'd love to hear some other ideas!  Using the comments section below, write whatever seems to fit relating to being kind.  Thanks for sharing!

time

No one is too busy. 

It's not about finding time. 

It's about making time. 

If it really matters, you will make time.

Be kind.

knowing in your heart

If you can go to sleep at night knowing in your heart that you made someone’s day just a little bit better, you know that you have had a good day.

Winning

Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before. Winning means surpassing yourself and turning your dreams into reality.

From Miss Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey said "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."  She's right you know!

The kindness of Francis

The first week of October is always a welcome time for me because I see so many images of Saint Francis of Assisi along with blessings of animals and commemorations of this most admired and yet least imitated of all the saints.  A kind and loving man, even non-Christians and those who aren't even religious, honor this holy man who's feast day is today.

Focus on the positives

Focus on the positives and above all, be kind.

After three years

After three years of writing this blog, I hope I have become a kinder person.  I hope this has influenced many of you as well.  Do feel free to share the blog with others, and as always, share the kindness too!

Busy Month

October is a busy month!  It is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, National Physical Therapy Month, Dyslexia Awareness Month, Organize Your Medical Information Month, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, Emotional Wellness Month, National Audiology Awareness Month, National Depression Education and Awareness Month, Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, and American Pharmacists Month.  It is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Spina Bifida Awareness Month, National Bullying Prevention Month, ADHD Awareness Month, National Chiropractic Health Month, National Dental Hygiene Month, and much more.  Be kind!

Where there’s a will

Someone once said "Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Don’t let your challenges hold you back.  Rise above and remember that anything is possible."  We don't know who said that, but it certainly is true.

goal

It is my goal every single day to be a kinder, nicer person, and to never be the one who broke someone's heart, but to instead be the one who helped mend it.

Three years ago

It was three years ago that I began this daily blog about kindness.  I have no idea who reads it (I can see the number of people who click on it but not who they are, and of course have no idea whether or not they are actually reading) and don't know if this has done any good for other people.  I can say one thing for certain:  this has made me so much more aware of kindness and I think I have become a kinder person.  Thanks for reading!

from Amelia Earhart

I find these words from Amelia Earhart to be very inspiring: "A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees."

credit

One word that gets used way to much is a simple one letter word, I.  I did this and I did that.  Truly kind people don't need to be the center of attention.  

behind every face

Treat people with kindness because behind every face is a story that could use a little more love.  I know I could always use a little more!

it's very simple

What is this blog about?  What is our daily message here?  It's very simple.  I write about kindness, and I try to be a kind person.  Join me.  Be kind.

Happy Fall

Nature is kind to us all today as the entire world (or pretty much all) experiences the same amount of light and darkness because the sun shines at the equator.  The equinox, meaning "equal night" is the start of fall.  Have a happy one!

way of life

For some people, random acts of kindness are a way of life. They do little things to brighten others days without ever asking for any acknowledgment at all.  Do you know anyone like that.  We can all try to me that way!  

kindness seems to have dried up

These days, kindness toward others seems to have dried up, and that's sad. Kindness is in short supply at a time we need it most — a time when large swaths of American society have turned their backs on others and cruelty seems to be a way of life for many. Perhaps it was never as kind as I think it was, but it certainly can become more kind than it is!

Emerson inspirations

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Emerson also said "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." I find his words so inspiring; I have quoted them here before.

it makes my heart sing

Every now and then I hear or see such wonderful things, that it makes my heart sing! Keep on spreading that kindness!  Make my heart keep on singing!

pretty incredible language

"Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see," said Mark Twain. Wow! Imagine that.  "The deaf can hear and the blind can see" - that sounds like a pretty incredible language. We should speak it more often.

aware

Part of being kind comes down to being aware, I think. We need to take a moment and think about how we are acting and how others see us. Do our actions bring joy or happiness to others? Does our tone of voice seem friendly?   More and more I try to be aware of everything I do, and I am always grateful to hear the thoughts of others.

How kind are you?

I'm not going to judge. That certainly is not my place. Judge for yourself though. Are you a kind person? How kind are you? Are you always kind; kind to everyone? If the answer is no, what's holding you back? From time to time, I look back on my day and the people I interact with. Am I proud of the way I acted? Can I do better? Something to think about.

Phone a friend

Call a friend out of the blue or call your grandparents, or an uncle, or perhaps a distant cousin. Come to think of it, call anyone you don't normally call.  You'd be surprised how good it can make someone feel to know that someone is thinking about them.  It doesn't have to be a long call (in fact it is good if you are very conscious of whether you are really connecting or if you are interrupting).  I know I love getting calls from folks I seldom hear from.  I'm sure you have people like that in your life.  Call them.

Be the reason

Be the reason someone smiles.  Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in other people.

Unlucky

Unlucky today?  It is Friday the thirteenth and there is all kinds of superstition, but don't pay any attention.  Be your usual kind and loveable self and everything will be fine!

Say it now

Over the weekend I heard the sad news of someone taking their life.  People were commenting about how loved and respected he was about how much they will miss him.  Did everyone say that before?  If there are people in your life that you care about, let them know it.  Say it now.  Don't wait until it's too late.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 

24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, 

prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. 

 1-800-273-8255

Remember

It has been eighteen years since the horrible terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and people will be remembering that all week long, especially today.  In addition to remembering, we all must do everything we can to make sure nothing this terrible ever happens again.  Hate needs to end.  ALL hate.  The world works so much better with love.

a favorite quote

I don't know who said this, but it's a favorite quote of mine: "Look forward with hope, not backwards with regret."

no terms or conditions

Good relationships don't need any promises, terms or conditions, just people who can trust and understand each other.

Being kind

Being kind is a daily thing, an always thing.  I have occasionally mentioned random acts of kindness, but those are just the bonuses.  Those are the extra things that kind people sometimes do in addition to the cheerful way they always show a generosity of spirit.  Being kind is part of who we are.  It's not something we even have to think about.  It just happens.

Kindness is

Kindness is a lot of things. The dictionary says it is "the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate." Kindness is more than being nice. Kindness is part of who you are. We all have the ability to be kind. Sadly, some folks choose not to be.  Kindness is a way of life.

    

here for you

Friendship is not about who you've known the longest, but rather who walked into your life, said "I'm here for you," and then proved it.

The smallest acts

Remember, the smallest acts of kindness can mean a lot to someone - an awful lot!   Spread kindness today, and every day.

Friends

A special friend is hard to find, hard to lose and impossible to forget. True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but not in heart.

Daily reminder

Years ago on the radio, I used to close by saying "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."  I've probably told you this story before, but a listener called in and thanked me for saying that.  She said it was her daily reminder to be nice to others.  I'll never forget that.

happiness and personal growth a priority

Make your happiness and personal growth a priority in your life.  The more we take care of ourselves, the more we are able to take care of others.

Another month

September!  Another month is upon us and more opportunity to be kind to others.  Pretty cool how we can have day after day of being kind!

Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer was a smart cookie! He told us “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

Return calls

If someone takes the time to leave you a voicemail, take the time to call him or her back. The same thing is true with email. This isn't just kindness, it's common courtesy.

A Man Named Jeff

This morning I am remembering a man named Jeff who during his life was a tireless champion for social justice.  He cared so very much about people and their rights.  May we all care and work for true liberty and justice for everyone!

Social media kindness

Today is my birthday and I woke up to numerous kind wishes on facebook.  It is very likely that more will follow as the day goes on.  It's nice, but at the same time a bit odd.  Some of the remarks come from people I will not hear from again until my next birthday.  How nice it would be if we showed the same concern for each other every day - not just on social media too, but also in real life.

One

One smile, can start a friendship.
One word, can end a fight.
One look, can save a relationship.
One person can change your life.

Happy Monday

So often I hear people moan about Mondays.  Even the song says that "rainy days and Mondays always get me down."  Don't buy into that kind of negativity!  Any day can be happy.  Let's make it so.  Happy Monday everyone!

inspirational thought

"Ten years from now, make sure you can say you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it."  An inspirational thought from Mandy Hale.

We need more kindness

I've quoted Ellen DeGeneres here before. What can I say? She inspires me! I was especially stirred when she said "If we're destroying our trees and destroying our environment and hurting animals and hurting one another and all that stuff, there's got to be a very powerful energy to fight that. I think we need more love in the world. We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that."

The important I

The "I" before "miss you" and "love you" is important.  Think about it.

the fundraiser folks

I will never get over how kind total strangers can be.  Someone I know, who was living paycheck to paycheck, lost her job and was fearful that she and her dogs would become homeless.  I started an online fundraiser for her and folks just started chipping in.  I don't know how much we will raise, but we are off to a good start.  Most of the donors don't know her and some of them don't even know me!

don't worry

When was the last time you solved a problem by worrying about it? Seriously. Worry is irrelevant. It alters nothing. Bobby McFerrin got it right! Don't worry be happy!

from a very wise person

A very wise person (I don't know who) once said "Enjoy life today, because yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is never promised."

One

One smile, can start a friendship.  One word, can end a fight.  One look, can save a relationship.  One person can change your life.

Everybody

In the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, you'll find these words:  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  Now please note there is no asterisk. It doesn't say except for people of color or people with blue eyes or people who are gay or Jewish people or transgender or any other exception.  It says all, meaning everybody!

what makes me happy

Do you know what makes me happy?  It's really quite simple.  I love making other people happy!  There is nothing better than seeing someone smile or laugh.  It really feels good when someone tells you that you made their day.  It's like a circle.  I make you happy, and that in turn makes me happy!

Be a true friend

True friends are always there for you.

Fake friends only show up when they want something from you.

Be a true friend!

Kind Arnel

How many of you know who Arnel Pineda is?  Those of you who do, know that he is an extremely talented singer, currently the frontman for the band Journey.  You should also know that he is very kind.  He could well be the posterperson for this blog.  Kindness seems to be his way of life, and that is indeed a wonderful thing.  Thanks for making a difference Arnel!

Making a difference together

Yesterday I started a fundraiser for someone who is having a really difficult time.  She has three small dogs and of course her own expenses and is currently without any income.  I didn't know how much I could raise to help her, but I had no idea so many kind and generous people would come forward and chip in.  Donations have already come in just the first day, from over a dozen people.  Working together we certainly can make a difference!

The world needs more of it

Kindness.  The world needs more of it.  Let's all do our part and share kindness every single day!  We will never have too much.

rainbow

Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.

We can change

Not a very kind person?  Well it doesn't have to be that way.  I woke up this morning hearing a wonderful story of redemption and I thought about all the mean folks who became nice folks.  Yes, it happens.  Never give up.  Oh and just because you do nice things occasionally doesn't make you a nice person.  Let's never turn away from good, but always strive to be more kind.

an always thing

Being kind is not just an occasional thing. It's not just once in a while. It's isn't one of those from time to time things. Being kind is a daily thing, an always thing.

Kindness and gratitude

The more you practice kindness, the better you will become at being kind!  The same is true with gratitude.  The more you practice gratitude, the better you will become at being grateful!  Pause for a moment to appreciate something and give thanks for it!

There is much more

Some of you, especially those who read these words every day, might ask "Is there anything more that can be said about kindness?"  Stick around.  Keep reading.  There is MUCH more.  Be kind!

the deaf and the blind

Mark Twain said "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."  I think about that quote often.  Being kind doesn't require any sound or vision.  Amazing.

as simple as that

Be kind 

It's really just as simple as that!

words that you can't utter

Waking up this morning, I was thinking of these words from James Earl Jones: "One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter "

self training

We would all do good to train ourselves to live in the present without regretting the past or fearing the future.

Life is like a camera

Life is like a camera, not a box of chocolates. Focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.

find yourself

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere,
and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.

About August

When I was little, August was my favorite month.  Not only was I out of school for the summer, but this is the month when my birthday occurs.  Since then I have met a number of folks with August birthdays, including a dear friend who will be celebrating today and another who celebrated the same day as me.  I don't know if this is still m favorite month, but it's certainly another chance to show kindness to everyone!

End of month question

On this last day of July, I have a special end of month question:  What is the kindest thing you did this month?  Oh one more:  What was the kindest thing someone else did for you?

Day of Friendship

Today is International Day of Friendship and what better way to be a friend than to show kindness to everyone.  Spread the kindness.  Spread the friendship.

No matter the obstacles

Yesterday and the day before, it got up to 105° where I live.  Today might be even higher.  There is also a huge amount of grasshoppers that just showed up here.  We are already starting out warm and the day is just beginning.  Sometimes you just don't even want to go outside, and yet, that is how we interact with others.  That is how we shine.  No matter the weather and no matter the obstacles, we must keep on sharing that kindness!

Oh and speaking of kindness

What can you say of being kind?  A lot!  Just look back at the daily thoughts I have posted here.  Oh and speaking of kindness, what say YOU?  Are you a kind person?  Would you like to share some thoughts about kindness with us?  Please feel free - any of you, to comment below!

doing kind things

More ideas of showing kindness: Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. 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. Treat someone to fresh fruit. Sing at a nursing home. Open the door for another person. The list can go on and on!

Ending hate

Waking up day after day so the horrible news of more hate crimes is terribly distressing.  When will it end?  I don't even understand hate.  It makes no sense to me.  Oh and harming someone because of your dislike for them makes even less sense.  Yes, if there was more kindness the world would be a better place, but we really need to end the hate.  Everyone needs to stand up and so NO MORE!  We will not tolerate this!  Ever!

let's go to lunch

"Let's go to lunch," said my friend Danny. Of course I'd have to fight him for the check afterward. Oh and it wasn't just food. When I spent time with Danny, there was great conversation, about his calendar models and all number of things. Of course there was his great ever-present smile too. That alone would make my day! I remember the Ovaltine too. When I think of kind people I know, Danny always comes to mind immediately.

Spreading kindness

How can you show kindness toward other people? Here are some more suggestions: Leave an extra-large tip for the waitperson. Donate blood. Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning. 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. The ideas never end.  Keep spreading kindness!

Universal Kindness Day

July 22nd - Universal Kindness Day!  Actually I just made that up, but I will certainly keep trying.  After all, I think every single day should be Universal Kindness Day, don't you?

Still more ideas

Here are still more random acts of kindness.  Tell your parents or your children why you love them.  Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him or her through that company’s corporate office.  As you go about your day, pick up trash.  When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.  Yesterday I mentioned that some kind acts cost money, but each of these things here don't cost us a penny!  Are there more?  You bet!

And the list continues

More kind things we can do: Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby. Draw names at work or school and have people bring a small gift or treat for their secret pal. Say something nice to everyone you meet today. Volunteer at an organization that needs help. Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter. And the list continues - it really has no end because kindness has no end! Please know that you are always welcome to add to this list and to share with us your thoughts about kindness in the comments section below.

Yup, there's more

For the past few days I have been listing random acts of kindness, and here are still more: Tell your boss that you think s/he does a good job. Have a clean-up party in the park. Give blood. Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through. 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. There are so many more ideas!

Even more ideas

The list we began here keeps growing.  Here's some more ideas:  Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers.  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.  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.  Yes, some of the suggestions I have made require money, but that's part of what makes them so kind.

More ideas

Yesterday I suggested some random acts of kindness we might all think about doing, and there are so many more!  We could invite an acquaintance to dinner, sponsor people in fundraising walk-a-thons, volunteer to be a tutor in a school, remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food, and volunteer to read to kids in the library.  We'd love to hear your ideas too!

A few ideas

So speaking of kindness, what are a few things we can each do to get the ball rolling, if we are not already kind people? Well there area lot of random acts, and for the next few days, I'll try to think of a few. On your way to do the shopping, you could give another driver your parking spot. How about just a nice cheery greeting to each person you encounter during your day? Those are both pretty easy. Donate time at a senior center. The gift of time is so appreciated! Maybe you have some ideas. Please share them in the comments section below!

Sizzling kindness

When it's really hot outside, it can be easier to get frustrated and even lose your temper, but a kind smile can help.  On those sizzling days of summer, it's more important than ever to be kind to each other.  Pop a few bottles of water in the freezer, and take them with you as you go about your day.  Most folks will be delighted it you give them one of these bottles, with the water still nice and cold!

Monday Monday

So many people dislike Mondays because it is often the return to work after two days off (or for some, the return to school classes), but why should that be a bad thing?  If we work at something we enjoy, every single day can be positive.  Be kind to the calendar and be kind to yourself, and of course be kind to others.  Monday can be just as wonderful as any day!

all things can be mended

After some tough days, I was trying to think of something encouraging and most of my words seemed a bit short.  Then I was reminded of some marvelous words from L.R. Knost,  She gets right to it saying "Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.  All things break.  And all things ... can be mended.  Not with time, as they say, but with intention.  So go.  Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally."

Saturday Service

Off from work today?  Have you ever volunteered to help cleanup around the highway or the shores of a lake or ocean?  Working in a community garden is a great way to give back also.  Oh and you can help clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Tons of things can be done to make a difference.  It's kind to help out and it makes you feel good.  What about mowing a neighbor’s grass or sweeping a neighbor’s walk?  The list of ideas can go on and on! 

This glorious summer

Flowers, birds, blue skies, all kinds of wonderful - it is a glorious summer for me!  How kind of nature to give us such a gift.  We must repay by treasuring her beauty and not littering or otherwise abusing all this great earth gives us.  If he treat our world right, we can have glorious summers for many years to come!

Kindest day of the month

What is the kindest day of the month of July?  How about today?  We can make this happen.  Start spreading that kindness!

losing happiness

Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said "For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness."  Indeed.

happy place

When I was younger, I remember having a "happy place," or perhaps I should say a "happy thought." If there was ever a scary moment, I could just direct my thinking to that happy place, and the fear would disappear. Kindness and love and only good things would be in my happy place. Often if was like Christmas but sometimes like a big wedding banquet or a Mother's Day buffet. I doubt if I'm the only one who created these happy places. For me it always worked to think positive and dwell on the good, instead of the bad or the scary.

Alone

There are people who thrive on being all alone, but that is not the way it is for most folks.  Have you ever felt lonely?  There are those who feel that way all the time.  A short visit can help.  Phone calls are good too.  We each have it in our power to help cut down on the loneliness out there.  Think about those family members you seldom see or the anonymous residence in assisted nursing facilities.  Even folks who are new to town and don't know many people yet, can have lonely moments.

kindness and chocolate

What can possibly be sweeter than chocolate?  Perhaps kindness.  I happen to think they are both pretty sweet and since this is World Chocolate Day, let's have a double helping of both kindness and chocolate!  Sweet!

Groceries

After a medical incident this week, I haven't really felt much like going anywhere.  Yesterday, there was a knock at the door, and a dear friend was standing there with a gallon of milk and several bags of groceries with meat, bread, eggs, soup, and more - a gift from he and his wife because they "thought it would be helpful."  Indeed.  Of course I stood there crying for several minutes.  It's east to write about being kind, but for me it's a bit more difficult to welcome the kindness from others.  I am truly grateful though.  Such a very thoughtful thing to do!

Gorgeous days

Where I live there is so much natural beauty all around me.  Personally I think there is beauty wherever you may be - sometimes you just have to look in a different manner.  During this especially gorgeous days of summer, it's especially easy to show kindness.  The beauty of the earth just makes you want to give back more!

Give me your tired, your poor

The kind words of Emma Lazarus, which you will find at the Statue of Liberty, come to mind this morning.   "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Childsplay

I saw an internet listing for children's books that tell about kindness.  How wonderful!  The earlier we know about being kind, the better.  It isn't a difficult thing - you might say it's childsplay.  Being kind is something we should never outgrow too.

Watch out for the heat

As the weather heats up, remember to stay hydrated and avoid excessive heat.  This is something most adults are aware of, but think of the safety of others, including our animals.  Be kind to your dog or cat.  Make sure they always have water available and don't confine them in hot areas, especially in a locked car.

Here we go again

Did you enjoy June?  Well here we go again folks - another month is upon us!  July used to be one of my favorites.  There is a big holiday and for most of the USA there is nice weather.  School used to be out too, but so many places have gone to year-round schedules that many are back in school just a few days from now.  Anyway, enjoy this month and as always, be kind!

Wonderful!

Yesterday was wonderful.  (I try to make every day wonderful, but yesterday was extra special).  Some people are so filled with love and kindness that it shines forth in all that they do, and spending an hour with such a person yesterday was really wonderful.

Discrimination is NOT kind

I will never understand discrimination in any form.  When I was little I remember the separate drinking fountains labeled "whites" and "colored."  I remember when guys with long hair were thought to be bad.  Oh yeah and there was the looks people gave when they encountered two people of different races together.  Banning gays in the military went on way too long and now apparently we are reintroducing a transgender ban.  Why?  I don't get it.  This is one of the most unkind things I can think of.  How can you ban an entire group of people?

Relax and be kind

Recreation,  travel, and vacationing are all big at this time of year.  School is out for most folks and families tend to do more things together.  Hey, how about a family kindness project?  Sound good?  Even if we are all alone, now is a great time to relax, reduce the stress in our lives, and maybe reduce the stress that others have too.  There is never a bad time to be kind to others, so let's all have fun, enjoy this time of year, relax, and be kind!

How can we become more kind?

Want to become a more kind person? Perhaps you can begin with some of these ideas. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby. Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter. Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. Tell your children (or your parents) why you love them. Spend some time serving food at a meal program for the needy. Take an acquaintance to dinner. Sponsor people in fundraising walk-a-thons. Pay a compliment at least once a day. The possibilities are endless.

The store clerk

Walking through a department store in a nearby city (the small town where I live has no department stores), I was having a great time browsing.  As I was leaving, I spoke to a clerk near the doors and said I had enjoyed my trip through the store, even though I hadn't bought anything, but now just had to get some coffee.  She smiled, waved, and said "Get some for me too."  I did.  Why not?  It only cost a few bucks more and you should have seen the look on her face.  Her request hadn't been serious - neither of us had even seen the other before.  Her genuine surprise and her joy at receiving that simple cup of coffee, made my day!

Thinking ahead

What really kind thing will you be doing for someone tomorrow or next week?  Think ahead and plan some very special things.  Be bold.  Think ahead to a year from now.  What will you be doing next summer?  Will you be a kinder person?

My 1000th day

One thousand?  The counter for my blog says that today is the 1,000th entry!  Seriously.  When I began this I don't think it ever occurred to me that I would wake up 1000 mornings and write a few lines here about being kind.  Oh my!  Imagine if I had tucked a dollar into a drawer on each of these mornings.  I'd have a nice accumulation - $1,000!  I could take a trip.  Maybe I could donate it and make a difference.  A dollar a day.  Imagine.  Well, I didn't do that (perhaps I will start), but hopefully I became a kinder person.  Maybe I even made a difference for some of you.  Thanks for reading.  I'll be continuing!

On the chalkboard

Go write this 100 times on the chalkboard:   I AM A KIND PERSON.  Wait!  Better yet, let's all just BE a kind person!

Another few minutes in bed

Another few minutes in bed this morning would have made me very happy, but it's not the only thing. Right now, I'll be happy to get some smiles. I'll be happy when I see others who are happy. I'm pretty easy to please. Oh I can get more sleep - I might even go to bed a bit earlier tonight. Right now though, I just want to share some joy!

That kind man back home

There's a man back home whom I met after I had moved away from there.  During a few visits back there I've had an opportunity to chat with him a little, but certainly don't know him well.  I know he is very kind though.  I know he makes a huge difference in my life.  Yesterday I was chatting with someone who also knows him, but not well, and the first thing he said was "he is such a kind man."  What a wonderful way to be known!

A Most Enjoyable Summer

So far for me this has been a most enjoyable summer, and I hope it's the same for you.  Keep on smiling and keep on being kind!

I'll drink to that

Today is National Martini Day.   I'll drink to that!  Maybe this would be a good time to take a friend out for drinks.

The Rock's moving message

“Yes it's important to be yourself, but you gotta recognize the joy and the responsibility of bringing everybody with you,” said Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during the MTV Movie and TV Awards last night. “You do that by being kind, by being compassionate, by being inclusive, and straight-up, just being good to people, because that matters.”

No More Teacher's Dirty Looks!

"No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks!"  Remember that?  Was your teacher really giving you a dirty look?  I'll bet you're sorry you even thought that.  Hey with summer upon us and no school for many (yes, I know there is summer school and year-round school), I'd like to think about all those teachers who make a difference.  Be kind to those who instruct.  It's not an easy job!  I'm grateful for all my teachers from years ago and especially Lou Ella Gridley and Letha Sines.

Dear old dad

You probably already know that today is Father's Day, so be extra kind to dear old dad and to all the fathers in your life (including your grandfathers, fathers-in-law, fathers of your close friends).  Make the day special for them.

You know what else is kind?

Sometimes out of the blue, someone will do something that just warms your heart.  It's easy to talk about kindness and those various things we do for each other, but you know what else is kind?  Simple concern.  The other day I got a phone call from someone who just wanted to be sure I was okay.  She said that she hadn't seen or heard from me in awhile, and was concerned.  What a kind an loving thing to do!

MisterRogers

When I was first aware of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, MisterRogers was spelled as one word.  One of the things I remember from dear Fred Rogers are these words:  "There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."  

always possible

They tell me the Dalai Lama once said "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."  Listen to the Dalai Lama.  He speaks the truth.

Just one word

One kind word can change someone's entire day!  Think about that.  Just one word.

Make Life Beautiful

Today is National Making Life Beautiful Day and being kind certainly helps make life beautiful! Take a moment and help someone less fortunate, donate time to a worthy cause, help someone in your life to achieve a personal goal, or just do something extra nice for someone.  Spread the word too.  Talk about making life beautiful on social media.

Great weekend

I had a great weekend and kindness was the principle reason.  When people are kind to you, it makes you feel good and when you are kind to others, that makes you feel good too.  Now, lets let that kindness continue into the week ahead!

Tiny ripples

The late Robert F Kennedy was a hero to me.  He said so many encouraging things. This morning I am thinking about when he spoke of tiny ripples, saying  "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Tomorrow is National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.  This has always been one of my favorite deserts.  If you were to offer me a slice, that would be very kind!  Maybe I will go to the bakery and get a couple of pies to share.  That would be kind too, huh?

Quarters

Doing laundry can be expensive. Buying a bottle of water from a machine is ridiculously costly. Actually any coin-operated machine will likely cost more than you would expect. Surprise others by springing for their wash or beverage or other automated expense. Leave a few quarters near the coin slot of washers, dryers, or other machines, or collect a number of quarters in a plastic sandwich bag and leave it with a "this one is on me" note.  Quarters can make someone's day!

June 6th

It's June 6th!  It's Thursday!  Why am I so happy?  Oh my!  Every day should be happy.  Spread the joy and the happiness.  Be kind.

School is out

For most, school is out.  How do you enjoy the summer?  How about starting by doing some nice things for others.  Maybe you would like to volunteer your time.  Think about it.

Let the silliness begin

Today, for those of you keeping track, is Do-Dah Day, an annual salute to silliness.  Remember, you can be silly and still be ind!

Why so quiet?

So many kind readers out there in cyberspace (a counter tells me when someone clicks on this blog.  It doesn't say who and it certainly doesn't know if you actually read these words, but I would guess that most who come here, actually read what I have written), but everyone is silent.  Oh my!  Please feel free to add your thoughts about kindness below!

Pride

Well, we shouldn't have to have parades and celebrations for LGBTQ Pride because there should be full equality and acceptance of ALL people, but since there is not, we have Pride Month.  We should always be kind of course, but during June pay particular interest to our LGBTQ sisters and brothers and be extra kind!

Welcome June

It's not just any Saturday today - it's the beginning of June, a brand new month and a fresh start for being kind.  What can we do to make this month extra special?  I'll bet there are tons of new ways to show kindness!

smile

Today is National Smile Day.  Of course we never need an extra reason to smile.  Our smiles light up the world every single day.  Keep smiling my friends.  Be happy.  Show kindness.

The Good Banker

Last night I discovered fraud on one of my credit cards and so had to call the bank.  Not fun, right?  The banker I spoke with was quick, efficient, and very friendly.  He had everything taken care of in minutes and is rushing a new card to me.  I asked to be transferred to a supervisor so I could report this incredible employee.  A phone call I was dreading, actually left me smiling.  I'm always happy to encounter workers like this one!

it's coming

Growing up, this was one of my favorite times of the year.  School was nearly finished for the year.  Summer was just days away.  The weather was getting nicer.  Oh my!  What not to like, huh?  These days I prefer to not think of what's coming but instead, what is already here.  I prefer to try to make each day great and each day full of kindness!

One of my favorite times of the year

The end of May is one of my favorite times of the year.  It's not too hot yet.  People are having picnics and fishing and holding ice-cream socials.  There is a holiday, but even without that, this always seems like a gateway to the fun summer months.  Let's celebrate by being extra kind!

Remembering

It is not only kind, but right and just to remember and honor all those people who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  On this Memorial Day, the picnics and the store sales are fine, but first take some time for the purpose for which this holiday was created.  Remember them.

Any ideas?

I know I have asked this dozens of times, but since I don't have all the answers, I turn to you.  Do you have any ideas on how we can make this a kinder world?  I'd really love to hear your thoughts.

A Simple Gesture

Being kind does not require a lot of money or a lot of planning or any big elaborate action.  A very simple gesture, like giving someone fresh flowers you picked from your garden, can be one of the kindest and nicest things a person can do!

Automatic

For many people, kindness is automatic.  Unfortunately though there are some who have never done anything we would think of as kind.  That can change though.  It's really quite easy.  The more good you do, the easier it is, and before you know it, it can become automatic for you too.  Think about how wonderful you can make someone feel.  Think about the smile they'll give you!

The Trip

Kindness comes in many forms, but all kind acts make love so much more joyful. Once, a couple I know who were aware I really wanted to attend an event, made sure I was indeed there. They sent me on a trip, paying for my flight and my hotel, and wouldn't take no for an answer. There kindness and that trip will always be happy memories for me and are just one more encouragement that we should all show kindness, whenever we can.

Kindness all around

Yesterday I ran into so many kind people doing kind things.  Oh my!  It really was amazing and it is so very encouraging when you see folks being so nice and caring toward others. 

Merry Merry Month of May

Remember this old ditty?

While strolling through the park one day

In the merry merry month of May

I was taken by surprise

By a pair of roguish eyes

I was scared but I didn't run away 

 



So what do YOU do in this merry merry month of May?

Dreaming it

I have often said this, but it is so true!  If you can dream it, you can achieve it.   Never give up. Oh and when you accomplish your own dreams, reach out and help some other folks do the same thing.

What have you to say

You may have guessed that I think kindness is important and I like writing this every morning and encouraging all of you.  I would also really love your feedback.  Am I missing something?  Are there ideas that should be shared?  Has this blog benefitted you?  Say something!  Use the comment section to let me know your thoughts.  Thanks.

Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday everyone!  I hope you had a great week!  Now let's do it all again and have another incredible with the week that begins tomorrow.  Keep being kind.  Never stop!

cherry cobbler

This is National Cherry Cobbler Day. It really is. How come we have so many delicious food days? Oh my! Anyway, a very kind thing is always sharing some of those yummies. I would always love a bit of cherry cobbler.

Traffic kindness

Every time I hear about road rage, I shrug my shoulders and ask why?  This seems to be a me first situation when it could just as easily be a courtesy and kindness matter.  I love hear stories of how drivers yield to others and how they let folks pass them or merge into traffic.  See someone driving crazy?  Call it in!  You just might be saving a life.  Weaving, drifting, swerving, straddling the center line, driving too slowly, and other erratic driving doesn't necessarily mean that driver is drunk.  They may be over-tired and not realize it.  They might also me having a medical emergency.  Care.  Kindness on the road is just as important as anywhere.

Happy birthday

It may seem odd that I would say happy birthday this morning (unless of course it is yours), but I do have an unusually high number of friends celebrating this week, especially today.  Of course saying happy birthday is the kind thing to do, even if you are not close.  People like being remembered and what easier way is there?  Don't forget birthdays!  Social media is very helpful at keeping track.

Here comes summer

Just about everyone loves summer, right?  It's actually still more than a month away, but where I live, things have been warming up, and it seems like summer.  I don't have any direct evidence, but I have been told that people tend to be kinder during the summer months.  What do you think?  I always hope to see kindness extended all year.

Einstein said

We all know about Albert Einstein's brilliant mind.  One example are these encouraging words from him:  “In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity.”

Mothers

With all that they do for us, how can we not be kind to our mothers?  It shouldn't be confined to just this one day though.  Let's always be kind to our mothers!

Happy May 11th

Happy May 11th?  Indeed.  Every single day should be happy.  That might not seem realistic, but if we do our best to make things happy for others, we will find a lot of happiness for ourselves as well!

100 Kind

In three months, a neighbor of mine will turn 100.  I think I know her secret too.  She is always smiling, happy, and kind to those around her.  Will kindness help you live to be 100?  I have no absolute proof, but it sure won't hurt!

Is it in your blood

Is it in your blood to donate blood?  Let me tell you, this is one of the most wonderful things a person can do.  I coordinate several blood drives every year and I am always encouraged by the love and generosity people show.  Forty-five minutes out of your day to give the most precious gift:  your blood.  Oh my!  What a kind thing to do!

Coconut Cream Pie

Today is National Coconut Cream Pie Day!  Yum.  (That's one of those days I could enjoy EVERY day).  A very kind thing would be to share some delicious coconut cream pie.

Listen

Listen to your heart.

Share the love.

Always be kind.

be kind to a nurse

Today is National Nurses Day, which kicks off National Nurses Week, ending on May 12, the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.  Thank a nurse today!  They do such important work!  They really should be recognized every single day, not just during a special week.  So be kind to a nurse today, and do your best to keep on recognizing them!

How To

There are how-to books for just about everything, including ones to help become a better person.  How many of us want to be better?  I would hope that anyone would want to improve.  I know I want to see more kindness in the world and the best place to begin is with me, so I want to improve myself.  I'm not actually using a how-to book.  I'm using a daily morning exercise - writing this blog, to help me do better.  It seems to be working too!

Happiness and joy

Hello!  Happiness and joy to all of you!  May this be a wonderful Saturday for you and may kindness surround you both now, and always!

question from a philosopher

Here's a question for you this morning from the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau:  "What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?"  You're welcome to mull that around today, but I'm sure you will find there is none.

What is there to say?

A blog about kindness?  Yup.  That is what this is.  What is there to say?  Well, apparently a lot since we have been doing this for a couple of years.  What are we missing though?  Add some of YOUR thoughts in the comments section below.  Of and kindly tell your friends too!

Hello May!

Welcome to May, the fifth month of the year.  Let us show kindness all month long and make May a happy and joyful time for everyone!

Sunrise music

Does music make you happy? The sun is just now coming up where I am, but I'm already listening to happy peppy music (oldies) and it helps charge me up for the day and it certainly helps me to be happy. I try to be pleasant and kind always, and being happy leads me in that direction. You might say that good music makes me a kinder person.

Just because

“Just because” can be such a sweet reason to do something.  Let's be kind today,  just because.

Pay It Forward Day

I have talked about paying it forward before, and I'm always talking about various acts of kindness, but did you know there was a special day for this? Pay It Forward Day is a global initiative that exists to make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness felt across the world. Great idea, huh? I am so excited that there are now have over 80 countries participating in Pay it Forward Day with over 100 state and city proclamations. If where you live isn't involved, change that. Talk to you leaders and keep setting an example, not just on this one day, but every day!

Additional quotes

The past two days, I shared some quotes about being kind, from American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said a lot of things about kindness, but so did many other folks. Do you have a favorite quote you's like to share?

More from Emerson

I love quoting Emerson (like I did yesterday). I really like that he said "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." I also am inspired by these words of his: "Hitch your wagon to a star."

Inspiration from Emerson

I really like these words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." I'm also inspired by this that he said: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

smiling for the eggs

Yesterday I bought 20 chocolate eggs and gave them out to some of my favorite people in the hospital where I work.   Oh my!   I got so many smiles.  One of my favorite things is getting folks to smile.

say it

Do you have wonderful friends?  How about your family?  Do you enjoy the people you work with?  Think about it.  When did you ever say it to them?  Compliments don't cost money because they are priceless.  You really can make someone's day too, and just using a few words.  Don't just think about how much you like someone or something they do.  Say it.

The heat is on

Where I live it is already warming up a LOT.  (That sure was a short spring, huh)?  I'm not good with the hot days - I much prefer cool or even cold.  Be kind to me.  A fan would be nice.

More Kindness

More than anything, I would like to see more kindness.  I really don't understand how anyone could object or disagree.  It doesn't cost money or require special training.  It doesn't even have to cost us any extra time.  Being nice and being kind should be a natural thing that we simply do.

Kind Nana

Grandmothers are always kind, right?  Well mine certainly were.  Grandma (my father's mother) lived far away, but Nana (my mother's mother) lived closer and so I saw her more often.  Nana and I spent a lot of time together in my early adult years when I lived with her for awhile and help out in the gift shop she owned.  Today would have been Nana's birthday and I cannot help thinking of her and how much I miss her.

When skies are gray

Just about everybody knows the song You Are My Sunshine.  There is a line in there that says "You make me happy when skies are gray."  What a wonderful description of another human being, huh?  To me that sounds like they are talking about a very kind person, someone who can make you happy even when they sky is gray.  How lovely to have someone who is your sunshine!  Encouragement.  I am encouraged in many ways, but here is encouragement once again to be kind.

The Call

Yesterday was a busy one for me.  At a bit before five though, everything became wonderful.  It was a caring person calling me on the phone that made everything so special.  People don't seem to take the time these days, for themselves or for each other.  I'm glad this friend took the time though and made that call.  It truly made my day!

Glorious Day!

It looks like a glorious day where I live.  I've noticed that beautiful weather tends to make folks kinder.  With that in mind, I intend to try even harder on those foul weather days!

Jonah Kim on love

My friend Jonah Kim is one of the most inspiring people I know. He says "It's easy to love those who love you, that is, when they love you the way you want to be loved. It isn't so easy to love those who wrong you time and time again. But we are human and we are bound to fail those we love over and over again over the course of a lifetime." Jonah continues "Some say this kind of love can only exist between parent and child. If you have never experienced the desire to love this way, perhaps you haven't learned to truly love yet. This is why divorce rates keep rising; majority of matrimonial vows are defenestrated in the first year because the 'I' is so much more important than the 'love you'." 

Let me count the ways

How many random acts of kindness can their possibly be? Let me count the ways. When a new business opens in town, drop of a plant or fresh flowers to welcome them. You can do the same thing when a new family moves into your neighborhood. Donate blood. Volunteer to be a tutor in a school or perhaps at the local library. Let the shopper behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Say nice things randomly to folks on facebook or twitter. Smile. Cheerfully greet those you come in contact with. Oh my! There are so many ways.

Comparison

Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.  Remember that!

Your feedback is welcome

Have you read this blog before?  Do you come here often?  I was just wondering if you would share your thoughts about what you read here or about kindness in general.  I would love to have some feedback.  Just share in the comments section below.

appreciation

Today where I work, the many volunteers are going to be honored.  April is designated as Volunteer Appreciation Month and the 20th of the month is officially Volunteer Appreciation Day.  Whatever day you may select, recognize the importance of those who volunteer their time.  They truly make a difference.

Do you know what day it is

Do you know what day it is?  It's Thursday silly!  You probably thought this was a trick question, huh?  Well make it a kind day.  In fact, let's make every day kind.

many thanks

Every morning I get up and write something here about kindness.  I know I have said this before, but I really cannot say this enough.  Thank you!  Many thanks for being kind people and many thanks for reading my words.  I hope some of them inspire you.

complain less

It may seem like an overwhelming task, but complaining less really does make a difference.  Being positive in a bad situation makes you stand out as a leader.  This doesn't mean life is perfect, but if we all work together in a positive way, we can help it become more perfect.

 

                      

Kind week

I have a feeling this is going to be a very kind week.  I'm certainly going to do my best.  I hope all of you will join me too!

Kind coffee cake

Today is National Coffee Cake Day.  Did you know that?  My mouth began watering the moment I thought about coffee cake and then my heart was glad when I remember that kind cake someone made especially for me.  WAY back when I was just a teen, a lady where I lived used to make a delicious mace cake.  Oh my!  It was so yummy!  I was never able to duplicate it myself, but I mentioned it to a woman a few years ago and told her how much I missed it.  That's where the kind cake came it - she made a wonderful coffee cake with mace that tasted so much like the one I remembered from years earlier.  What a kind thing to do!

nature's kindness

The spring season is probably my favorite.  Oh don't get me wrong - there are wonderful things about all times of year, but in the springtime when we see the fresh leaves growing on trees and the flowers blooming (especially if you live where there has been snow on the ground).  Springtime is an example of nature's kindness.

Upcoming Food Days

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is coming up. National Peach Cobbler Day too. Yum! Oh and of course there is also Passover and Easter. April has some lovely food days. I feel like a nice grilled cheese sandwich right now. (My favorite comfort food).  Enjoy the month.  Be kind to each other.  Be sure to save some room for the chocolate eggs too! 

reasons why we should be happy

So many people look for reasons to be unhappy.  Why?  There is always good my friends.  Always!  Let's focus on the things we do have, and the reasons why we should be happy!

Hospital kindness

I volunteer at a local hospital.  Unfortunately I have also been a patient there a lot lately as well.  On the plus side though there have been so many kind moments, but things directed at me and things I have observed.  It really warms my heart when I see nurses and doctors and all different hospital workers going above and beyond what they need to do. 

Happiness to you

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by!  I mean it.  I appreciate that folks read my messages here.  Do come back often.  I write something here every single day.  The theme is being kind to others and to ourselves.  I hope that something I write here inspires you.  Do feel free to forward this to others too.  Much happiness to you always!