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?

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.

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.

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? 

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.

Happy Mid-October!

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

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!

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.

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!