How's everyone doing?

Hello!  How's everyone doing?  More than five months since our world changed so much because of this COVID-19 pandemic, and I still keep seeing hopeful signs.  Yes, there are a lot of jerks out there and that can be frustrating, but don't let it get you down.  Keep a good attitude.  Stay safe.  Stay kind!

Some random acts of kindkess

Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Say nice things randomly to friends on social media. Buy some bottles of water and randomly hand them out to strangers on the street. Volunteer for a cause or campaign that is important to you. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier. Give another driver your parking spot. There are so many random acts of kindness.  Can you think of others?

Grateful

So much kindness in our world.  It is a tough year to be sure, but yesterday on my birthday so many reached out to me and showed kindness.  I even got my favorite chicken!  woo hoo!  I am truly grateful!

celebrating with social media

One of the things I love about social media, is they keep you aware of special dates like birthdays and anniversaries.  Today is my birthday and before facebook and twitter, only family and close friends and maybe folks at work kept up with such things.  Checking facebook when I got up, I already had tons of good wishes.  Virtual celebrations - a new type of kindness.

Hold the door

Waiting an extra ten seconds can seem like an annoyance, especially if you're running late, but holding that elevator for the person who is rushing to catch it, is a perfect way to show you value another's time.  The same thing is true when you hold the door open for a person entering a building behind you.

never give up

Sometimes it seems like there is more bad news than good and sometimes it seems like the world is full of mean people, but keep positive.  Don't let the negativity get you down.  There is always room for your kindness, so never give up.  You just might change the world!

What we have

We still have racism

We still have unrest

We still have a pandemic

We still have wildfires

We still have political turmoil

We also still have each other

We still have the capacity to love

We are still able to be KIND!

Sharing is caring

We have heard folks say "Sharing is caring" and it can really mean different things.  One kind of sharing is simply exchanging thoughts and ideas.  I try to share some thoughts every morning here for example.  I would love for you to share some thoughts and ideas too!  Right below in the comments section, say something about kindness.  We would love to hear from you!

Pay a compliment

It always feels nice when someone pays you a kind sincere compliment. It's such an easy thing to do too! I'll bet if we all give it a try, when can come up with a compliment for just about everybody and wouldn't that make for a lovely day?  Let's make this Pay a Compliment Day.

Purpose

Having a tough day?  Take a moment and look at a picture of your children, or place your hand on your chest and feel your heartbeat, or think of the person you brought a smile to earlier in the day.  Wondrous!  It's called purpose. You're here in this world for a reason. Never give up.

Kindness in giving

Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi told us "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

early cards

Some early birthday cards came in the mail this week.  I have no idea who one sender is, although it is very nice that she sends warm wishes!  Cards for birthdays and holidays have nearly disappeared and that's a shame.  It's such an easy and inexpensive way to say that we care.

Mask It

I have said it before as have so many others, but in this pandemic, one of the kindest things we all can do is to always wear a face mask when in public.  We can slow this down and possibly even end it, just by showing respect for others.  Physical distance, washing hands, and wearing a mask can truly make a difference!

No thanks

There seems to be a trend these days to not say thank you.  Oh my!  How unkind!  If someone does something special for you, acknowledge it.  Let them know you are grateful.  This is especially true when someone gives you a nice present or money.  Oh and if you donate to a charity, there should be a thank you too!  Money should always be acknowledged in writing too.  It's polite.  It's kind.

Be nice

Be nice
Be kind
Care
Make a difference

three ways to success

 TV's MisterRogers always got it so right!  His 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.” 

Relax

Today is Relaxation Day.  Seriously.  It's on the calendar!  Now this is a day made especially for me!  Be kind to yourself.  Relax.  Enjoy the moment!

It's free

How much will they charge you to be kind?  Absolutely nothing!  It's free.  Hold that door wide open for the person approaching behind you.  Pay your coworker a compliment.  Share that smile with folks on the street.  There are so many ways to be kind to others, and it doesn't have to cost you a thing!

Kindly share this

Do you enjoy reading this brief thoughts every day?  Perhaps you have some thoughts of your own regarding kindness.  Do feel free to share your comments below and kindly share this blog with your friends on social media and via text or email.  Thanks!

Fortune question

Someone asked me about the fortune that is displayed next to the messages here each day.  I thought I had mentioned it before, but it actually came inside a fortune cookie about the time I began writing this.  The simple message "From now on your kindness will lead to success," seems like a good moto to me!

The kindest of all

I was just trying to think of the kindest thing anyone ever did for me.  I'm fortunate to have so many kind people in my life, it may take me a while to come up with the kindest of all.  Actually that inspires me to think up more ways to be kind!

surrounded by kindness

While I may talk about kindness all the time, I know I make my share of mistakes.  I want to be nice and pleasant and show kindness to everyone, but if I fall short, please forgive me.  I'm not perfect.  I can always use help.  I think the more kindness I am surrounded with, the easier it will be for me.  If we all are surrounded with kindness imagine how wonderful our world will be!

Almost my birthday

Just nineteen days until my birthday (and nevermind how old I will be).  Remember when you were a kid and your counted off the days?  Did you try to be good around then too just to make sure a present was coming your way?  And now. have you changed?

The kindness of cooking

Cooking a meal for someone is such a kind thing!  TV chef Julia Child once said "I think careful cooking is love, don't you? The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who's close to you is about as nice a valentine as you can give."

Checking in

How is everybody?  Seriously.  Are things going well for you these days?  One of the kindest things a person can do is check in on their family members and friends.  Does someone have a great success they want to share?  How about those though times when you need a friend just to listen while you vent?  Be there.  Let folks know you care.

letting go of our need to be right

Author and meditation expert Sharon Salzberg once wrote "Sometimes kindness takes the form of stepping aside, letting go of our need to be right, and just being happy for someone."  Indeed.

kindness poem

This is a kindness poem we used to recite in grade school. Does anyone else remember it?

Kind hearts are the gardens,

 Kind thoughts are the roots,

 Kind words are the blossoms,

 Kind deeds are the fruits.

Lend an ear

Do you ever just need someone around to hear you? Sometimes, especially in times of crisis, the thing you need the most is someone to talk to. They don't have to talk back. How wonderful it is to have a person who can simply sit in silence and listen to those who need a listening ear. In times of worry or sorrow or loneliness, this is particularly true. Listening to another person is a great act of kindness.

Anything we want

We have the choice to be anything we want, so why not choose to be kind?  I can't think of any better choice!

Friendship Day

The first Sunday in August is Friendship Day.  Friendship is such a wonderful thing.  I think it should be celebrated every day!  Of course I think that about kindness too!

I love August

Favorite month?  Maybe not, but I love August.  I always have.  Maybe part of it is because my birthday comes up later in the month and August begins with a dear friend's birthday.  Maybe it's because it's in the middle of summer and I'm usually doing some fun things.  Anyway, even during this pandemic, August can be good.  Let's make it so!