Boo!

For so many of us, this year has been scary enough already.  Instead of a scary theme today, let's make it a theme of kindness.  Remember we are still in the midst of a pandemic.  Be safe.  Perhaps we can start some new traditions or at least begin some alternate ones.  Maybe we can do some zoom Halloweens.

Honesty when receiving a present

In just two months, folks will be opening Christmas presents. Of course there are many other occasions during the year when you might receive a gift, such as your birthday or anniversary, or "just because." As kind as it is for someone to honor you with a present, is it kind for you to simply utter a few words of thanks, and nothing more? How about if you get something that you really dislike, should you be grateful but also be honest enough to say the gift really wasn't to your liking? If you gush too much, the giver might make a tradition of giving you the same thing, over and over. How about handwritten notes? Are they still a good way to show your appreciation? What's the kindest way to respond to gifts?

Some October random acts of kindness

Stuck for ideas of ways to be kind?  Well here are a few examples of random acts of kindness.  Tell your parents/children why you love them.  Make telephone calls in support of equality urging others to put aside hate.  As you go about your day, pick up trash.  Pay a compliment at least once a day.  Send a gift anonymously to a friend.  Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him/her through that company’s corporate office.  When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.  (Do feel free to add to this list)!

All that pumpkin spice

I've been seeing pumpkin spice products all over the place once again. How come it isn't year-round? Would we tire of it if we had too much? I hear people talk about too much of a good thing, but to me that is impossible. Could there be too much kindness? How about too much love? I don't think so! I'm going to go try some new pumpkin spice thing.  

Make A Dogs Day

Every morning I write about being kind to each other. Sometimes I remind us all that we also need to be kind to ourselves. Wait! What about the animals in our lives and the unconditional love they give us? Well, today is Make A Dogs Day, the perfect time to show some extra kindness to your doggie.  Let us know what you do too.  I'd love to see some details in the comments below!

COVID kindness

In the midst of a pandemic, things are certainly different.  Kindness is probably more important now than ever.  One very important (and kind) thing is to help protect our neighbors.  Parties and dinners at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and all the associated things like trick-or-treating, need to be modified this year.  Hey!  Good health and safety is important.  I'm hearing a lot of talk about zoom Thanksgivings.  This could actually be more fun.  We wouldn't even have to put on our pants!

It's Universal Kindness Day

Today is Universal Kindness Day! Actually I said that back on July 22nd in 2017, and I had made it up then. I think every single day should be Universal Kindness Day though, don't you?  Let's make it happen!

Kindness pandemic

I know that nobody is happy with this pandemic.  What we really need now is a kindness pandemic or a love pandemic!

Do Something Nice Day

Today is Do Something Nice Day. Seriously. I don't make this stuff up. Go ahead, do something nice, anything nice. And, do it to, or for, another individual. Doing something nice for someone almost always evokes a very pleasant response. At the very least, it results in a smile. More likely, that person will do something nice to, or for you. And, best of all, doing something nice just might be contagious. Sometimes we call it kindness.

Off before on

Riding a streetcar with my mom, we arrived at our stop and when the doors opened, we couldn't get off.  Boarding passengers rushed to get on pushing aside everyone near the doors.  It happens all the time.  Buses and trains and even elevators.  Not only is it rude and very unkind, but it isn't safe at all.  Please dear folks, let people get off first before you board!

World Smile Day

The first Friday in October is World Smile Day. Did you know that? Today celebrates the ever popular yellow smiley. The intent of World Smile Day is to do an act of kindness, or help one person to smile. Hey! Why not do both!?

Day for the Elderly

Today is International Day for the Elderly, dedicated to honor, respect and care for the world's elderly population. Anything we do to help, or support elderly people is a great idea!   Let's be especially kind. Remember, someday we all hope to be included among this group!