thanks!

In E.B. White's classic "Charlotte's Web," there is a wonderful passage that means a lot to me: 

“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 

'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

To all my friends, and to all you dear readers of this blog, thanks!  Let's look forward to a very kind 2021!

Kindest time of the year

My observation is that this last month every year from the end of November to the end of December, is the kindest time of all, even during a pandemic. People collect warm coats, toys, canned goods, and other things for those in need. Cards and gifts are sent, sometimes even to strangers. There is even singing in the streets! It's wonderful to be sure, but I wish this kindness would last all year long!

Decorations and lights

I love the decorations lights that we find this time of year. It's fun seeing houses and businesses all decorated for the holidays, even if there might be a bit less this year. How does your neighborhood look? Did you add anything to the colorful decorating?  I think this type of sharing is so very kind.

Being thankful

There was a time when folks always gave thanks when someone gave them something. It didn't matter if you gave them an expensive gift or if you simply paid them a compliment. It was appreciated, and the recipient said so. I try to be a nice guy. Giving is part of my nature. I don't give because I want thanks, but those thank yous always warmed my heart. They still do, although folks don't say thank you nearly as much anymore.

They say charity begins at home

So many donation requests this time of year - dozens and dozens of charities asking for money. It might be a pain to sort through all those letters and emails, but there are indeed many organizations worth giving too and this annual push gets them a lot of money. Of course as they say, charity begins at home, so our first responsibility is for the needs of our own family and friends and co-workers. Not all of us can give with money (sometimes it just isn't there), but we can all show extra kindness and we all can show love and concern.

Christmas is a state of mind

The 30th US President, Calvin Coolidge said "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."

childhood memories

"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 Christmastime."  -Laura Ingalls Wilder

naughty or nice

Santa knows who has been naughty or nice, but who else knows?  Well I can tell you that your friends and relatives know if you are nice.  They know if you are kind.  Actually kindness is such a wonderful thing that truly kind people get a reputation for being kind.

You can quote me

From time to time I quote people first thing in the morning and this comes from writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde. "It is not our differences that divide us.  It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."

Strength From Adversity

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." -Walt Disney

Everybody loves the holidays

Most of us think that everybody loves the holidays, but if you are homeless, or can't afford food, or recently lost a loved one, or a number of other things, the holidays just make bring more sadness than happiness.  Join me in thinking of others and help make the days brighter, now and in the new year ahead.  Spread that kindness!

Mom

It's now been several years since Mom passed away, but I still think of her a lot, and today would have been her birthday.  It's hard to write a daily blog about being kind, without thinking of Mom too.  She taught me all about kindness because she lived kindness.  She also taught me the importance of sticking with things, and after doing this for over four years, I guess I learned that one too!

Ellen's kindness

This week Ellen DeGeneres explained why she says "Be kind" at the end of her show (and it isn't a nod to this blog). “Here’s how that happened, I started saying ‘be kind to one another’ after a young man named Tyler Clementi took his own life after being bullied for being gay. I thought the world needed more kindness, and it was a reminder that we all needed that. And I think we need it more than ever right now.”  I agree Ellen!

The nurse I don't know

Quite a while back I became connected to a guy on social media who is extremely positive.  I can't remember what it was that connected us, but I'm glad it happened.  He was encouraging from the beginning, and after my recent cardiac incident, he continues to inspire and encourage.  Not long ago he became a nurse and so he cares for people's health every single day.  It's his job.  Some people go beyond their job though.  This guy, who doesn't live in my town and whom I have never met face to face, is one of those more than the job kind of people.  He is kind.  Yesterday he messaged me "Stay on top of your self care, we only get one body!"  I so appreciate that.  I don't usually talk about specific individuals here, but today I had to.  I'm glad he is in my life and I thank him!

Quoting Robert Kennedy

"Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not."  -Robert Francis Kennedy

Three important things

I know I have said this before, but since I agree so much, I just have to say it once again!  Novelist Henry James said (to his nephew Billy James) "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind."  Indeed.

Making people smile

The other day someone I know tweeted "All I want for Christmas this year is to make people smile."  What an incredible wish!  This caring, kind, unselfish guy always makes me smile.  My wish would be that we could all smile every single day of our lives.

It's the little things

We can change our world one small act at a time. That's why kindness is so important.  It's the little things that add so much when life's journey is difficult.  We can begin with something as little as a smile.

The Kindness Guru

The other day, someone called me the Kindness Guru.  I wasn't sure how to take that, and so I asked.  It seems my friend thought I was an expert on kindness.  Oh my!  An expert?  How lovely if we all could be an expert!  I tried to clear things up and would to do so here as well.  I look for our world to be kinder each day.  That requires us all to do our part, and that certainly includes me.  This blog is meant to encourage the readers, and also to encourage me.  I hope that by sharing ideas, we will all be a little more kind.  Your thoughts are always welcome!

The kindest one of all

How many facebook friends do you have?  How about your followers on Instagram or twitter?  Over the years we meet a lot of people.  Do we stay in touch with all of them?  Probably not.  For me it's the nice ones - the kind ones, that I always want to stay connected to.  Think about all the folks in your life.  Now, who is the kindest one of all?

The tradition of kindness

We probably have more traditions at this time of year than any other. So many different holidays and observances and they all seem to have various ways of celebrating. Sometimes tradition can weight us down and we become afraid to try new things. I love the numerous ways that folks so kindness during this season though and would love for that to be the biggest tradition of all!

Hot Chocolate

There was a wonderful British soul band that was popular during the 1970s and 1980s, called Hot Chocolate, but you know I am actually going to say something about the beverage. What I have to say is really pretty simple. I happen to like hot chocolate (cocoa) just about any time, but especially when the weather is cold.  One of the kindest things anyone can do is to offer me a piping hot cup!

A difference

Which feels better, being kind to someone, or having someone be kind to you?  Is there a difference in the feeling?  Both are nice, huh?  When you see that someone appreciates your efforts, there just isn't a better feeling!

sharing goodies with the homeless

Has EVERYBODY been bringing candy and cookies and fudge and cake to work these days? Was the big potluck so big that there are leftovers galore? Pack up some boxes and bags and share these goodies with homeless folk you encounter. Shouldn't they have a happy holiday season as well?

Feeling good with Ellen

We all know this has not been the best year. If I'm feeling blue though, I watch clips of The Ellen Show - I adore Ellen DeGeneres and there are so many feel-good moments on her show, not to mention her reminders to "Be kind to one another." Isn't that what I say here?

Henry James on kindness

Novelist Henry James said (to his nephew Billy James) "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind."  I certainly agree! 

every person

every person has a voice.
every person  has a story.
every person  has a dream.
every person  has an ability. 
never be afraid to share yours.

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Theodor Seuss Geisel (whom we better know as Dr Seuss), must have been a very kind man. His numerous children's stories are fun, but they are also inspiring. This morning I am thinking particularly of these words from Oh, The Places You'll Go! "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go."

You matter

You might not have heard it lately.  You might not have ever heard it (although I hope that isn't so), but you matter.  To some folks it is obvious.  Too often though we fail to say it or to show it.  Regardless of that, you matter.  You will always matter.  Never think otherwise.

For the love of music

For nine months now, our world has been very different from the way we all knew it.  One thing that has really helped me throughout this time is music.  I love music - all kinds.  I listen pretty much all day.  In a few hours I will listen to a live cello performance that a very kind artist is sharing with the world.  Right now, a Texas radio station is playing classic hits as I type this.  Music really has super powers.

Happiness and love

What brings me happiness? The happiness of others. Twenty-two years ago there was a first meeting by two wonderful people I know. They have since married and show so much kindness and love every single day. Oddly, I don't really know them all that well and now only see them on social media, but there love always encourages me. May they have a happy anniversary, and may that love always keep on growing!