That was fast

It's hard for me to believe that we have almost reach the end of the first month of the year.  That was fast!  Hopefully each day is getting a bit better for you.  Hopefully there are a lot of wonderful things just ahead.  

COVID Kindness

There is something we can all do about COVID-19.  We can all keep our distance.  We can all wash our hands.  We can all wear a mask.  All of this will help to slow the spread.  It's also the kind thing to do.  Oh and one more thing.  We can all get vaccinated just as soon as our age group is eligible!

One week ago

It's hard to believe, but Joe Biden has now been President of the United States for a week.  Oh my!  Have you noticed any differences?  Do we seem to be any kinder?  Seriously, what do you think?

Shared quote from a friend

Because a friend of mine know that I write this every day, he shared a quote with me. It's from philosopher and essayist Thomas Carlyle (and I think I have shared it here already, but it's a good one, so onc more). He said "Without kindness there can be no true joy." True!

good relationship

"A good relationship is when someone accepts your past, supports your present, and encourages your future." Amen to that! This was said this week by Randy Pangalila to his wife, on the occasion of their wedding anniversary, but I think it works for any relationship. What an uplifting quote.

We look ahead

"We look ahead in our uniquely American way - restless, bold, optimistic - and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be." -words spoken yesterday by newly inaugurated President Joe Biden

Words from Barack Obama

These words from former President Barack Obama seem particularly significant today: "In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope."

America was not built on fear

It has been a rough few weeks with concerns over the pandemic, the elections, unrest in Washington and threats of more. I try to always have a positive attitude. I don't just preach kindness, I practice it. I also get great comfort from those who came before us. Former President Harry S. Truman said "America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand." He was correct you know.

light or darkness

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. How appropriate that it falls just two days before we welcome a new US President.  Dr King said many memorable and encouraging things in his lifetime.  One of them seemed perfect for our time: "The time is always right to do what is right."  I remembered another one though that is even more perfect for us today:  "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."

Kennedy's famous words

With this being Inauguration Week, it seems fitting and proper to quote John F. Kennedy from his Inaugural Address back on January 20, 1961. "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

The magic of America

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once said "The magic of America is that we're a free and open society with a mixed population. Part of our security is our freedom."  With turmoil in our government, it's comforting to look at positive messages like this.

Freedom responsibility

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said "Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect." A very good reminder to us.

About those resolutions

Were you one of the folks who made resolutions when the year began?  So, how are they coming?  It can be tough.  Remember it is a good thing.  If you are having difficulty with them, perhaps you might want to modify them a bit.  The most important resolution (I think) is to be more kind.  That's one I always work on.

Personal experience

So many times last year, and already several times this year, I have experienced great kindness.  There are so many loving, caring people in our world.  I always smile and am thankful when people are kind to me, but I really feel especially lucky.  Being kind to others feels real good, but being on the receiving end feels really good too!

Sad Day

Yesterday was a sad day in American history.  It wasn't only sad, it was frightening.  I fear more frightening days ahead.  We can do better.  We know the difference between right and wrong.  My hopes and prayers are for calm and for peace.  May we be kind and considerate and follow the law and may we always show respect, even at moments when we might disagree.

First do no harm

I don't think the phrase "First do no harm" is actually a part of the oath to Hippocrates, though many say it is there, but as a patient this week, I am seeing firsthand that not only do these clinical workers do no harm, but there work so very hard to make people comfortable.  There is not always a cure.  People get sick.  People die.  Thank goodness though for the nurses and doctors and techs and all the many hospital workers.  Thanks too for the kindness of all the family members and friends.  I am truly overwhelmed.

Being thankful to your past

Author Mehmet Murat ildan said "In the New Year, never forget to thank to your past years because they enabled you to reach today! Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future!"

neither an end nor a beginning

As 2021 starts, these words of author Hal Borland come to mind: "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."

You say you want a resolution

You say you want a resolution? It is a common practice for people to change undesired traits or behaviors and to resolve to continue good practices and perhaps accomplish certain goals or otherwise improve their life at the start of a brand new year. In 2021, I wonder how many are making any sort of resolution. Are you?  Have you had success with resolutions in the past?  I always resolve to try to be more kind and to encourage the kindness of others.  Good luck with whatever you decide and happy New Year to you all!