hope and confidence for the New Year

We're just about ready to begin a brand new year.  As 2022 comes to an end, don't despair.  Instead, look ahead to a kinder year, to better happier days. May we start out fresh tomorrow with hope and with confidence that great things will happen in 2023!

The year is almost over

The year is almost over and on the whole, I think it has been a good year.  There is still a lot of negativity and still a lot of hate, but I think that kindness is growing, and that is certainly a good thing.  Let's help it continue to grow.  We can never have too much kindness.

More to come

Just to set the record straight, Christmas isn't over.  It seems some folks want to start things off earlier and earlier each year and end earlier too.  How sad.  This is a time of great kindness and joy and I think it's best when it is fully embraced for each of the twelve days.  December 25th didn't end the Christmas season.  It was actually the beginning and we can continue to celebrate right through January 5th!

Have a great journey

This journey is not just about reaching a destination, it’s about enjoying and learning from the journey itself.  Have a great journey.  

best version of yourself

Not only do you have to be disciplined to become the best version of yourself, but you also have to want that with all your heart.

Holidays galore

I love December 26th.  It's Boxing Day, the second day of Christmas, the first day of Kwanzaa, and Saint Stephen's Day!  So many opportunities to show kindness.  So much joy!!

Happy Christmas to all!

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, you deserve happiness and joy.  My wish for you is lots of love and kindness today and always.  Let us all continue to do our part to share and spread that kindness to everyone!

Joy

Live each day with joy.  Feel the joy and share the joy.  (That sharing is really the best part).  This world can never have too much joy!

Thanks for the greeting

No matter what your belief, when someone says "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays,"  "Happy Hanukkah," or any other holiday greeting, thank them!

never too cold to help

Have you had your fill of winter yet? Tired of the snow or the cold or both? Do a kind deed for someone and that will warm you up! It's never to cold to help someone else! Shovel the snow from your neighbor's walk or just help by sweeping it. Pick up an extra coffee (or two or three) and share it with random people you come in contact with. Think of all the ways you can warm someone's heart, and you will end up warming your own.

the message

What can I say about being kind that I haven't already said?  I'm sure I will think of something.  I can repeat myself too because you can never hear the message too much.  The message is one that should continue throughout all time.  It's not just talking about it, but also DOING it.  Nobody is perfect and I find that I am not the person I wish to be, but I will keep on trying to do better and I will keep on spreading the message.  

Thinking of Mom

Every year on her birthday, I think of Mom.  She was kind, always.  I often wish that the whole world had known her.  Perhaps then we would have more kindness.

exercise for the heart

It isn't easy to bear someone else's suffering or feel someone else's heart break, but with a heart of pure kindness, it is possible to feel empathy. There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

brighten someone's day

Random acts of kindness are always good. Smile at someone new, help a friend with a project, volunteer at a local group. As you go about your day, brighten someone else's.

health

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” May we all have good health! I am thinking about that especially on this World AIDS Day.

grateful for every good thing

On this Thanksgiving morning, I'm reminded of these words from Ralph Waldo Emerson:  "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude."  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

important task

Today is Election Day in the United States.  We have a wonderful task to perform, a right that so many countries do not enjoy.  Let us fully participate and let us enjoy this great right, but let us also remember to be civil and to be kind.

Help is available

I'm seeing a number of stories lately about people taking their own lives, and I am saddened.  There have been a number of people in public life who had fans and friends who are also saddened.  I have said this before, but it is always worth repeating.  Every life is precious.  Help is available, no matter how bad things might get.  The 988 Suicide and Crisis Line is always available.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

(Formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) 

offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors 

who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, 

and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. 

People can also dial 988 

if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

being kind and thankful and remembering

The month ahead is not just for being kind, but also a time for being thankful and for remembering. Day of the Dead observances help us to remember those we love but see no more. Thanksgiving Day helps us to be grateful and to remember why that is important. All along the way, kindness is always important.  November is such a great month,

The wisdom of Oprah

Yesterday I quoted the wonderful Oprah Winfrey. I'm always reading things she writes. This I found appropriate for today and also very inspiring. Miss Winfrey says "Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

Oprah Winfrey said

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."

Come out Come out

On National Coming Out Day it should be noted that folks are urged to come out, but nobody should feel pressured into doing it.  It's a personal thing - when the time is right for you.  Nobody should have to hide though.  Everyone should be free to live their life openly and honestly.  If you feel safe, come out as gay, bisexual, transgender, lesbian, queer, supportive, questioning - whatever label works best, and be your true self.

pumpkin kindness

A brand-new month is here!  Just ahead are thirty-one days in which to be kind.  Share some of that pumpkin kindness or maybe pumpkin spice!  

On this Sunday

On this Sunday morning, as you go about your business, take a moment to think about the kindness you experience and how it makes you feel.  Share that with others and help them experience it as well!  Kindness is always best when shared!

Happy Labor Day

Someone who works with their hands is a laborer. Someone who works with their hands and their head is a craftsman. Someone who works with their hands and their head and their heart is an artist. Happy Labor Day everybody!

Funeral talk

Yesterday I was at a funeral, and although it was of course a sad occasion, it was rather pleasant to hear so many kind things being said.  I wish we shared that sort of kindness everyday.  Of course you don't expect malicious, nasty, or unkind words when folks gather to remember the dead, but it was extra nice hearing positive things said about the deceased and others, including some people who knew my mom and mentioned how much they missed her.

September

September is here! September is the ninth month of the year, the third of four months to have a length of 30 days, and the first of the four 'ber' months. In the Northern hemisphere, we see the beginning autumn, and in the Southern hemisphere, the beginning spring.  September gives us thirty more days to be kind to each other!

thankful

Yesterday was my birthday and I am so filled with joy that people remembered. I had contact with people I know, but also from strangers. That sure feels good and is also very kind. When you hear it is someone's birthday or anniversary, take a moment to send warm wishes. Seriously. It doesn't matter if you know them. It will still make them feel good. I am thankful!

Let it begin with me

Sometimes it may seem like I am telling everyone else to be kind, but I don't have to worry about a thing.  I need to work on this as much as the next person.  In many cases, I have to work more, and harder.  Because I'd love to see a kinder world, I must say, "Let it begin with me."  I'm going to do this.  It's important.

be extra kind

 I LOVE August!  It's my birth month.  My father and my maternal grandfather were also born in August.  Good month.  Be kind.  Be extra kind.

obituaries

Yesterday I wrote about Tony Dow here.  I don't usually write obituaries, but I kept hearing a word over and over when describing Tony.  The word is kind.  How wonderful when the first thing people think about you is your kindness.  He will be remembered of course for his acting, producing, directing, and as a sculptor, but I am so very glad he will also be remembered for his kindness.

Tony Dow

After a premature announcement earlier in the week, actor Tony Dow passed away yesterday.  I'm writing about him here, because of his kindness.  His daughter-in-law, Melissa said "Tony was such a kind man. He had such a huge heart and I’ve never heard Tony say a bad or negative thing about anyone." I have heard so many comments like this.  A fan said, "It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony."  Leave it to Beaver star Jerry Mathers said "He was not only my brother on TV but in many ways in life as well.  Tony leaves an empty place in my heart that won’t be filled.  He was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere and humble man, that it was my honor and privilege to be able to share memories together with for 65 years."  Thank you, Tony.  Rest in peace. 

Kindest day of July

What is the kindest day of the month of July?  How about today?  Yes, we can make July 2th the kindest day (until tomorrow comes along).  Then, we can share even more kindness, and more, and more, and more.  We can make this happen. Start spreading that kindness!

Suicide Prevention Lifeline is changing

Some important news:  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is going to be 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  On July 16, 988 will be a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the US, you can easily access emotional support at any time. In the meantime, please continue to share 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected with a trained, caring counselor. Please make a note of this.  They are always there for you.

so much bad news

Lately there has been so much bad news? Why? Well, there isn't a simple answer, but a lot of it comes down to mental health issues and also people not caring about each other. What are we going to do about it? We can begin with how we act. Let's all try to be extra kind. Now that does not mean we should let people walk all over us. We need to stand up and demand change, positive change. We can make this a better world, but we have to do something. Let's go!

stop the shooting

There were so many shootings again yesterday, on a day when we should have been coming together in a positive way.  Numerous deaths and even more injuries.  (As I write this, the official numbers some places are not yet known).  This makes me very sad.  Can we bring back love and kindness and stop the shooting?  PLEASE!

Happy Fourth!

Remembering the words of General George Patton: “Better to fight for something than live for nothing.”  May we all stand up for what we believe in.  Happy Fourth everyone.  Make a difference.  Be kind.

Happy Canada Day!

To all our Canadian friends, warm wishes for a happy Canada Day!  Do something special to celebrate, and keep on spreading the kindness!

summertime

Summer began this week!  For some people it's no big deal, but many folks get a bit of extra time during this season.  Picnics, vacations, travel, hiking, boating - so many fun things come up during the summer months.  Remember though as always, to be kind.

fathers

Today is Fathers Day.  Be especially kind today to your father, your grandfathers, and all the father figures in your life.  Special happiness to all of you who are fathers to someone.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday dear readers!  Make today a special one by reaching out to someone and doing something especially kind for them.  Don't stop there though.  Do something kind for yourself too!

Best Friends Day

Today is National Best Friends Day and I am reminded of a thought that was once shared by Oprah Winfrey:  "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

in the news

These days in the news there seems to be more and more negative things, including another mass shooting last night.  I don't remember this much bad news coming all at once.  I will keep on saying it though - it is in our hands.  Make an extra effort to show kindness to others.  The more kindness, the more we will encourage other people to be the same way.  It won't happen overnight, but it's a start.  How great it would be to see a newspaper full of stories about kindness!

Happy Pride!

Someone once said, "Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet." Indeed. In a world with so much hate, everyone should be allowed to love.  As LGBTQ+ Pride Month begins, I hope that everyone will be able to be their true self and love who they want to love.  Happy Pride everyone!

This Holiday

Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor the men and women of the US military who lost their lives in the line of duty.  We don't know them all of course, but in our kindness and compassion, on this day we hold them in a special place because they did something special for us all.

another shooting

How many shootings is it going to take before people stand up and say they want action?  Horrible killings make the news, and we are all shocked and disgusted, but then the story fades away and it's pretty much business as usual, except for the friends and families of victims.  Do we care?  Do we have any love in our hearts?  These senseless acts aren't happening in other parts of the world, so surely it doesn't have to be this we.  Let's do something.  Let's finally do something.  Stop the shootings.  Life is precious.

Harvey Milk Day

Today being Harvey Milk Day, I'd like to share some words of his: "The only thing they have to look forward to is hope.  And you have to give them hope.  Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better place to come to if the pressures at home are too great.  Hope that all will be all right."

Stop the hate

Please, stop the hate.  There is just too much of it and it seems to be growing.  The mass murder yesterday of people out grocery shopping makes me sick to my stomach.  Seriously folks.  The hate has got to stop.  Love is the answer.  It is the only answer.  Let us all live together and respect each other.  Once and for all time, let us stop the hate!

Friday the 13th

It's Friday the 13th, are you afraid?  Don't be.  Paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th) is easily overcome with a smile and a confidence that this day can be just as good as any other.  Be kind to yourself.  Never fear. 

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day. It actually commemorates a significant battle during the Franco-Mexican War that took place in a town called Puebla. Tacos are a staple at any Cinco de Mayo party, but the holiday's most beloved dish is mole poblano. Did you know that? Of course, today is also a very good excuse to be kind, just like every day!

Every life is important

Over the weekend, a famous singer ended her life after long suffering mental illness.  She will be missed.  Suicide is never the answer.  People need to know that there are options.  Asking for help is a good thing.  Offering help is a good thing too.  Caring about others is a very good thing.  Every single life is important.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, 

free and confidential support for people in distress,

prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

1-800-273-8255

N Sync says

Every year as April comes to a close, I think of N Sync, and I'm sure you all know why.  (No groaning please).  Look at the calendar.  It's gonna be May!

chain reaction

Tomorrow is Pay It Forward Day. What an extra-special time for kindness, huh? When someone does something kind for you, pay it forward. Let it be like a chain reaction. Hopefully the next person will pay it forward too, and the person after that, and the person after that, and on and on. A never-ending series of kindness.  How wonderful!

Be kind to our planet

Today is Earth Day, which will hopefully serve as a wakeup call for is to all be kind to our planet. It is NOT just about us, but the kind thing is to think of the future and the generations to come. Today and every day, I urge you to be a friend to the environment, to work to reverse climate change, and to be good stewards of this Earth, our home.

Suicide Awareness

Suicide Awareness is something I have mentioned a number of times here, and I will certainly mention it again.  It's important.  Asking for help is a good thing.  Offering help is a good thing too.  Caring about others is a very good thing.  Every life is important.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, 

free and confidential support for people in distress,

prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

1-800-273-8255

Feasts

We are having several feasts right now. In a rare calendar alignment, Passover, Easter, and Ramadan converge this year, so happiness all around (hopefully) and even more reasons to be kind!

Remembering Ewing

It was only in the last several years of his life that I knew him, but the kindness he showed toward me, my mother, and every single person he met was inspiring.  Ewing was a genuinely nice man, and from the stories I heard from those who had known him longer, he had always been nice.  He was an adventurer too, having hopped a freight train and traveled across the country in his younger days.  He was also a man of great faith - always active in his church, and in his community.  Memories of Ewing will always stay with me.

Library Workers Day

Today is National Library Workers Day.  Libraries are amazing places full of so many resources and the folks who work in the libraries are pretty amazing too.  Thank them.  Be kind to them.  Acknowledge the wonderful gift that they give to us.

April Fool

There is no need to be kind today. In fact, we can stop being kind now and always. APRIL FOOL! Well, actually I can't fool you, right? While people might be going about pranking others today, we should still be kind, perhaps even more kind. It is the kind and positive way we treat others, that makes our days brighter!

kind month

Has March been a kind month for you?  Is there a particular act of kindness that stands out?  Let's see if we can exceed that in April!  Let's make April the kindest month ever!

organ donation

Every organ donor offers more hope to people who need transplants, and that means more hope for their families. Are you an organ donor? It's such a very kind thing to do!

At the Oscars

Everyone is talking about last night's Academy Awards today, but I simply must say something about one of my favorite moments.  It was when South Korean actress Youn Yuh-Jung graciously delivered the award to Coda actor Troy Katsur. Because Katsur is deaf, she signed his name in American Sign Language before saying it out loud. Nice.

kind justice

The Senate Judiciary Committee has been holding held confirmation hearings Supreme Court nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, and I've been watching. When confirmed, she will be the first Black woman to serve on the High Court. Have they been treating her fairly though? Are they being kind?

International Women's Day

On this International Women's Day, I am reminded of these words from Bella Abzug: “The test of whether or not you can hold a job should not be in the arrangement of your chromosomes.”  Treating women equally is not only kind, but it is most certainly right and proper.

DETERMINED

I am so determined.  I want to be a kinder and nicer person.  I'm hoping to convince others to be kinder too.  I know we can do this!  I'm determined.

marching into a new month

Here is March.  It's the third month of the year.  It's also another opportunity to show kindness and concern for others.  Let's make the most of this new month!  Let's all be kind.

Encouraging words from Roger Ebert

I think I have shared these words from the late film critic Roger Ebert, but they are important, so think about them once again.  "To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try."

Two words

Just two little words:  Be kind.  That's what is blog is all about.  I hope in the years I have been doing this, it has reached a few people and helped them become more kind.  I also hope it continues to make me more aware and hopefully become a kinder person.

Did you feel the love

Cards, candy, flowers, teddy bears, all kinds of messages and gifts - Did you feel the love?  The love and the joy of Valentine's Day isn't only romantic, and it didn't have to end yesterday.  Let's keep it going!  Share the love.

Love

The late columnist Ann Landers once wrote "Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving.  It is loyalty through good and bad times.  It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness.”  Think about her words on this Valentine's Day and celebrate the love.

Colin Powell said

Colin Powell had something to say about kindness: "Don't just show kindness in passing or to be courteous. Show it in depth, show it with passion, and expect nothing in return. Kindness is not just about being nice; it's about recognizing another human being who deserves care and respect."

Rest in peace

One of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever met died this week from COVID-19 complications.  I only had the privilege of knowing her a few years, but I saw the love and the care that were a part of her life every day.  It is always sad when folks pass away - we won't see them anymore.  It is a comfort though when they leave behind such warm memories.

I'm not the judge

Please be assured that I am not the judge. That certainly is not my place. Judge for yourself though. Are you a kind person?  How kind are you?  Are you always kind, or just sometimes?  Are you kind to everyone? If the answer is no, what's holding you back? From time to time, I look back on my day and the people I interact with.  Am I proud of the way I acted?  Can I do better?  Something to think about.

keep on making my heart sing

Occasionally I hear or see such wonderful things, that it makes my heart sing!  Keep on spreading that kindness and keep on making my heart sing!

only the laundry

My mom said the only thing that should be separated by color is laundry, but when I was little, I remember seeing "whites only" signs and public water fountains were all labeled "colored" or "white." I didn't understand it. I still see people not wanting to interact with people of different races or ethnicities and I still don't understand it.  Why be separate? The more we experience each other, the more we experience life!

still going strong

When I began writing this a few years ago, how many of you expected I would continue each day for more than a week or two? Being kind is important. There is so much that can be said. There is so much that we can do. Kindness is the great medicine that can make all sorts of things better.

donate blood

This week I will be coordinating two blood drives and I know I'll see a lot of kindness. The act of donating blood is a generous and amazing thing and I'm always filled with gratitude and joy as I see the donors arrive. About one in seven people who come to the hospital need blood, including surgery patients, women in childbirth, accident victims, and cancer patients. The blood supply comes from caring donors like you. When you give blood, you give someone another chance at life.  Thanks in advance to all who donate.

happy weekend

Happy weekend everybody!  Love yourself.  Love and respect others.  Be a light in the world.  Above everything, be kind.

pass it on

Do something today to make others smile.  Stay positive.  Let today be your best and share all that good with those around you.  Truly pass it on!

let it begin with me

We need more kindness.  I'm not talking about how you should act.  This really isn't an instruction manual.  It's so very important for these words here be directed to me.  We ALL should be kind.  Let it begin with me,

Punxsutawney repeat

Remember the film Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray's character, weatherman Phil Connors gets stuck in a time loop in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania? I love that movie, but the idea of some things repeating over and over is pretty cool too. Let's put kindness on a continual repeating loop. I know for sure that would be a good thing!

Too many suicides

Too many suicides. Actually, any suicide is too many. Every life is important.  Care about your family and friends, and even total strangers.  Be there for them.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7,

free and confidential support for people in distress,

prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

1-800-273-8255

grateful

As I grow older, I frequently reflect on this reality: I am so very grateful for the sharing of simple acts of kindness, whenever and wherever they happen.

I want to be a nice person

I want to be a giving person and just a nice person in general. I hope that I along the way I can influence others, not only by my words, but more importantly by my actions.

There can never be too much

Kindness is such a good thing, there can never be too much.  More and more kind acts, and we can still enjoy more of them.  Kindness brings about happiness.  Let's never stop!

We Are The World

"There comes a time when we heed a certain call

  When the world must come together as one."   -opening line of We Are The World, written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, and recorded on this date in 1985 by an all-star cast.  It is still true that the world must come together!

remembering

Remembering the six million victims of the Jewish Holocaust and millions of victims of Nazism on this annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this solemn occasion, the UN urges every member state to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides. Remembering is important, but so is making sure this never happens again.

Let's do it!

Our world can always do with a little bit more kindness. Perhaps that kindness should begin with me and you.  Let's do it!

starting fresh

We are starting fresh today with a brand new year.  How wonderful.  Enjoy the holiday and be kind to yourself and all you encounter along the way.  Let's make 2022 a very kind year!

24th

Today is the twenty-fourth day of this month.  Is that significant? Of course it is! Every single day of our lives is significant. Today is the day when we share love and kindness. Yesterday was that day too, and tomorrow will be as well. The joys of the January 24th are the joys of every single day of our lives!  

on the chalkboard

Did you ever have a teacher who told you to write something over and over on the chalkboard as a learning tool (or as a punishment)?  Go write this 100 times on the chalkboard: I AM A KIND PERSON. Wait! Better yet, let's all just BE a kind person!

no strings attached

Did you ever have someone tell you how many things they had done for you and how you now owe them?  Gifts don't come with strings attached.  In my way of thinking, they gave you nothing at all.  Of course, ii is always very nice to do kind things for those who have done kind things for you, but that should not be your reason. Actually, no reason is necessary at all. Give out of the love in your heart and expect nothing in return. That is the real joy!

endless ideas

I've said before that the list of kind acts is an endless one, and it's true.  Think about it.  What random act can you do today, to make someone's day?  Share some of your ideas here.  Together we can make this a kinder world!

100 years old

A few years ago, a woman I knew was turning 100. That doesn't happen every day, but it still is special. What though do you give someone who is 100 years old? I reached out on social media and asked people to send birthday cards. The response wasn't as big as I had hoped, but it was still quite wonderful. Virtually everyone was a stranger to this lady, and yet they took the time to brighten her day with a card. I'm only sorry that the senders didn't get to see her smile!

It's universal

Kindness is the universal language that everyone can relate to.  Deaf people can hear it and blind people can see it.  We can all relate to kindness!

following her example

Yesterday Betty White would have turned 100, and instead of the celebration that had been planned before she passed away last month, I saw a lot of people sharing their fond memories of her, and following her example, there were so many donating to animal related charities.  Kindness was so much a part of who Betty was, and it was heartwarming to see so many share that same kindness and love.

Martin Luther King Jr said

I've quoted people here before, but on this Martin Luther King, Je Day, I want to share some quotes from Dr King that might not be as familiar to you.  + “We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” + “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” + “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” + “No person has the right to rain on your dreams.” + “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” + “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” + “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend.”

three things

I know I have said this before, but since I agree so much, I just have to say it once more.  The words are from novelist Henry James who 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 agree!

halfway

Can you believe we are already halfway through January?  Oh my!  Time flies, huh?  I suppose when you are so busy doing kind things, you really lose track of things like time.

take it easy on yourself

Every year about this time I think of all the folks who made resolutions to begin the year.  How are they doing?  Did the first two weeks of the year make them just want to give up?  Kindness isn't just about others, we need to also include ourselves.  If we fail at something, we shouldn't neat ourselves up.  I happen to think that resolutions come with too much pressure anyway.  Take it easy on yourself.  None of us is perfect.

I'm not perfect

I want to make something very clear.  I'm not perfect.  I doubt if I ever could be.  It certainly isn't my aim.  I want to be a good person.  I want to be caring and kind.  I never have had any interest in being perfect.  I would like to improve my health and I'd like to do a lot more to help make our world a better place.  I don't write this though for you to say, "look at this amazing person."  My words here are only for encouragement, both for you and for me.

good advice

Accept what is,
  let go of what was,
    have faith in what will be.

Aesop's quotes

I love most of Aesop's fables, but I also like a lot of his quotes, like this one.  "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." 

how many

How many things can you say about kindness?  Well at least 1,898 based on the number of posts here so far, but I'm sure there are many more!  I think I should keep on going.  This just might make me a kinder person.  

miracles

Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.

alone

Nobody should have to be all alone.  Folks can choose that of course, but it really shouldn't be forced upon them.  Reach out, even to strangers.  Be a friend to the friendless.  Be kind.

Some special ideas

Kindness?  Here are some special ideas - Let a car into the traffic ahead of you.  Buy flowers for someone (postal worker, grocery store clerk, bus driver, etc.). Bring coffee to a co-worker. Help someone change a flat tire. Post anonymous sticky notes with validating or uplifting messages around for people to find. Compliment a colleague on their work. Send an encouraging text to someone. Buy extra at the grocery store and donate it to a food pantry, 

hot tea

How cold is it right now where you live? Bundle up and share warm wishes with others. A very kind gesture might be to give folks hot beverages - cider is particularly popular at this time of year.  I'm love some hot tea.

12th Night

Christmas ends tonight.  Yes, it's true.  I know some think it began WAY back in October or even September, and it ended on December 25th, but no, that's not how it goes.  Some year I would love to see some old traditions return, like keeping the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Anyway, tonight is Twelfth Night.  Be kind!  Merry Christmas!

Celebrate

How many days until the next holiday?  There are a lot of folks who really look forward to holiday celebrations, especially the gift-giving ones.  I say celebrate every day.  Really.  Make every day special.  Make those around you happy.

being remembered

So many celebrity deaths lately, but I couldn't help noticing the words used to describe several of them: "warm," "nice" and "kind." None of us lives forever of course, but how wonderful to be remembered as nice and kind. Of course, we are kind and warm and nice just to be remembered for this, but what a great fringe benefit.

Betty White's words

Remembering Betty White with her own words: “It's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”

follow Betty White's example

By now you know that the wonderful Betty White died yesterday at the age of 99. I have to mention her here because Betty could easily have been the poster-person for kindness. She was well known for her love of animals, but it really went beyond that. Betty loved live and Betty loved people.  In her honor and memory, let's be extra kind this year.  Let's follow Betty White's example.