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!

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.

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.

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!

profile words

Sometimes people's social media profiles really grab me.  Yesterday I saw one that read "Love is the answer. Spread the light. Kindness is the new cool."  I like that!  That's another great reason for being kind - it's the new cool!

great holiday gift

Kindness makes a great holiday gift.  When I began writing this five years ago, I had no idea how long I would continue.  I'm sure I can go another five!  There is so much to say and there are so many ways to be kind.  Let's never stop finding new ways.  This holiday season let us all be especially kind.

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.

snowy kindness

Have you seen your first snowfall yet this season? As I think thoughts of kindness (and of white fluffy snow), I am reminder of the words of Kahlil Gibran who said "Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers." Indeed. May we have a long snowy season, or at least one filled with kindness!

What can I do for you?

Some folks go through life always asking "What have you done for me?"  I much prefer thinking "What can I do for you?"  Usually I don't ask, I just look and see what might bring you a little joy, and if I can make it happen, that ends up bringing me joy too!

Make the best of it

Yesterday I saw a wonderful and inspiring sign.  It said "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."  Indeed.

About that glass

Is there optimism or pessimism in your life?  Perhaps a bit of both?  About that glass - you know, is it half full or half empty?  It seems to me that we sometimes think about that too much and should simply be grateful to have the glass!

giving all year

It happens every December, and this year I actually heard people saying it last month - this is the "Season of Giving." I love that so many toy collections, canned food drives, holiday donation programs, and other ways of giving spring up just about now. Giving is such a wonderful thing, even if you really can't give much. Why do we have to limit it to three of four weeks? Why not celebrate giving all year long!

Baby it's cold outside

The song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" has been recorded by tons of artists over the years, but it is also the phrase that comes to mind for me when the temperature begins to drop severely.  In the duet of course, one tries to convince the other that they should stay together for a romantic evening because the weather is cold and the trip home would be pretty tough.  In my thinking, when it gets cold like this, it's all the more reason to be kind and considerate of others.  Let's build a fire, break out the blankets, and stir up some nice hot cocoa (or perhaps a hot toddy).  The warmth of human kindness can melt any cold!

In the news

There is so much negativity in the news these days and it is easy to become sad, angry, depressed, and a whole variety of emotions.  Some things we KNOW will improve.  Some things already have.  Now is not the time to give up.  (Actually giving up should never be an option).  Now is the time to work harder than ever to make things better.  Share the good.  Share the kindness.  Say no to hate in all its forms.  Believe in the good that we can help bring about!

It stays with you

I remember those special moments when folks have done nice things for me.  Kind acts stay with you, whether it was a day ago or way back in your youth.  We never forget those who are kind.

Say the secret word

How fortunate I am to have enjoyed so much of the work of Groucho Marx. From his films and tv appearances, must folks think of him as a very funny man, but he was also very wise. Said he: “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”

personal experience

So many times, in my life 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 really good, but being on the receiving end feels really good too!

so many ways of being kind

Oh my!  So many things to say about being kind.  So many ways of doing it.  It truly warms my heart whenever I see a kind act.

grateful

There is a group of women who are doing some amazing things this week, and I am most grateful.  We need more folks who just step up and do good!

Don't be amazed

It may come as a big surprise, but it shouldn't.  People are basically kind natured.  Don't be amazed when you have the urge to make someone's day.  Don't allow yourself to be surprised by the goodness that is inside you.  Rejoice!  Let it flow!  Let kindness spread to everyone you come in contact with.

Angels working through us

Actress Roma Downey, who once played an angel on television, once said "I think we all do have a guardian angel. I believe they work through us all the time, when we are thoughtful and good and kind to each other."

It just takes one

One kind word can make someone's day!  (Of course one mean word can ruin the day).  Think about it.  We're not talking about spending a lot of money, or requiring a lot of time, or even putting in great effort.  It is so very simple.  It just takes one - just one kind word, and you can bring happiness to someone else.

fortunate

Yesterday I told someone "I'm so fortunate to have you in my life."  She really is wonderful.  I should have said that before.  Are you fortunate to have certain people in your life?  Perhaps ALL of the people in your life.  Have you ever said that to them?

smiling

Who was the last person you saw smile, and why were they smiling? Have you looked in the mirror recently? Were you smiling? There's really something special about a smile!

reminder

While not everyone is kind, that is not a reason for anyone else to be unkind! Even if someone is mean to you, remember this: You are special. You have purpose. You are loved. Never forget that. This is true of everyone. Remind them too. You are special. You have purpose. You are loved.

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.

holiday weekend

I hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend.  Did you have fun with family and friends?  We'll be doing it again soon of course.  That's what is so great about this time of year.  Lots of kindness too!

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.

Thanksgiving weekend kindness

Do you have some Thanksgiving leftovers? Make up a little package and share it with the first homeless person you see today. Going to work? Bringing food to the workplace is good too. So many ways to share and keep the spirit of thankfulness going strong!

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!

thanks to the veterans

Today is Veterans Day, honoring the men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.  Be especially kind to them and show them your appreciation for their service.

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.

Happy birthday Colin!

Civil rights activist and former football quarterback Colin Kaepernick says "My parents told me from the time I can remember that, 'Yeah, you're adopted. But this is your family.' I can remember my mom, she tells me this story: when I was little, I was looking at her, and I was like, 'Why isn't my skin the same color as yours?' 'Oh, you're adopted, but I wish I had pretty brown skin like you,' said Mom."  Happy birthday to a true American hero, and thanks too Colin for sharing that story!

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

Don't you just love this time of year?  For a few weeks now that good old pumpkin spice has been showing up in so many things and all kinds of nice fall colors and flavors.  If you live in one of the areas where the leaves change colors this time of year, that's very nice too.  Happy surroundings breed kindness I think.  People seem to show more kindness in the fall and then during the holiday season.  Of course if I could cast a spell, I'd do an extra dose of kindness all year long!

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."

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!

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. 

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

happy weekend

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

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

Mr Pineda

I could probably write here about Arnel Pineda every single day.  I have seen him do some amazing things and I have heard about others.  It's not often that a rock star is thought of as a kindness hero, but I can say that about Mr Pineda (and a few others).  I want to say thank you.  That kindness truly makes a difference.

We need a little Chaplin

From time to time, we need a little Chaplin.  The films of Charlie Chaplin are legendary.  His words are too.  This morning I am thinking particularly of his statement from him:  "The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish." 

Make-A-Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is incredible.  They try to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness.  Go to https://wish.org/ to find out more about this amazing program and be prepared to have your heart warmed.  Donate to them too if you are able.

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.

Kindly share this

Do you enjoy reading these 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!

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!  

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.”

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.

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.  

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.