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