The Kind Bus Driver

The weather is getting colder where I live, and a local bus driver I know told me that one of her daily passengers boarded the other day, blowing on her hands and commenting on how cold they were.  The driver stopped by a dollar store at the end of her shift and purchased some gloves that were two pair for a dollar.  These weren't fancy elegant gloves, but they are protection from the elements.  Yesterday she gave them to her passenger and told me the lady was delighted.  Such a simple act of kindness not only helped one person, but also inspired me!

Richelle Goodrich says

In her book Making Wishes, Richelle Goodrich says that "Kindness is a magical spell - performed by enlightened beings - meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls that they might fly."  Oh my!  What a beautiful way of saying it!

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." 

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!

sharing is caring

Not everyone is able to enjoy a big holiday feast.  Remember, sharing is caring.  If you can afford it, consider preparing a double batch of everything, and then go delivery that extra food where it will be most appreciated.

Can you smell the turkey yet?

It's just a few days until Thanksgiving.  Can you smell the turkey yet?  I know many folks get started early.  If it were up to me, every day would be a day of thanksgiving.  We do have a lot to be thankful for!  Think about it this week.

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.

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 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,