Be an angel

I was thinking of angels yesterday - the heavenly messengers.  Of course there is another kind.  Have you ever heard someone say "She is such an angel"?  Of course they mean the person is nice and kind.  We should all want to be that kind of angel.

Dianne Feinstein

California's Senior US Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein died last night.  In her memory this morning, I offer the encouragement that comes from her own words.  She very wisely said "We're not perfect, and there are some dark patches in our past, but what makes us special is that we recognize these evils, we come to grips with them, and we fix them."

things left undone

Mother Mary Angelica once said "There are many who are not guilty of doing anything wrong but very guilty of sins of omission - the things they neglect to do - the good things - the kind, thoughtful words, compassionate thoughts and hopeful attitudes they might have had towards their neighbor."

Missing Wilson

I miss Wilson Fang!  Eight years ago on this date he passed away.  I'm so lucky he spent some time with me.  He easily could have been the poster-person for this blog.  Wilson was one of the kindest people I ever met. I hope I can be as wonderful a person as Wilson was.  Such great memories of such a terrific person.

From a different time

I was watching an old tv show last night and noticed the folks helping each other on with their coats and holding doors open or helping someone with their chair.  We don't seem to do most of those things anymore.  Why does it have to be from another time though?  Kindness is an always short of thing.  I love it when someone holds a door open for me!  Here is one of the easiest ways of showing kindness - never forget about these little things.

What the world needs now

With all the hate in the world, I am reminded of these beautiful words from Hal David:

What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
No, not just for some, but for everyone

Mission accomplished

The wonderful Maya Angelou once said "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." I'd say she indeed accomplished that mission!

Dream it

I have often said this, but it is so true!  If you can dream it, you can achieve it.   Never give up. Oh and when you accomplish your own dreams, reach out and help some other folks do the same.

Let's do it today

After reading this, take a moment and make a plan for later in the day - a plan to do some intentional things that are nice for other people.  Make a point to be happy and upbeat and to treat those you encounter with respect.  Now, take this today plan and make it a tomorrow plan too and then the next day and then EVERY day.

more or less

Fear less, Trust more

Take less, Give more

Whine less, Thank more

Talk less, Say more

Hate less, Love more

Big Fan

The other day I saw on someone's social media profile "Big fan of kindness."  Well, so am I.  So am I!

Everyone is important

Every single person  is important. Learn the names of the folks you regularly come in contact with (the receptionist, the driver on a regular bus you take, a security guard in your lobby, the server who pours your coffee) and greet them all by name. Say “hello” to strangers too, and smile. These are very simple acts of kindness and they almost always make people smile.

Humble and Kind

Last night while shopping, the store was playing Humble and Kind, a song written by Lori McKenna and sung by country music artist Tim McGraw. I've heard it before, but last night, I was really listening to the lyrics: "Don't take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you're goin' Don't forget turn back around And help the next one in line Always stay humble and kind." How wonderful if this could become the theme song for our lives!

It takes a village

It's often said that it takes a village to raise a child.  I agree, but I think it takes a village to do anything well.  We aren't meant to exist in isolation.  One of the kindest things a person can do is to care about neighbors, to care about family, to even care about folks we have never even known.  Let's be part of our villages and let our villages grow and flourish.

Get involved

The world won't be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing a thing about it.  Be kind.  Get involved.  Care.

Kindest to you

Think for just a moment.  What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?  How did it make you feel?  Think about it and why you remember it.

No special training

Being a kind person doesn't require any special training.  You don't have to go to kindness school.  For many people it just comes naturally, and if it doesn't, it is pretty easy to make yourself kinder each day.  Every day I try a little harder.

Using all your talent

Erma Bombeck was a very talented women. Remember her? She worked on the Equal Rights Amendment, appeared regularly on tv (including Good Morning America), wrote over 4,000 newspaper columns, and published fifteen books. Bombeck died way too early after enduring many health problems, but she gave us so much and did so in a fun way. She was always kind and encouraging and shared things that were simple to understand. One thing that stands out in my mind is when she said "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me." In Erma Bombeck's case, that was certainly true.

Not just talk

A friend told me she was amazed that I could talk so much about kindness.  Well, it's important.  Not just the talk, but the encouragement and the actual doing.  BEING kind is so very important. Our kindness encourages others to be kind as well, and we can't just talk about it, we have to actually "walk the walk."

Remembering

"Remember the hours after September 11 when we came together as one! It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us." -Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

Perfect moment

Have you ever heard someone say they are waiting for the "perfect moment?" Oh my! I hear it all the time. What a waste too. Don't wait for the "perfect moment." Take the moment and make it perfect.

Stay

I am saddened every time I hear that someone has taken their own life.  Everything is not perfect, but there is so much to stick around for.  Stay.  If you need help, ask.  If you know of someone who needs help, help them. Don't wait until it's too late. 

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

                                                    988

straight in the eye

Never bend your head.  Always hold it up high.  With confidence, look the world straight in the eye, and do it with kindness and with love. 

wise words from Steven Seagal

The wonderful actor and producer Steven Seagal once said "My philosophy is that the most important aspect of any religion should be human kindness. And to try to ease the suffering of others. To try to bring light and love into the lives of mankind." I certainly agree with that! 

Random acts of kindness

Can you think of some random ways to show kindness to others? How about these: As you go about your day, pick up trash. Call or visit a homebound person. Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him/her through that company’s corporate office. When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job. Pay a compliment at least once a day. Donate blood. Transport someone who can’t drive. Others?

a special birthday

Today is a special birthday. No, not mine. That just happened. Today is the birthday of Arnel Pineda who is the lead singer of the rock band Journey. He also happens to be one of the kindest people in the world. Wish him well today and in his year ahead!

always

When should we be kind?  On birthdays and anniversaries?  Of course!  At holidays?  Yup.  Just an average everyday moment?  Yes, then too.  It's really quite simple.  We should be kind every day of our lives.  We should be kind always!

Politics and religion

So many arguments arise from discussions of politics and religion.  It is okay to have a difference of opinion, but respect should always be included.  If you want to persuade someone to come over to your way of thinking, being rude and nasty isn't a very good way to bring that about.  Kindness is the great equalizer.

It's a win-win situation

The selflessness we show comes naturally for many. It's like breathing out and breathing in. We don't even have to give it a thought. I'm sure you know folks like that. I think it is something that can easily be learned too. It just feels good. Whether it's natural or learned, being considerate and generous, makes others feel good too. It's a win-win situation.

like butter on toast

As I was putting butter on my toast this morning, I thought about how I was spreading it from one side to the other.  How wonderful it would be if we did the same thing with kindness.  Let's spread it all over, like butter on our toast!