Halloween is

Radio personality Elvis Duran is very wise. He once said “Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it’s about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves.”

Kindness guidebook

Taking a page from our kindness guidebook, how about buying an extra meal when you go into that fast food place, and give it to the homeless person you passed outside? With so much road rage, be different. When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Say something nice to every single person you encounter today. Volunteer at an organization that could use your help. The ideas are endless!

It's free

How much will they charge you to be kind?  Absolutely nothing!  It's free.  Hold that door wide open for the person approaching behind you.  Pay your coworker a compliment.  Share that smile with folks on the street.  There are so many ways to be kind to others, and it doesn't have to cost you a thing!

Think ahead

What really kind thing will you be doing for someone tomorrow or next week? Think ahead.  Plan some very special things. Be bold. Think ahead to a year from now. What will you be doing next fall? Will you be a kinder person?  Go for it!

Sad news

I just learned the sad news that someone I have worked with took his own life earlier this week. He was such a bright star and will certainly be missed. It's hard to believe that he is gone, and even harder that it was as a result of suicide. Every life is important.

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

Stop the violence

Children were playing games at a party in a bowling alley.
Locals were drinking and dining at a restaurant.
Last night seemed normal – until it was rocked by the latest horrific act of gun violence.

When will this stop?  When will people care enough to do something.

We need kindness in America.  Stop the violence NOW!

For beautiful lips

The wonderful humanitarian and actress Audrey Hepburn once said "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

Building up others

Putting someone else down doesn't make you look better. Building up others will do that. When you build up someone else, you build up yourself at the same time. Oh and it actually feels good to say positive things about other people!

Great weekend

I had a great weekend and kindness was the principle reason.  When people are kind to you, it makes you feel good and when you are kind to others, that makes you feel good too.  Now, lets let that kindness continue into the week ahead!

make a difference

We can all make a positive difference in the world, and personally I think it should be an ongoing thing. Today though there is a special spotlight. It is Make a Difference Day. What can each of us to to improve the lives of others?  Being kind is a very good beginning!

joy

Saint Teresa of Calcutta said "Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."

Timing

The wonderful science fiction writer Octavia Butler, wrote some nonfiction too. She once spoke so eloquently of timing saying "Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over."

Leave a trail

Nobody being kind to you?  Yes, the world can be mean, but you certainly don't have to be.  As someone very wise once said “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”  You can be a leader in kindness!

Another beginning

Each day can be a new beginning for showing kindness.  Each week and each month we can start fresh too and strive to be kinder, nicer people.  If we stumble and are not as kind as we like, we must never give up, for there will still be a chance to make a new beginning.

Why the smile

The smile on your face is there because of what?  Do you always wake up happy?  Did someone say something to you yesterday that stayed with you?  Do you always smile, or is this now because of some kindness you remember?

mean what you say

Be sure to say what you mean and mean what you say.  Let people know how you feel, being always open, honest and real.      

The most vulnerable

We should be kind to everyone - I say that all the time, but it is especially important that we show kindness to the most vulnerable, the very young and the very old.  Look out for the kids and the elderly in your life.

Often we need patience

Often we need patience in order to find true happiness, because it doesn't always come fast and it sometimes it doesn't even come easy, but it is always worth it!  Be kind to yourself and tolerate those delays.

paraskevidekatriaphobia

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. 

Moral support

Last night I received a message from a future leader.  He was sad that he couldn't make a monetary donation to a fundraiser I am participating in, and said "At the very least, you know you have my moral support!"  Least?  Oh my!  Moral support is so important!  This is one of the kindest, nicest people I know, and he is always involved in programs that make life better.  Here he was worried he wasn't giving what he wanted, when in reality, he was giving a truly great gift for which I will be forever grateful.

What's it all mean?

Not sure what I mean when I speak of kindness? Let me use some other words: affection, helpfulness, warmth, benevolence, consideration, warmheartedness, friendliness, thoughtfulness, generosity,  compassion, neighborliness, charitableness, unselfishness, gentleness, concern, understanding, altruism, selflessness, big-heartedness, benignity, hospitality - you get the idea.

Just a natural

Being nice to other people - is that kindness?  Is it love?  Is it a special way of living?  For me, being nice is just a natural.  It just happens, because we care.

Rich or Poor

If someone were to pay you five cents for every kind word you said about other people and collect a penny for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor? Think about it!

feedback

On this wonderful fall day, consider giving us some feedback here. Do you read this blog often? Have you ever shared this with anyone else? Do you consider yourself a kind person? We'd love your feedback!

smile

Smile. Do it a lot. You will find it contagious and notice others smiling too. Oh and just for some added incentive, today is World Smile Day.

remembering her kindness

Funerals are sad occasions of course, but it was so very uplifting to hear the positive words spoken yesterday about Dianne Feinstein.  One of the things I heard over and over was talk about her great kindness.  What a wonderful way to be remembered!

do something nice

Today is National Do Something Nice Day. You KNOW I had to mention it here, huh? It's an actual commemoration on the calendar and it's a perfect time to showcase our kindness.  In the comments below, I'd love to hear about some of the nice things you do today!

Saint Francis Day

On this day honoring Francis of Assisi, these words attributed to him: "Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

doing kind things

More ideas of showing kindness: Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. Mow a neighbor’s grass or sweep a neighbor’s walk. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car. Call an estranged family member. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Treat someone to fresh fruit. Sing at a nursing home. Open the door for another person. The list can go on and on!

never too much

For over 2,000 mornings I have written something here about kindness.  Am I going to continue?  You bet I am!  It's important that I keep reminding myself of how important kindness is to the world and hopefully some of my readers will gain something as well.  I've said this dozens of times and in so many ways, but we can never have too much kindness.

Happy birthday Jimmy Carter!

James Earl Carter Jr. was born October 1, 1924, in Plains, GA, at the Wise Sanitarium (the first American president born in a hospital), the son of Bessie Lillian Gordy and James Earl Carter Sr.  He was the nation's 39th President, but I think he is known more for his great kindness all that he gives back.  Today he turns 99! Happy birthday Jimmy Carter and thank you so much for making a difference!