BONUS

February doesn't always give us as much time to be kind.  Instead of thirty or thirty-one days, February usually only has twenty-eight.  This is leap year though with twenty-nine days, so on this bonus day, be extra kind!

change a person’s life

It would seem that actor Jackie Chan agrees with me. It was he that said, "Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life."  Indeed.

kindness at the concerts

It seems just about every day I hear about some kind thing that singer Arnel Pineda has done.  He really connects with his audience at concerts, and I just saw pictures from two different venues where he was posing with a little boy.  You know those kids were probably at their first concerts and that warm happy memory will stay with them forever.  Thanks for making a difference, Arnel!

in times of anxiety

In times of anxiety and when we are experiencing extreme stress do you know what helps calm your anxious thoughts?  Kindness.  Yup.  Here is just one more reason why being kind is so good.  I have heard this from experts and also experienced it myself.  If a court ruling has you frustrated; if crime in the streets has made you tense; if there is stress in your life due to hatred and injustice, try doing something especially nice for someone.  I don't mean to minimize life's problems, and we certainly should work on correcting the ills of society, but a kind act can also be a wonderful tonic.

Beginning a new week

 It's Sunday, and that means we are beginning a new week, one where I hope we will all experience a lot of kindness.  I hope that people are kind to us, and of course I hope we will all be kind ourselves.  I am certain we can do it!

Missing Mister Rogers

I sure am missing Mister (Fred) Rogers.  He was such a kind man and always pointed us in the right direction.  He once said "As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has, or ever will have-something inside that is unique to all time."

day off

Is there a day when we don't have to be kind? Are you kidding me? We don't take a day off from caring about other people.  Being good and kind is an everyday occurrence we should practice every single day of the year!

Einstein said

These words are from Albert Einstein: “The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth.”

It's really pretty remarkable

Kindness has a way of lifting us up, just like the eagle soars high above.  Kindness brings out the best in us and those around us, allowing us to reach new heights of compassion and understanding.  It's really pretty remarkable!

Care

Too many suicides. Actually, ANY suicide is too many. Care about your family and friends, and even total strangers. Be there for them. Checking in on those who have depression is an important step in reminding them that they are not alone and are cared for. Simple gestures, such as a smile or a greeting, can go a long way as well.

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

time

If you knew how much time you had left, you wouldn't waste your attention and energy on meaningless things.

Your stories

I always love hearing stories of kindness.   Sometimes on the local news we hear of a neighborhood hero or maybe in a facebook post. The kind acts that people do always warm my heart and getting all the details is such an extra bonus.  It can also give all of us idea on how to be more kind.  Sharing stories can be done here too - just add them in the comments below!

daydreaming

Sometimes I daydream about all of the ways I want to make someone happy.  Does that seem odd?  We need more joy and happiness in our world, and I want to make that happen.  I know many of you are with me in this endeavor.  The daydreaming might be good, but I need to do more.  Let's all make it happen!

a nice hot beverage

It is still cold outside. In some places it can be extremely cold.  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.  Hot chocolate is good too!

on the bus

It was cold out yesterday. I was more than a block away from the bus stop, but the bus driver stopped beside me and called out "Going home? Get in." The driver's kindness didn't stop there. There is a bus stop just past my apartment building, but instead she drove into the driveway and let me out at my front door!  Kind indeed.

The Day of Love

Our world can never have too much love.  Today is Valentine's Day, which is generally focused on romantic love, but all love is important.  May the Day of Love fill your heart and may the kindness you show to others light up their lives!

gifts don't come with strings

Gifts don't come with strings attached.  Has someone ever told you how many things they have done for you and how much you now owe them? In my way of thinking, they gave you nothing at all.  Of course, it is always very nice to do kind things for those who have done kind things for you, but that should not be your reason. Actually, no reason is necessary at all. Give out of the love in your heart and expect nothing in return. That is the real joy.

kindness for the animals

Do you have a dog or cat or any pets at home? Are there any animals around the places you frequent? Sometimes when we talk about kindness, we forget about the animals, and they need kindness too. Treat the animals of the world with the same love, kindness, and respect that you like to have shown toward you.

they add up!

Those little things - they add up.  Just a smile and a friendly word can mean so much.  We all have the ability to bring happiness to others.  Small acts of kindness can mean a lot.  What can we do this Sunday to make a difference.  I'm sure there are numerous things! It's those little kind things that people do that mean so much.

your worth

There will always be someone who can't see your worth.  Don't let it be you.

If we all help

I have always felt called to give back to society and to try hard to make a positive difference.  One of the reasons why I write here every day is because I would love to see a kinder world.  Big task?  Not really.  If we all help, it will happen.

Jonah's words

"It is a popular trend nowadays to say love is very much conditional. I've heard people compare it to a glass of water that eventually runs out when love isn't reciprocated. This encouragement of selfishness must stop," says my friend Jonah Kim. "True love is an infinite well and is absolutely unconditional," Jonah says.  I've shared this before, but it's important.  He concludes "True love feels almost helpless in its endless giving, without asking for anything in return.  And if the ones you love love you back, there is nothing more beautiful, precisely because we love without premeditated expectations."

from Oprah

Oprah Winfrey said, “To extend yourself in kindness to anybody is an extension in kindness in the world.”  (By the way, I adore Oprah)!

surrounded by kindness

For some it just comes naturally.  I think so of it has to do with tradition and how people act around you.  If we are always surrounded with kindness, then it would seem we are more likely to be kind.  Of course I am no expert.  What do YOU think?

Jimmy's wisdom

Former President Jimmy Carter is 99.  Perhaps his wisdom is a key to his long life.  He once said.  "Earlier in my life, I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office.  But as I’ve grown older, I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see—the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are."

It's in my blood

One of the most wonderful things a person can do, is donating blood.  I coordinate several blood drives every year and I am always encouraged by the love and generosity that people show. I never tire of hearing the many stories of why people donate.  Kindness?  Absolutely!  I wish everyone would donate blood.  

happy weekend!

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

Groundhog Day

Poor Phil Connors. He becomes trapped in a time loop, forcing him to relive February 2 repeatedly.  I think of Groundhog Day as a fun film, but not a movie with a heavy message, until you wait to highlight that repeating theme.  How about kindness becoming such a regular part of who we are and what we do, that it keeps repeating, without us even being aware of it.

The Love Month

Because of Valentine's Day (on the 14th), February is often thought of as the love month. As much as I like that idea, and many of you will know what I am about to say before I even say it, I would love it if every single month was a love month. Share the love in May and in October and in every single month of the year. We can never have too much!