we underestimate

I think I have quoted these words from Leo Buscaglia before, but I really relate to what he said, and so I share them again. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

one

One word can end an argument.  

One smile can start a friendship. 

One look can save a relationship. 

One person can change your life.

time

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

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.”

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."

David Levithan says

Author David Levithan says "Kindness connects to who you are, while niceness connects to how you want to be seen."

hospital week

Highlighting our hospitals, health systems, and health care workers and the innovative ways they are supporting and connected to our communities, yesterday we began Hospital Week. As a hospital volunteer of many years, I can tell you one thing for certain about hospitals. You will encounter a LOT of kindness there!

another be good to mommy day

On the old television program Captain Kangaroo, I can remember them singing "Another Be Good To Mommy Day."  Of course every day is such a day.  Today is Mother's Day and while people will do special things for their moms, I want to encourage you all do remember the wisdom of Captain Kangaroo.  Don't just be good to your mom today, but every single day.

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."

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?

Homework Assignment

I do have many ideas, but I'd love to hear what you have to say as well, so here's your homework assignment: Think up a way to make this a kinder world.  Feel free to think up many different ways if you like. Then, share your suggestions here so that we can all join in implementing those ideas. Let's see how many different ideas we can come up with!

giving blood

Want to hear some amazing numbers?  Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood and or platelets. Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the US and nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed. Wow!  Blood cannot be made in a lab.  When blood is needed it comes from the kind and caring donors who truly save lives.  That's why I mention it here so often.

nurses

Nurses are amazing, and on this Nurses Day, I want to quote Maya Angelou who said "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel." I agree. It has been said "Save one life, you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, you’re a nurse."

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.

lovely quote

This morning, I want to share this lovely quote from philosopher and essayist Thomas Carlyle. He said "Without kindness there can be no true joy."  Think about it.

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)!

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."

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