How kind was 2025

How kind was 2025?  Could we have done better?  Tomorrow begins a brand new year and I am sure we can continue to spread kindness!  Make someone happy

think about you

Everyone carrying a heavy heart in silence should know the importance of being kind to yourself. Yes, being kind to others is always important, but first think about you and you're going to be okay.

simple and unassuming

Albert Einstein was smart. We all know that. Look though at some of the remarkable things he said. This, for example: "I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind."

Words from Robert F Kennedy

I have always liked these words spoken by Robert Francis Kennedy: "Some men see things as they are and ask why.  I dream of things that never were and ask why not." 

what it's all about

Being kind to yourself and to others.
Kindness. That's what it's all about.
I really don't need to say any more.

Knowing what to say and when

A couple of weeks ago, a floral delivery driver I know, walked up to a house with a large, beautiful flowering plant. Assuming it to be a holiday gift, he said to the woman opening the door, "Boy are you a lucky lady." The woman burst into tears. The driver later found out that the plant was a sympathy gift. The woman had just lost her husband. He was trying to be kind by cheerfully greeting her, but not knowing all the facts, he added to her sorrow. I've been thinking about this and realized that we sometimes need to know what to say, and when to say it.

Merry Christmas!

 Happiness and joy to every one of you.  Be kind to everyone!

Albert Einstein said

Albert Einstein was so correct when he said, “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.”

From Confucius

A saying attributed to Confucius: "Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude." Indeed.

all the good you can

John Wesley said "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."  Such good advice!

happy life

You do not find the happy life.  You make it.

Thinking of Mom

She is no longer with us, but she left a mark - a very good mark.  Mom was loved by just about everyone she met.  Her kindness I'm sure had a lot to do with that.  She was always thinking of others, especially me and my sister.  I miss her a lot and think of her often, especially today, her birthday.

From Charlotte's Web

In E.B. White's classic "Charlotte's Web," there is this wonderful passage:
    “Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.'
    'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

gifts

Tell people what you need.  You'll either get it or realize they can't give it to you.  Both are gifts.

protect your peace

Not every person who enters your life deserves access to your peace. Some people carry anger, negativity, or chaos within them, and sometimes they try to pull others into that same emotional storm. Be kind to yourself. Remember that you are not responsible for absorbing someone else’s negativity. One of the most powerful things you can learn in life is how to protect your peace.

Robert Louis Stevenson said

Robert Louis Stevenson said "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

Specialist

These days there seems to be an expert for just about everything and folks seem more often to focus their energies in to one or two areas becoming specialists in the field.  Is there anyone who specializes in kindness?  What a wonderful specialty that would be!

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!

just out of curiosity

Happy Saturday everyone!  Just out of curiosity I was wondering if you are a regular reader or if today perhaps is your first time reading what I have to say here.  I'd love your comments.  Do feel free to make any suggestions too.  Kindness is important and I am not the expert.  I'm sure we all have ideas about how to make the world a kinder place.

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!

Charity begins at home

So many donation requests this time of year - dozens and dozens of charities asking for money.  It might be a pain to sort through all those letters and emails, but there are indeed many organizations worth giving too and this annual push get them a lot of money.  Of course charity begins at home, so our first responsibility is for the needs of our own family and friends and co-workers.  Not all of us can give with money (sometimes it just isn't there), but we can all show extra kindness and we all can show love and concern.

Appreciation

Appreciation blooms in our heart, in our being, in the same lives with which we have had so many justified complaints and quibbles.  Appreciation is such a wondrous sense of good.

random acts

I love thinking of those random acts of kindness that really make a difference. Here are some more. Buy books for a day care center or school or donate some from your own library. Donate blood. Volunteer at an organization that needs help. Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter. Give toys to the children at a shelter. There are so many other ideas!

Rainy Days and Mondays

Fifty-four years ago, Karen Carpenter was singing "What I've got they used to call the blues. Nothin' is really wrong, Feelin' like I don't belong." Ever had a day like that yourself? That popular song Rainy Days and Mondays could easily describe today, except for one thing: Nothing needs to get us down. Nothing. It's raining where I live, and it is indeed Monday, but I refuse to be depressed about anything. There are bright corners everywhere. Just look for them.

Two men in California

The whole purpose of this blog is to encourage kindness and to help me focus more and hopefully become a kinder person myself. Some days it seems like kind people are fewer in number than ever before, but then I am encouraged by two men in California. Their kindness knows no limits. They are amazing examples of what we all should be. Their work brings them in contact with many people and so many benefit from their positive outlook and the many nice things they do. Our world is indeed a better place because of these two men in California.

The sleeping giant

With all the problems in the world, the past few days have also been quite wonderful.  As we hear more and more about hate groups, I'm also seeing people stand up and show great energy and determination in fighting hatred.  There are times when you think that nobody cares, but this week it is as if a sleeping giant has just woken up.  I'm seeing so many rise up with love and kindness and take a stand against hate.  Yes, it's about time, but it's so wonderful!

Do you know what today is?

Let's celebrate! Do you know what today is? It has been a year of these morning messages about kindness. One whole year! I wonder how many read this regularly. I wonder. Hopefully some of these thoughts have been helpful. Hopefully I have gotten kinder, oh and you too!

Happy

Are you a happy person? Some people that you don't expect to be happy actually are happy.  The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they make the best of everything. Think about it.

simple

Be Kind.  It doesn't have to be a long and detailed message here.  The purpose of this blog is so very simple, and so is the message.

special ways

Here are a few special ways to spread kindness.  Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings.  Visit or call a homebound person.  Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Volunteer at an organization that needs help.  Transport someone who can’t drive.  Donate blood.  Have a clean-up party in the park. Volunteer to read to kids in the library.

Happy December everybody

So many observances this month including World AIDS Day (today), Advent, Saint Nicholas' Day, Saint Lucia's Day, Hanukkah, Longest Night:, Festivus, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Saint Stephen's Day, Holy Innocents' Day, Saint Sylvester's Day, Watch Night, and New Year's Eve.   Happy December everybody!

Don't rush

We always seem to be in such a hurry to celebrate Christmas but end up rushing past so many other wonderful moments.  I prefer to do the traditional twelve days of Christmas beginning on December 25th, so it's WAY too early now.  Let's be kind to all the other observances along the way.

perfect moments

Choose to be happy!  Not because everything is perfect.  (It isn't).  But because you choose to focus on the moments that are perfect!

remembering that turkey jook

How many of you have had turkey jook (some people call it congee or rice porridge)?  One of my favorite memories of kindness is when I was given a nice big bowl or a few days after Thanksgiving. It was so delicious and I can still remember how good it made me feel.

Let us give thanks

Being kind and giving thanks - the two seem to go hand in hand.  Let us give thanks for all we have and let us eagerly share that, spreading good and kindness wherever we go.  Today, think of those who are hungry and do what you can.  Grab some paper plates and set up a nice array of food from your Thanksgiving dinner, to share with those who might have nothing.  Make as many plates as you are able and then take them to a place where homeless people gather.  Your kindness will be appreciated!

Sing a worker's praises

Sing a worker's praises to their manager or on a comment card — a little recognition goes a long way. Believe it or not, people complain much more often than praise even though most workers deserve the praise more often than the complaint.  

Wisdom from Mikey Bustos

"We all need a hard reset at some point in our life. The hardest part is pushing through the fear, feeling the pain, and trusting in your inner strength to guide you towards a new life." -Mikey Bustos

friendship

I have shared these words about friendship, from Henry David Thoreau here before, but this is one of my favorite quotes, so let me share it here once again. “The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?

reason to be kind

It's November 23 - reason to be kind. It's Sunday - reason to be kind. It's Thanksgiving week - reason to be kind. Every hour, every day, every single moment of our life is another reason to be kind!

Receiving compliments

Raising funds for a large charity, I was very pleased last night to receive a large donation from someone I have known for many years, but when I saw that on my fundraising page he had written that I have "always had a big heart," it made my day.  The money was certainly great, but oh those words!  We don't go through life looking for compliments, but when they receive them it is such a beautiful tonic.

Happy Friday!

Good morning and happy Friday to you!  May this be a beautiful day for you, filled with many good things, especially kindness.  We can never have too much kindness!

so important

Just in case you have never been here and read my words before, I want to say something about why I write this, and it's so important.  Kindness is one of the greatest things in the world and we can never have too much.  It is my hope that we can have a kinder world.  I know it is possible.

I'm listening

Every morning is a gift, filled with challenges and new adventures that beckon to bring us brand new insight and to guide us onto a new aligned path, only if we sit still and listen. I'm listening. I hope we all can listen and pay attention. May we learn. Enjoy the adventures. Rise to the challenges. Spread love and kindness.

November 18th ideas

It is Tuesday, November 18, and here are a few kindness ideas. Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him/her through that company’s corporate office. Share this blog with friends.  Become active in a cause that is important to you.  When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.

setting our aim

"Danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; 

  but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark."  

                                    -Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

Cassidy's words

Just before he passed away back in 2017, David Cassidy said "So much wasted time." Since hearing this, I've thought about it a lot and it serves as a reminder for me to cherish every moment. ("Cherish" of course was a Cassidy hit song). I don't want to waste a single moment. I want to always share my gratitude and share kindness to all.

whatever the weather

Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people’s lives regardless of the weather.  Be sure to spread some love, kindness and positivity today, as well as, every day, even if it's cold and raining! 

The Dickens you say

I have heard a lot said about dishonest behavior in the past few days. I makes me think of these words from Charles Dickens: "I have known a vast quantity of nonsense talked about bad men not looking you in the face. Don’t trust that conventional idea. Dishonesty will stare honesty out of countenance any day in the week, if there is anything to be got by it."

Reverse trick-or-treating

Reverse trick-or-treating is just one of many kind things you can do to celebrate Halloween.  Put on your costumes but instead of going door to door asking for treats, go to specific places (like social clubs or senior centers) and GIVE your treats away!  You might also go to police or fire stations or maybe to hospitals (be sure to ask first though if dealing with patients.  Take treats and donate them to a food bank or shelter too.  All kinds of things you can do for others today.  Have fun!

brand new week

It's a brand new week filled with brand new opportunities. May your week be filled with good thoughts, kind people, and happy moments!

Prayers on 9/11

"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us."   -President George W. Bush September 11, 2001

School daze

Remember when school didn't begin each year until early September?  In most places it was the day after Labor Day.  Now it begins much earlier and where I live, it is year round.  (There is a brief break each June).  Are we being kind to our kids or are we putting them into a daze?

Such an outpouring

Kindness comes in so many colors and in the past few days I have seen more that usual, with so much directed toward me.  There has been such an outpouring of love and caring that I am truly overwhelmed.  I received birthday greetings from a few folks I seldom see or hear from, there was a card from the management company that owns the property where I live, relatives and friends sent well-wishes, and I even had some kind thoughts from a waiter when he found out it was my birthday.  Wonderful it was and I am so grateful.  It is my wish that everyone be able to experience that kind of love and kindness!

C E L E B R A T E

It's my birthday, but as much as I love a good party, I have never really liked to focus on myself, not even for a day.  I write a blog called "It's NOT about me," focusing on those heroes who make a difference in the world.  Even today isn't really about me.  My mom and dad were the ones who made it all happen.  Every year as I celebrate, I think first of my parents, especially Mom, and all they gave me.  They were such kind and loving people.  That is something to celebrate!

Remembering Judge Caprio

We received the sad news yesterday that Municipal Court judge Frank Caprio had passed away following a courageous fight against cancer.  In his memory, I'd like to share these words of his:  "Each sunrise is life’s way of giving us a brand-new page to write on. What you choose to fill it with, kindness, gratitude, love, and hope, is entirely up to you.  No matter what challenges yesterday held, today is a fresh chance to do good, to make someone smile, and to remind the world that compassion still matters.  Step into this day with courage, live it with kindness, and end it with gratitude."  Rest in peace Judge Caprio.

Independence Day

Remembering these important words:  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." –The Declaration of Independence, July 4th 1776.

Thirty one days

I love it every time a new month begins!  July first doesn't mean that summer is half over - it means another new beginning is here, and it means we have another thirty-one days during which we can share love and kindness with all the other humans on this planet.  Wow!  Such a beautiful thing:  more time!

Pride

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and so in addition to beginning another month of kindness, how wonderful it would be if the whole world was always kind to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer friends and neighbors.  Pride is a time to remember the past but also to celebrate and kindness should always be celebrated!

Memorial Day

In the quiet of this Memorial Day, we pause to honor those who gave their all. Your legacy lives in every heartbeat of this nation. You kind and caring act has touched every single one of us and this nation is grateful.

The e-card and the gift card

Some of us are fortunate to have some very kind people in our lives.  Yesterday I received an email from a dear person who lives far from me.  His emails are always uplifting and positive.  That is not all though.  He also sent me a lovely e-card and attached a gift card for use at a local store.  It wasn't my birthday or any sort of special occasion.  His kindness though is the very thing I encourage here, and I am grateful.

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day, and in the midst of all the greeting cards and church sermons, there will be many thoughts about what it all means, but I especially like this quote from Charley Benetto: "When you are looking at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know."

Mental Exercise For The Day

Hello!  I have a little exercise for you.  Take just a moment to think about the last kind act someone did for you.  Picture that in your mind.  Think about how it made you feel.  Imagine if everyone you encountered did something kind for you. How would you feel then?  Oh my!  Hold that image in your mind. Wow! Now if we all practiced this same kindness, picture the results.  Incredible.

May

Here comes the month of May!  During these thirty-one days, let us do our best to show kindness to everyone we meet.  Let us spread kindness everywhere!

*NSYNC Day

Today I an thinking of *NSYNC because it is the last day of April, and you know what that means.  "It's Gonna Be Me."  (Bad joke, but please be kind).

Pope Francis

Sad waking up this morning to news that Pope Francis has died. He truly was the "People's Pope." I will always remember his words "Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us."

ending child abuse and neglect

How many children have died as a result of abuse and neglect? Even if it is only a few, it's too many. Children are our future! Today is Childhelp National Day of Hope which takes place each year during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This day is set aside to ask the country to make a life-long commitment to joining the fight to end child abuse and neglect. It's not only kind, but it is certainly the right thing to do.

pranks a lot

There will no doubt be all kinds of practical jokes and pranks today. Most will be good natured and funny. Some, unfortunately, will cross the line. From me there are no pranks today. Instead of pranks, I want to offer thanks - thanks to all the people who continue to offer their kindness to each other. You truly brighten the world. Laughter is indeed good medicine, but kindness is the ultimate tonic.

Mom

It was twelve years ago on this date that Mom passed away after a short illness.  I miss her.  I miss her a lot.  This blog came about because of her great kindness and because of something she said about her dad, my grandfather.  Thanks, Mom, for spreading kindness!

National Common Courtesy Day

Today is National Common Courtesy Day, bringing awareness to how crucial common courtesy is in our lives and provides examples to help us improve. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, courtesy is described as a: behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others: a courteous and respectful act or expression.  To me, courtesy is the companion of kindness.

giving life

Today and tomorrow, I have a blood drive.  I love seeing people come out and donating lifesaving blood.  I hear so many wonderful stories about why they do it too.  Because of them, and all who donate, life doesn't stop.  One of the kindest things a person can do is donate blood!

National Oreo Cookie Day

The National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) first developed and produced the “Oreo Biscuit” in 1912 at its Chelsea factory in New York City. Today, the block on which that factory was located is known as “Oreo Way.” As everyone knows, the Oreo sandwich cookie is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling, Nice. Grab your glass of milk and join me in celebrating National Oreo Cookie Day. Kindness idea: bring some Oreos o work!

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everybody! Love yourself. Love and respect others. Be a light in our world. Above everything, be kind.  It is so very important.

Self-Injury Awareness Day

When someone causes deliberate self-injury or harm, the action is an indication of emotional distress. According to research from the Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, approximately 4% of Americans self-harm, with a majority of those being college students. Today, Self-Injury Awareness Day, aims to help friends and family recognize the signs and help those in emotional distress find help. Please show kindness by caring about others.

Last chance for February

The shortest month is coming to a close.  Have you been as kind to others as you would like?  There still is time of course.  We have this whole day ahead of us, and although this is our last chance for February, we hopefully will keep on being kind in March!

some random acts of kindness

This morning, I want to share a few ideas of random acts of kindness. Volunteer at your local hospital.  Buy a stranger a free pizza. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading their car. Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game. Call an estranged family member. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Spend some time serving food at a meal program for the needy.

more kindness ideas

Let me share some more kindness ideas today. Compliment a work colleague on their work. Send an encouraging text to someone. Let a car into the traffic ahead of you.  Buy extra at the grocery store and donate it to a food pantry, Buy flowers for someone (postal worker, grocery store clerk, bus driver, etc.). Bring coffee to a co-worker. Post anonymous sticky notes with validating or uplifting messages around for people to find. Help someone change a flat tire. 

Give peace a chance

Today is World Peace and Understanding Day, emphasizing the significance of peace for human survival.  I talk about kindness here and a peaceful world is about the kindest thing we can have.  No fighting.  No violence.  Peaceful existence for us all.

candy, flowers, and cards

Today is that day.  Candy, flowers, and cards!  Oh my!  What will you do this Valentine's Day?  As much as I love doing things for others, I prefer doing it all the time and for no particular reason.  Oh course if a special occasion makes folks a little kinder, so much the better!

I Found A Quilted Heart!

An incredible act of kindness - I Found a Quilted Heart, an just ahead of Valentine's Day! The heart I found is part of a movement of sorts, and what a wonderful idea. The hearts are made out of fabric, cut out into a heart shape, with a layer of batting between the two layers. While mine is quite lovely, I have enjoyed looking at pictures of others. They have a website if you want to learn more. https://www.ifoundaquiltedheart.com/

Groundhog Day

Will Punxsutawney Phil be kind to us this morning?  It would be nice to see winter come to an early end.  I don't have an answer regarding the groundhog of course, but I know that all of us can certainly be kind to each other!

Special month

You might think that February has less kindness than the other months, simply because it is the shortest.  Nope.  This is a special month.  This is the month in which we focus on love at Valentine's Day.  It is also American Heart Month during which we become more aware of heart health.  What can be better for a healthy heart but kindness?

Celebrating Dr King

As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year, I am reminded of one of the many encouraging things he said: "May I stress the need for courageous, intelligent, and dedicated leadership... Leaders of sound integrity. Leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with justice. Leaders not in love with money, but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the cause."

Inaugural instructions

Tomorrow is not only a civic holiday, but it is also Inauguration Day.  I am thinking this morning of one of the most memorable phrases from any Inauguration.  It came from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address back in 1961.  He said "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."  Those instructions are just as good today.

too often

I have quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson many times in this space. This particular quote can never be said too often: "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

against equality

William Faulkner said “To live anywhere in the world today and be against equality because of race or color is like living in Alaska and being against snow.”

Happy Kind Year!

2025 is upon us!  I hope that you are enjoying this holiday season and I hope too that you will join me in making this new year a very kind year for everyone.  Let us spread the kindness far and wide!