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."

Feeling rested

I am feeling so rested this morning!  How about you?  Did you sleep well?  Now, go out and make it a great day and of course, be kind!

Ideas

What random act can you do today, to make someone's day? Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through. Give blood. Call or visit a homebound person. Say something nice to everyone you meet. Volunteer at an organization that needs help. Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Say nice things randomly on people's facebook timeline. Call an estranged friend or family member. The ideas are endless!

from Making Wishes

In her book Making Wishes, Richelle Goodrich says that "Kindness is a magical spell - performed by enlightened beings - meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls that they might fly." Such a lovely way of saying it!

Compliments are great

Yesterday I met someone for the first time and it began with a compliment.  Now compliments are always great, especially when they are sincere and from the heart.  One more compliment though that he won't even hear:  this was the kindest and most productive experience I have had in a very long time!

Making people happy is great

At work, I gave someone a gift anonymously.  I was hoping to make them happy and wasn't looking for any special thanks.  Making people happy is great and for me, that is enough.  He realized though who the gift was from and sought me out to formally thank me.  Wow!  That was a very nice gesture too.  These days many people don't even say thank you when the giver's identity is obvious, and this guy went out of his way!  That's kindness.

Good everywhere

I think the luckiest people are the ones who can see the good in everything, and in everyone.  Yes there is good everywhere.  Sometimes we just need to believe.

Words of Saint Teresa

I love these words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta who said "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Remember me

You sometimes hear folks taking about being remembered after they are gone.  I think it would be far better if people remembered us while we are still here!

Happy birthday O sister O mine

I have said this many times, but it continues to be true.  One of the kindest people I know, is my sister, who is always doing things for me, and for others.  Today is her birthday and I'm going to try to show some of that same kindness toward her and to others.

give some back

Remember who good you felt when someone greeted you with a smile or a cheery hello?  Think of all the kind acts that have warmed your heart.  Hopefully you have been the recipient of lots and lots of kindness.  Each day, try to give some back.  It felt good right?  Give that great feeling to others!

telephone

Oh how I wish I could call my mom or my dad or my dear aunt or grandmother.  So much of my family is gone.  Is that true for you?  Don't wait until it's too late.  Just yesterday a woman was telling me her two daughters never call her.  I don't think she liked my response, but I reminded her that telephones work two ways.  You may be hoping for someone to call you, but why not simply call them!

Remembering them

Today is a day when in many churches, the departed are remembered.  (Some combine observances and remember the departed with all the saints on November 1st).  In your kindness, stop for a moment today and think of a favorite relative or good friend who has passed away.  Perhaps a gettogether with a mutual friend to remember that deceased person might be helpful.

Long-time favorite

November has been my favorite month for a long, long time.  It may have originally been because of those extra days off from school for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving but later I'm sure the pumpkins and fall leaves had something to do with it.  I LOVE Thanksgiving Day too.  Of course I love every day!  It gives me more opportunities to put smiles on all the faces I see.

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!

Thomas Carlyle said

I just came across a lovely quote from philosopher and essayist Thomas Carlyle.  He said "Without kindness there can be no true joy."

Rewarded

The other day, someone told me he appreciated my kindness and wanted to reward me.  "Would you prefer a gift card or a check," he asked.  Oh my!  Neither!  I was already rewarded just seeing how appreciative he was.  Besides, I don't want to be kind in hopes of some kind of gift.  We are rewarded every day by the positive reactions of those we encounter.

I believe in pink

The wonderful actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, was quite inspirational in many things she spoke. For example, Miss Hepburn said "I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

Kind tweet

Yesterday afternoon I received a kind tweet from someone who has read this blog:  "you have some great nuggets of wisdom and kindness on your blog!"  He didn't have to reach out to me of course, but what a kind thing to do.  That's what kindness is all about.  You don't have to, but it sure is nice.

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!

Pay a compliment

It always feels nice when someone pays you a kind sincere compliment. It's such an easy thing to do too! I'll bet if we all give it a try, when can come up with a compliment for just about everybody and wouldn't that make for a lovely day?  Let's make this Pay a Compliment Day.

Kind songs

Songs with the word kind in the title - how many are there?  Now I'm speaking here of when kind is used as an adjective.  As a noun (meaning sort), there are many.  I was thinking long and hard and came up with only three:  Try A Little Kindness by Glen Campbell, Please Be Kind by Frank Sinatra, and Tim McGraw's Humble and Kind.  Are there others?  There are certainly songs that encourage kindness.

Impact

Be kind.  You have no idea what the impact will be, but I'm here to tell you, it's going to be good!

Saying no to the corrosiveness

Part of being kind, is saying no to the negativity and corrosiveness that often surrounds us.  Just last night I heard so much name-calling, I thought I was back in first grade.  Disagreeing with someone does not mean we need to be nasty or hurtful.  Building bridges becomes so much easier without venom.

Purpose

Having a tough day?  Take a moment and look at a picture of your children, or place your hand on your chest and feel your heartbeat, or think of the person you brought a smile to earlier in the day.  Wondrous!  It's called purpose. You're here in this world for a reason. Never give up.

Going to be a great day

Do you ever spring out of bed, rested and refreshed, and just knowing that it's going to be a great day?  How wonderful if that was the way it always is, huh?  We actually control a lot of that.  Want a kinder world?  We control a lot of that too!  We don't control the actions of others, but if we set out to be kind and nice, some of that is bound to rub off on those around us.

kind acts

I've listed various acts of kindness here before. Here are a few more: Volunteer to read to kids in the library. Donate time at a senior center. Give a pair of tickets to a concert or baseball game to a stranger. Send a gift anonymously to a friend. Pay for the person behind you in the movie line. Tell your parents/children why you love them. Give blood. Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through. Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers. Can you think of more?

We can do it

Want to see a kinder world?  We can do it.  We really can. Yes it takes some work to get everyone together and caring about the same thing, but I have no intention of giving up.  Let's make kindness our daily way of life!

reminder

While not everyone is kind, that is not a reason for anyone else to be unkind!  Even if someone is mean to you, remember this: You are special.  You have purpose.  You are loved.  Never forget that.  This is true of everyone.  Remind them too.  You are special.  You have purpose.  You are loved.

Have a great journey

This journey is not just about reaching a destination, it’s about enjoying and learning from the journey itself.  Have a great journey.  

Kindness in giving

Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi told us "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

best version of yourself

Not only do you have to be disciplined to become the best version of yourself, but you also have to want that with all your heart.

Kindest of all

I'm sure people have done kind things for you in the past.  It feels good, huh?  That's why I like encouraging kindness.  Think for a moment about all those wonderful things that folks have done for you in the past.  What was the kindest of all?

Looking out my window

First thing every morning, I open my blinds and then while checking overnight email and morning news, I sip my coffee and check the immediate beauty around me.  Looking out my window I can see if I will need any kind of protection when I go out on my walk minutes later.  (All of that happens before I write this).  This morning I could see a lady exercising outside when I first peered out.  A little while later she was still outside as I began my walk.  "Good morning!" she beamed as I approached her.  She already made my day and it's on seven o'clock.

Touched

Being touched by kindness - what a wonderful thing.  I love when someone does a kind act for me.  I really do.  It warms my heart.  I also love witnessing acts of kindness.  There is something very special about seeing someone do a really nice thing for someone else.  Of course I love doing those kind things.  All these things touch me.

DETERMINED

I am so determined.  I want to be a kinder and nicer person.  I'm hoping to convince others to be kinder too.  I know we can do this!  I'm determined.

Colin Powell said

Colin Powell had something to say about kindness: "Don't just show kindness in passing or to be courteous. Show it in depth, show it with passion, and expect nothing in return. Kindness is not just about being nice; it's about recognizing another human being who deserves care and respect."

banana bread

Last night there was a knock on my door in the early evening.  I wasn't expecting anyone, so I was someone surprised.  I was even more surprised to open the door to my neighbor standing there with some banana bread she had baked.  What a lovely, thoughtful, and kind gift!  (Oh and it was delicious too). There was a time when neighbors interacted more.  How lovely if there were to begin once again.

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. 

What's that you say?

Sometimes being kind is as simple as opening you mouth.  Really.  I mean it.  Tell people what they mean to you.  Compliments clerks for their service.  If somebody truly makes your day, tell them.  The world needs more positive talk.  Begin with a nice cheery "hello" or "good morning"!  What's that you say?  You like my friendly attitude?  Aw  You are so kind!

Sunday Kindness

On Sundays folks are generally out of school and more often than other days, are also off from work.  That would seem to me like more opportunities for doing kind things.  As this Sunday unfolds, just how many people will smile at your kindness?

Encouraging words from Roger Ebert

I think I have shared these words from the late film critic Roger Ebert, but they are important, so think about them once again.  "To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try."

Let it begin with me

Sometimes it may seem like I am telling everyone else to be kind, but I don't have to worry about a thing.  I need to work on this as much as the next person.  In many cases, I have to work more, and harder.  Because I'd love to see a kinder world, I must say, "Let it begin with me."  I'm going to do this.  It's important.

second

What is the second way to be kind or the way to be kind to people on the 2nd? Oh my! I have said this so many times and it will always be true. There are endless ways to show kindness, and it isn't specific to the day or the hour. Let's just always care about others!

always something

Be kind to yourself and bring your mind back to how blessed you already are.  There’s always something to be grateful for.  

keep on making my heart sing

Occasionally I hear or see such wonderful things, that it makes my heart sing!  Keep on spreading that kindness and keep on making my heart sing!

I'm here for you

Friendship is not about who you have known the longest, but rather who walked into your life, said "I'm here for you" and then proved it.

She didn't have to share

There's a lady I work with who will frequently bring in a couple of plates of homemade cookies.  Sometimes she makes brownies instead.  They are so delicious!  Everyone enjoys them.  There must be eighty to a hundred cookies.  That has to be time consuming, baking them all.  She didn't have to share.  Nobody has to.  What a great thing it is though!  Her kindness is appreciated by so many!

sharing chocolate

Sharing chocolate is pretty darn kind, don't you think? Actually sharing anything is kind. Right now, I could go for some of that chocolate though - maybe a nice cup of hot chocolate - the kind I used to drink at Christopher Elbow's shop! Yum! I'll share. I promise.

Who was on the phone

Texting seems to be the preferred form of communication these days, but I will always prefer the sound of a human voice.  For me there is something special about a telephone call.  It isn't just a kind gesture.  It also says "I care" and "I'm here for you."

Who's ugly?

The world might judge people by the color of their hair, the way they dress, or even how cute their smile is, but the important beauty is found inside.  Some of the most incredibly beautiful people in the world, are folks that others may call ugly.  I like to look beyond that first image and see how someone lives their life - are they nice?  are they kind?  do they care about others?  THAT is where the true beauty is!

Awareness of those around you

Do you think you're a kind person?  What is your level of awareness concerning those around you?  Do you see the smiles or the frowns?  When someone has tears in their eyes, do you know why?  Could it be that you are so incredibly mean that crying is their natural reaction, or are they shedding tears of joy because they think you are wonderful.  Which would you prefer?  Let's all try to be sensitive of those we come in contact with and perhaps we will become more kind.

beautiful Tuesday morning

Is it a beautiful Tuesday where you are?  It can be!  Always remember that beauty isn't the same for everyone.  Some of us miss it because we spend so much time looking for something specific.  There are so many beautiful things that we simply miss, but is we see with our hearts and our minds, as well as our eyes, we'll find beauty everywhere.

I can always use help

While I may talk about kindness all the time, I know I make my share of mistakes.  I desire to be nice and pleasant and show kindness to everyone, but if I fall short, please forgive me.  I can always use help.  I think the more kindness I am surrounded with, the easier it will be for me.

Watch it grow

How many people do you encounter in the space of one day?  If you show kindness toward each and every one of them, and they in turn show kindness towards each other, that's a lot of kindness!  People who might never have been kind in the past, suddenly are showing kindness too, as the entire world grows more kind.  Watch it grow!  Be a part of it!

Change?

Thinking about changing your personality or your hair color or how you occupy your time?  Why?  Are you making a change for YOU?  If you are doing it for others, think about that hard and long before doing it.  Seriously.  Don't change so that people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love for who you really are.  Sometimes the only change that is necessary, is someone's point of view.

time

No one is too busy. 

It's not about finding time. 

It's about making time. 

If it really matters, you will make time.

Be kind.

Pay Attention

Every morning is a gift, filled with adventures and challenges that beckon to bring us new insight and guide us onto a new aligned path, only if we sit still and listen.  Pay attention my friends.  Listen.  Learn.  Enjoy the adventures.  Rise to the challenges.  Have a great Thursday!

you made someone’s day just a little bit better

If you can lie down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone’s day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.

Separating by color

When I was little, I remember seeing "whites only" signs and public water fountains were all labeled "colored" or "white."  I didn't understand it.  My mom said the only thing that should be separated by color is laundry.  I still see people not wanting to interact with people of different races or ethnicities and I still don't understand it.  The same with sexual orientation - why be separate?  The more we experience each other, the more we experience life!

Tell me a story

Tell me a story about someone who has shown you kindness.  How did it make you feel?  What makes you remember that kindness?  I'd really love to know!

friendly gestures

Did she just smile at me?  Oh my!  That makes me feel good!  Oh and the folks who wave at you or nod their heads - I have been noticed.  I matter.  Someone cares.  It's a good feeling.  It really is.  There doesn't need to be any special occasion.  Greeting each other, often silently, is basic kindness, and it's so easy to do.

Love is

Love isn't what you say

Love is what you do

uniquely powerful and impactful

Acts of kindness are uniquely powerful and impactful.  Please believe me.

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

The inspiring Michael Jordan

Ask Michael Jordan why he succeeds. His response is truly inspiring! "I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Endless ways of being kind

Volunteer at an organization that needs help.  Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter. Buy books for a day care or school. Give toys to the children at a shelter. Volunteer to fix up an elderly person's home. Buy a pack of brightly colored stickers and give them to children you meet during the day. Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. There are endless ways of being kind!

Kindness Rinse Repeat

Did you ever notice the directions on a shampoo bottle?  Most likely you only read it once.  Shampooing your hair becomes habit.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Pretty easy, huh?  It's like that with kindness too.  If we practice kindness often enough it becomes habit. 

Another fortune

Do you read the fortunes you receive in fortune cookies?  I frequently get ones that have to do with kindness.  At lunch yesterday:  "Make someone smile today and feel your heart smile too."

One Fine Morning!

I woke up listening to the Lighthouse hit One Fine Morning (old song, but always good), and now I just know that it indeed is going to be one fine morning and one fine day!

Ideas for showing kindness

There are so many ways to show kindness toward others. Here are a few. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car. Call an estranged family member. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. Mow a neighbor’s grass or sweep a neighbor’s walk. Smile and acknowledge everyone you encounter. 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.

Too much time on social media?

"The one who loves a good rumor hates a peaceful life."  This was on my fortune cookie last night.  Was it telling me that I need to spend less time on social media?

Just be kind

Your random act of kindness can add happiness to someone's life. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give to someone.  It doesn't have to be for any special reason.  Just be kind!

Be kind to yourself

Many people feel that self-care is something that only happens if and when we have time. Oh no! We should all be kind to ourselves too and to treat ourselves with the respect we deserve by making our well-being a priority. Be kind to others for sure, but be kind to ourselves too!

nice and kind

Is being nice the same as being kind?  Well, no.  They certainly are closely connected though.  Niceness is being polite.  Kindness goes beyond that.  Kindness is an action.  Holding the door open for someone or giving flowers to a person or offering to pick up something at the store for a neighbor, are acts of kindness.

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?

Being kind comes in many forms

Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job. Call or visit a homebound person. Pay a compliment at least once a day. Transport someone who can’t drive. Make telephone calls in support of equality urging others to put aside hate. Say something nice to everyone you meet today. Send a treat to a school or day-care center. Give public testimony about an important civic matter.  Being kind comes in so many forms!

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!

Wisdom from a poster

I just saw this on a poster -
FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR HAPPINESS:  Be grateful,  Be helpful,  Be Understanding,  Be kind,  Be Yourself.

the very best I can

Our nation's sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln, is said to be our most inspiring. I have read so many of his speeches and writings and one of the things he said that always sticks with me is "I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end."

There are always more ideas

Many times I have listed various acts of kindness here, and there are always more ideas.  Pretty cool huh?  Something we will never run out of! Here's some more ideas: Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line. Invite someone new for dinner, either in your home or in a restaurant. Say nice things randomly to social media friends. Buy some bottles of water and randomly hand them out to strangers on the street. Drop off a plant or a plate of cookies to your nearby police or fire station. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings. Buy a stranger a free pizza. What ideas can you add?

From the mind of Andy Rooney

I used to love hearing Andy Rooney's observations on life. This is one of my favorites: “For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his/her happiness on major events like a great job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.”

kindness on the bus

Kindness is when the bus driver waits at the stop she sees you running toward, even though it may delay her by a few seconds.  Kindness is when strangers on the bus keep you from falling down because you have your hands full with a water bottle, a book, and your umbrella.   Kindness is when the bus driver tells you to please hold on.  I ride the bus nearly day can see many examples of kindness.

Confidence

Confidence is not walking into a room with your nose in the air and thinking you are better than everyone else. It’s walking into a room and not having to compare yourself to anyone else in the first place.

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.

Ten years from now

Ten years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you did not do than by the ones you did do.  Think about it.

Kindness toward shut-ins

Do you know anyone who is confined indoors, either as a result of physical or mental disability, or simply because they have no transportation? Days can become rather boring for some of these folks and an occasion note in the mail or call on the phone might really brighten things for them! Such a simple act is also a very kind thing.

because you exist

Someone out there feels better today because you exist.  Remember that.  Yes, it really is true.  There are probably even several someones.

strangers

I'm amazed at how sometimes strangers or people you just met will reach out to you with concern about your well-being.  Sometimes strangers are there before family or friends!  While it is nice to see people reaching out, I hope it spreads and involves those closest to us as well!

Passion

Passion is the secret ingredient to an amazing life. Be passionate about something. Be passionate about everything, if you can.

The Mace Cake

Years ago, a woman used to bring this most delicious mace cake to my church.  I don't remember how popular it was with others, but whenever I saw it, I just had to have a slice!  Years later, at another church in another city, I mentioned this to a lady who was planning coffee hour refreshments.  She had never heard of a mace cake, but she very kindly looked it up and presented one for church the next Sunday.  It was delicious!  That was her first mace cake, but not her last.  She didn't have to make one at all, but she did.  That's kindness.

Which is better

When someone does a kind thing for you, it feels really good, huh?  But wait!  It also feel good to be the one doing the kind deed.  Imagine that  Which is better?  We could begin a contest and keep giving and receiving over and over and test out which one becomes our favorite.

Everyone enjoys a little kindness

Start each day with kindness (you can always find a dose of it here), and spread it around too.  Everyone enjoys a little kindness!

optimism

Everyone has to start out somewhere. This start always begins with optimism. Negative attitude is not going to take you anywhere.

good in others

Life becomes easier and more beautiful 

   when we can see the good in other people.

three things

The great novelist Henry James, once said: "Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind." Seems like we just might be on to something!

your voice for honesty and truth and compassion

"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed.  If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth." -William Faulkner

I shall not pass this way again

One of my favorite quotes about kindness is from William Penn, even though it might sound a lot like something sung by Jim Seals and Dash Crofts. Penn said "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

no such thing as too kind

When we are kind to others, we always strive to become better than we are. There is no such thing as too kind. We just get better and better and when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

positive circle

They say what goes around, comes around, so let us all keep our circle positive. Let's think good thoughts, be kind to each other, speaking good words, and doing good deeds.

all alone

Nobody should ever have to be alone.  Now some folks choose this, and that is their decision, but most people like a little human contact.  Help them.  Reach out!  A phone call or a card or a text can mean a lot to someone who lives by themself.  Paying them a visit could be nice too.

Albert Schweitzer words

Albert Schweitzer was a brilliant man. These are his words: "Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate."

people who inspire you

Focus more on the people who inspire you rather than annoy you.  You’ll get much further in life.

Winning

Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before. Winning means surpassing yourself and turning your dreams into reality.

knowing in your heart

If you can go to sleep at night knowing in your heart that you made someone’s day just a little bit better, you know that you have had a good day.

goal

It is my goal every single day to be a kinder, nicer person, and to never be the one who broke someone's heart, but to instead be the one who helped mend it.

You can quote me

From time to time I quote people first thing in the morning and this comes from writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde. "It is not our differences that divide us.  It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."

Kinder world

Every now and then I hear people say they are looking for a kinder world.  That of course would be wonderful indeed, but don't forget that we each have the power to make it so!

The Kindness Guru

The other day, someone called me the Kindness Guru.  I wasn't sure how to take that, and so I asked.  It seems my friend thought I was an expert on kindness.  Oh my!  An expert?  How lovely if we all could be an expert!  I tried to clear things up and would to do so here as well.  I look for our world to be kinder each day.  That requires us all to do our part, and that certainly includes me.  This blog is meant to encourage the readers, and also to encourage me.  I hope that by sharing ideas, we will all be a little more kind.  Your thoughts are always welcome!

start with a positive thought

Always begin your day with a positive thought. No matter how tough yesterday was, a fresh opportunity to make it better awaits you today.

Childsplay

I saw an internet listing for children's books that tell about kindness.  How wonderful!  The earlier we know about being kind, the better.  It isn't a difficult thing - you might say it's childsplay.  Being kind is something we should never outgrow too.

How can we become more kind?

Want to become a more kind person? Perhaps you can begin with some of these ideas. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby. Go through your closets and find several nice items and then donate them to a shelter. Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. Tell your children (or your parents) why you love them. Spend some time serving food at a meal program for the needy. Take an acquaintance to dinner. Sponsor people in fundraising walk-a-thons. Pay a compliment at least once a day. The possibilities are endless.

small, barely detectable generousity

I adore Margaret Cho. Most of us know her as a very funny person, but she also happens to be very wise. I have found encouragement in so many things she has said, like this: "Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."

What it takes

I wish I had all the answers.  Just because I write about being kind, doesn't mean I know everything.  It doesn't even mean that I'm actually a kind person myself, although I do try to be.  It would be nice if there was a perfect list of what it takes.  Being kind isn't just one thing though.  I can't simply state what it takes in a simple paragraph, because there are many factors.  Lets begin though with showing love and respect, caring and concern, and some common courtesy.  

Book of Life

The book of life isn't just a single page, it has many different chapters.  If you don't like a chapter, keep turning the pages.  One bad chapter doesn't mean that you have finished the book.

stay positive

Stay positive.  Love yourself for what you are, instead of hating yourself for what you are not.  Do the same thing with others.  Life is so much better without negativity.

From Dr Brothers

Remember Dr Joyce Brothers? She was a columnist, a tv personality and perhaps most significantly, a psychologist. She always had wonderful things to say. Once Dr Brothers said "Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable."

back to you

Sometimes you are kind to me and I am kind back to you, because seeing you happy creates this sense of joy that I really want to see more of.  If we all are kind to each other and it just keeps on going with one person after another and each back to the other, think of how much joy the world will have!

helping hand of a neighbor

The late Vice President Hubert Horatio Humphrey once said "The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor."

The Kind Waitress

The story of the kind waitress is making the rounds and it truly warmed my heart.  Working behind the counter at a breakfast place, the waitress overheard an elderly customer dining alone say something about having difficulty cutting his food.  The man, who was also on oxygen, didn't ask for help, but the waitress saw that he clearly could use a hand, so you took his plate for a moment and cut up his food.  This of course is above and beyond what we might expect from our food servers, and it is extremely kind!

Three important things

I know I have said this before, but since I agree so much, I just have to say it once again!  Novelist Henry James said (to his nephew Billy James) "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind."  Indeed.

Strength From Adversity

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." -Walt Disney

Relax and be kind

Recreation,  travel, and vacationing are all big at this time of year.  School is out for most folks and families tend to do more things together.  Hey, how about a family kindness project?  Sound good?  Even if we are all alone, now is a great time to relax, reduce the stress in our lives, and maybe reduce the stress that others have too.  There is never a bad time to be kind to others, so let's all have fun, enjoy this time of year, relax, and be kind!

Incredible Heat

Record temperatures are being recorded in many places this week.  Be careful.  Stay hydrated.  Don't spend too much time in the sun.  Be careful of children, the elderly, and animals.  They can be more sensitive to the extreme heat.  Be kind to yourself too.  Don't overdo anything in the excessive heat.

The little ones

Yesterday I was at a restaurant and I saw a little boy - he was probably only five or six, run to the door and hold it for an elderly woman.  The woman was very impressed with his kindness and so was I.  When the little ones begin showing courtesy at an early age, you can bet they are going to grow up and be very kind people!

Another glorious day

The sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom, and even though it's only seven o'clock, I just know this is going to be another glorious day!  Of course how our days go depends a lot on us and our actions.  That's where kindness comes in.  Days are always better when we are kind to each other!

Always doing Always kind

I know some people who are always doing things for others.  I know some people who are always kind.  I must say, I am so encouraged by these people!

a good deed in a weary world

In The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare wrote “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”  I find that very inspiring.

Plant a tree

One of the kindest things a person can do, is to plant a tree that will some day give shade to people he has never even known!

The beauty of nature

Yesterday was filled with thunder and lightening and lots of rain, but it made the trees and plants and grass so much more beautiful.  Today when I woke up and saw the sun poking its head above the horizon, I could just tell it was going to be a beautiful day.  Walk with kindness and make it even more beautiful!

Wonderful!

Yesterday was wonderful.  (I try to make every day wonderful, but yesterday was extra special).  Some people are so filled with love and kindness that it shines forth in all that they do, and spending an hour with such a person yesterday was really wonderful.

Each day holds a surprise

Many powerful quotes came from priest and theologian Henri Nouwen.  He told us "Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity."  Some good advice!

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.

Where there’s a will

Someone once said "Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Don’t let your challenges hold you back.  Rise above and remember that anything is possible."  We don't know who said that, but it certainly is true.

Better

Which feels better, being kind to someone else, or someone being kind to you?  Some people might think that a difficult question, but actually it's pretty easy.  Of course it is nice to have both, but you just can't beat the warm and wonderful feeling you get when you do something special for someone.  When you see that they appreciated your efforts, there just isn't a better feeling.

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!

value of a moment

Sometimes you never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory that you wish you could experience over and over again.

It's the little things

We can change our world one small act at a time. That's why kindness is so important.  It's the little things that add so much when life's journey is difficult.  We can begin with something as little as a smile.

Kindness never dies

June 28 will always be a special day to me.  My dear friend was born 52 years ago on this date.  He was one of the most thoughtful and kindest people I ever met.  Even though he passed away ten years ago, the love and the kindness live on in my memory.  Kindness never dies.

kind things

Need some kindness ideas? How about paying the bus fare for the passenger boarding behind you. Take muffins or doughnuts to work. Take a gift to new neighbors and introduce yourself. Wash someone else's car. Take a friend to lunch. Give the gift of time - volunteer. Let someone go ahead of you in line.  Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. 

How do you spell kindness?

It is probably a little different for each of us (and there is no right or wrong answer), but how do you spell kindness?   F-R-E-S-H-L-Y-B-A-K-E-D-B-R-E-A-D.  Oh my!

Summertime

I woke up hearing Al Jarreau on the radio singing "Summertime." No one ever quite sang "Summertime" like Al Jarreau. Oh my! What a lovely way to begin a day.

He's a real saint

I'm sure you have heard people say that someone "is a real saint" before.  It of course means that do some wonderful caring things.  I have a friend like that.  We live in different cities now and seldom see each other, but he calls me often so we can catch up and always wants to know how I am doing.  He also regularly visits several different senior citizens, volunteers at various causes including a food bank, and spends money helping out folks in need.  That is just a fraction of the good things he does.  To call him a kind person is a huge understatement.

the kindest thing that you can do

The kindest thing that you can do for another person is what?  Let's think about this.  I really believe that if we spend more time picturing kindness in our minds, we will each become a bit kinder ourselves.  So, what do you think is the kindest thing you can do for someone?

Common courtesy

Sometimes kindness is just common courtesy, like holding a door open for someone approaching right behind you, or avoiding that hydroplane experience as your car approaches a pedestrian, or returning that other customer's shopping cart as you return your own.

The kindness of neighbors

Since I was little, I have always been aware of the kindness of neighbors.  There was a lovely lady I can recall who always was bringing over fresh bread, right out of her oven.  Mom was always close to the people she lived around.  Apartment living isn't always like that despite what you see on tv sitcoms.  Where I currently live though there are occasional glimpses of neighborly kindness.  The woman across from me once gave me some delicious banana bread.  Yesterday I ran into my neighbor on the other side, returning home with a brand new crock pot.  He gave me his old one!

Kind or not

Being kind isn't something most people stop and thing about.  Should I be kind today or not?  Nobody should ever want to choose not being kind!  Of course we are all human and from time to time we do things without thinking.  That's why I suppose thinking about kindness can be a very good thing.  We can remind ourselves of the rewards that come from being kind to others and when others are kind to us.

Our theme song

Probably very few of you recall when Bob Keeshan  as Captain Kangaroo sang "It's Another Be-Good-To Mommy Day" on his children's tv program, but I think of that song often when I write these words each morning. Perhaps we could make it our theme song and change the words to It's Another Be-Kind-To Others Day.  Ready?  Let's sing!

Observation

Today as you go about your business, take a moment not only to be kind to other people, but also to witness the kindness of others.  Observe the little things.  Watch how folks can bring a smile to others.  It's truly amazing.  Visibly seeing everyday kindness warms your heart.

There once was a Tuesday in June

There once was a Tuesday in June - um, er  You probably thought this was the beginning of a limerick, huh?  How about instead we just make this the beginning of a very kind day! 

Kinder still

Each day I attempt to be a better person, especially in the way I act toward others.  Each day I try to show more kindness, and then the next day I try to be kinder still.

starting another week

As we begin this second week of June, may it be a kinder and happier we than last, and may we all show more love toward one another. We can all do great things. We can all make a positive difference. Let's spread joy and make the world a better place.

Sharing ideas

While I am the writer of this blog and have done a lot of thinking about kindness, I don't have all the answers, so I could use a bit of help.  Would any of you be willing to share some ideas?  There are so many ways to be kind!

We ALL can

I can.  You can.  We ALL can!  Every single one of us can make this a kinder world.  Let's work together and make it so!

No hate

On June 12, 2016, a man pulled out a gun and killed 49 people and wounded 58 others in a hate crime inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It was the deadliest act of violence against LGBTQ+ people in US history. It was not the last. LGBTQ+ people face hate and violence every day. In some parts of the world, it is even worse. We must remember the massacre in Orlando, but we must also ensure that these incidents don't keep repeating. We need to turn to kindness and love, and we need to end the hate.

send a card or letter

People like to know that other folks are thinking of them and what better way to show this than sending a card or letter.  Even an email shows you care.  One of the kindest things a person can do is to care about another human being!

Leftovers

Kindness is wrapping up your leftovers to give to the homeless person you pass every day on your street.  Give him the rest of that open package of cookies too!

say it

Do you have wonderful friends?  How about your family?  Do you enjoy the people you work with?  Think about it.  When did you ever say it to them?  Compliments don't cost money because they are priceless.  You really can make someone's day too, and just using a few words.  Don't just think about how much you like someone or something they do.  Say it.

More kind things we can do

Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Open the door for another person. Leave an extra-large tip for the waitperson. Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving.  Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning.  Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier. Treat someone to fresh fruit.  Sing at a nursing home.  Give another driver your parking spot.

Paying it forward

Was someone especially kind to you recently?  Well pay it forward.  It's really pretty simple to make the world kinder.  If we all continue to pay it forward, it will be a never-ending stream of kindness and that will certainly make this a better world!

Price tag

So what is the price tag for kindness?  How much money will you need to spend to be kind?  Absolutely nothing.  Kindness is priceless, yet it is one of the most valuable things we will ever encounter!

To Do

Are you a planner?  Do you make out a daily list of things to do?  One thing that should always be on the list: Be kind!

doing your best

Doing your best at this moment 

puts you in the best place for the next moment!

No rewards needed

I love doing kind things for others.  It's just a part of who I am.  I don't need thanks or any special rewards either.  Yes, it is nice when folks say thank you and it's also very nice to be recognized, but that isn't my reason for being nice and kind.  When no rewards are needed, you are motivated by something greater, and there is a different kind of reward, one that you feel through your entire being.

picking up the pieces

We all at certain times in our lives find ourselves broken. True strength is found in picking up the pieces.  The song says, "pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again."

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!

You like me

When Sally Field won her first Academy Award in 1980 for her role in Norma Rae, she said from the stage, "You like me, right now, you like me!"  I can still see her beaming with happiness.  It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are liked.  One of the kindest things we can do is to let people know how important they are to us.  Who do you really like?  Have you ever told them so?

Kindness always

Be kind today, and tomorrow, and the following day.  Be kind this week and next.  Be kind this fall and this winter.  Be kind next year.  Kindness always!

Here's an alarming idea

Today, don't just be kind, be extra kind.  Set an alarm to go off frequently (hourly if you can) during the day and then when that happens stop what you are doing and text, call, email, or otherwise contact someone in your life and tell them what they mean to you.  If your workday just won't accommodate this, do it in the hours after work!

Just one

Any day when I know that I made someone happy is a good day.  I don't have to make the whole world happy or even all the people in my town.  Just one.  Just one person, and now I am happy too.  Of course I always try for more than one, but just one is all it takes!

Go ahead

Remember the catchphrase spoken by the character Harry Callahan in the movie Sudden Impact?  "Go ahead, make my day!"  Well today, make someone's day.  No, not like in the movie.  Just do something kind.  There are so many possibilities.  In fact I think together we can make many people's day!

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.

Kind people in your life

With each day I try to be a kinder person.  I encourage kindness here every morning in these short messages.  In your life though, is there a lot of kindness?  Who are the kindest people you know?  Are they folks you want to imitate?

We are the change

Today seems like an appropriate time to remember the wise words of former President Barack Obama, who said "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

On the Road

Remember the late CBS newsman Charles Kuralt, who did those wonderful "On the Road" segments? Mr Kuralt once said "The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines."

Kindness can change the world

In my opinion, kindness can change the world, and so I not only want to be a kind person myself, but I want to urge others to be kind as well.  Have you ever heard anyone complain about a kind act?  Kindness is always looked upon with positive feelings.

friendship that has caught fire

Remember the advice columnist Ann Landers? She always had such wise words! One very inspiring thing from her: "Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses."  I really like that picture she gave us.  "Friendship that has caught fire" - what a wonderful image!

Be kind

The message is really quite simple:  Be kind.  There are so many different ways of doing it, but the result if always the same.  Being kind really does make a difference.  If you don't think you are a kind person, practice.  We can all get better at it!

Miss Sally

I remember back when I was in grade school, this wonderful lady whom we called Miss Sally would come and pick us up for church on Sunday mornings. She drove a very old car that she had probably purchased fifty years before, but it still ran nicely, possibly because she only drove it one day a week. Miss Sally always had some kind of pastry or cookies to share after church too. With a warm sparkle in her eye, I'll never forget her kindness, even now looking back to MANY years ago!

Ella

I always enjoyed the music of Ella Fitzgerald, but it wasn't just her wonderful singing, Ella said some pretty inspiring thing too. She said "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."  I agree.

Warming my heart

Warming my heart is a pretty easy task.  When I see kindness, however big or small, it always makes me feel good.  When I know that someone is smiling because of something I did, it warms my heart.  I really think the kindness movement is spreading!  Heartwarming indeed.

take care of yourself

When you are in good health and full of energy, it is so much easier to be kind.  Exercise, eat right, drink plenty of water, and get regular medical checkups.  In other words, take care of yourself!  Being kind certainly includes being kind to YOU!

It doesn't have to be special

Being kind isn't just performing some random act for someone else.  It's a way of life.  Kindness is something that should always be with us.  It doesn't have to be special but at the same time it is very special.

Here comes the rain again

Rain.  We need it, but most of us don't like getting caught out in it.  When a storm comes up suddenly, and you get soaked, that certainly isn't pleasant.  I remember years ago when a popup storm was pouring down on people.  A man rain into a store and bought dozens of umbrellas, which he then handed out for free.  Now that's kindness!

Everyone

Everyone deserves love, kindness and respect. Everyone. That includes you.

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."

role models

Basketball superstar Jeremy Lin is someone I always find inspiring. Lin said "I think right now the way society's going, I think role models are important, and kids need direction. If I didn't have that direction growing up, who knows what I could be doing, because I've been lost many times in my life, and I've had to have someone guide me back on the right path."

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.

If

If you don't go after what you want, you will never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always going to be no. If you don't step forward, you'll always be in the same place.

all the time

If you are nice all the time, you really don't have to put any special effort into being kind.  Sometimes it can be fun though to add some bonus moments.  That's when we do those special random acts of kindness.

Being nice is a true treasure

George Foreman was a boxer, so it might surprise you that he has spoken of the importance of being nice.  Foreman said "It's very important that people know that I really enjoy everything that has happened to me.  And I tell my kids 'you're not going to be the tallest, fastest, prettiest, the best track runner, but you can be the nicest human being that someone has ever met in their life.'  And I just want to leave that legacy that being nice is a true treasure."

Animals need kindness too

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

Who doesn't like kindness

Let's see a show of hands.  Who doesn't like kindness?  {no hands went up}  I mean what is there we wouldn't like?  Seriously?  Rude or mean people are a turn-off.  Kind and loving people are just the opposite.  I most certainly like kindness!

keep on trying

Things don't always turn out the way we would like them, but that isn't reason to give up.  Never throw your hands up in surrender.  Instead, keep on trying.  The kindness of others will help to fuel you along the way together with the knowledge that we have the power to make things better.

words that you can't utter

Waking up this morning, I was thinking of these words from James Earl Jones: "One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter "

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).

The world needs more of it

Kindness.  The world needs more of it.  Let's all do our part and share kindness every single day!  We will never have too much.

Still more ideas

Here are still more random acts of kindness.  Tell your parents or your children why you love them.  Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him or her through that company’s corporate office.  As you go about your day, pick up trash.  When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.  Yesterday I mentioned that some kind acts cost money, but each of these things here don't cost us a penny!  Are there more?  You bet!

You know what else is kind?

Sometimes out of the blue, someone will do something that just warms your heart.  It's easy to talk about kindness and those various things we do for each other, but you know what else is kind?  Simple concern.  The other day I got a phone call from someone who just wanted to be sure I was okay.  She said that she hadn't seen or heard from me in awhile, and was concerned.  What a kind an loving thing to do!

MisterRogers

When I was first aware of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, MisterRogers was spelled as one word.  One of the things I remember from dear Fred Rogers are these words:  "There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."  

Tiny ripples

The late Robert F Kennedy was a hero to me.  He said so many encouraging things. This morning I am thinking about when he spoke of tiny ripples, saying  "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

always possible

They tell me the Dalai Lama once said "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."  Listen to the Dalai Lama.  He speaks the truth.

losing happiness

Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said "For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness."  Indeed.

an always thing

Being kind is not just an occasional thing. It's not just once in a while. It's isn't one of those from time to time things. Being kind is a daily thing, an always thing.

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."

Kind Nana

Grandmothers are always kind, right?  Well mine certainly were.  Grandma (my father's mother) lived far away, but Nana (my mother's mother) lived closer and so I saw her more often.  Nana and I spent a lot of time together in my early adult years when I lived with her for awhile and help out in the gift shop she owned.  Today would have been Nana's birthday and I cannot help thinking of her and how much I miss her.

We can change

Not a very kind person?  Well it doesn't have to be that way.  I woke up this morning hearing a wonderful story of redemption and I thought about all the mean folks who became nice folks.  Yes, it happens.  Never give up.  Oh and just because you do nice things occasionally doesn't make you a nice person.  Let's never turn away from good, but always strive to be more kind.

Is it in your blood

Is it in your blood to donate blood?  Let me tell you, this is one of the most wonderful things a person can do.  I am always encouraged by the love and generosity people show when they donate blood.  Forty-five minutes out of your day to give the most precious gift:  your blood.  Oh my!  What a kind thing to do!

How To

There are how-to books for just about everything, including ones to help become a better person.  How many of us want to be better?  I would hope that anyone would want to improve.  I know I want to see more kindness in the world and the best place to begin is with me, so I want to improve myself.  I'm not actually using a how-to book.  I'm using a daily morning exercise - writing this blog, to help me do better.  It seems to be working too!

Kind Arnel

How many of you know who Arnel Pineda is?  Those of you who do, know that he is an extremely talented singer, currently the frontman for the band Journey.  You should also know that he is very kind.  He could well be the posterperson for this blog.  Kindness seems to be his way of life, and that is indeed a wonderful thing.  Thanks for making a difference Arnel!

When skies are gray

Just about everybody knows the song You Are My Sunshine.  There is a line in there that says "You make me happy when skies are gray."  What a wonderful description of another human being, huh?  To me that sounds like they are talking about a very kind person, someone who can make you happy even when they sky is gray.  How lovely to have someone who is your sunshine!  Encouragement.  I am encouraged in many ways, but here is encouragement once again to be kind.

complain less

It may seem like an overwhelming task, but complaining less really does make a difference.  Being positive in a bad situation makes you stand out as a leader.  This doesn't mean life is perfect, but if we all work together in a positive way, we can help it become more perfect.

reasons why we should be happy

So many people look for reasons to be unhappy.  Why?  There is always good my friends.  Always!  Let's focus on the things we do have, and the reasons why we should be happy!

Kindness and gratitude

The more you practice kindness, the better you will become at being kind!  The same is true with gratitude.  The more you practice gratitude, the better you will become at being grateful!  Pause for a moment to appreciate something and give thanks for it!

Glorious Day!

It looks like a glorious day where I live.  I've noticed that beautiful weather tends to make folks kinder.  With that in mind, I intend to try even harder on those foul weather days!

A Simple Gesture

Being kind does not require a lot of money or a lot of planning or any big elaborate action.  A very simple gesture, like giving someone fresh flowers you picked from your garden, can be one of the kindest and nicest things a person can do!

Quarters

Doing laundry can be expensive. Buying a bottle of water from a machine is ridiculously costly. Actually any coin-operated machine will likely cost more than you would expect. Surprise others by springing for their wash or beverage or other automated expense. Leave a few quarters near the coin slot of washers, dryers, or other machines, or collect a number of quarters in a plastic sandwich bag and leave it with a "this one is on me" note.  Quarters can make someone's day!

Alone

There are people who thrive on being all alone, but that is not the way it is for most folks.  Have you ever felt lonely?  There are those who feel that way all the time.  A short visit can help.  Phone calls are good too.  We each have it in our power to help cut down on the loneliness out there.  Think about those family members you seldom see or the anonymous residence in assisted nursing facilities.  Even folks who are new to town and don't know many people yet, can have lonely moments.

the deaf and the blind

Mark Twain said "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."  I think about that quote often.  Being kind doesn't require any sound or vision.  Amazing.

what makes me happy

Do you know what makes me happy?  It's really quite simple.  I love making other people happy!  There is nothing better than seeing someone smile or laugh.  It really feels good when someone tells you that you made their day.  It's like a circle.  I make you happy, and that in turn makes me happy!

from a very wise person

A very wise person (I don't know who) once said "Enjoy life today, because yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is never promised."

don't worry

When was the last time you solved a problem by worrying about it? Seriously. Worry is irrelevant. It alters nothing. Bobby McFerrin got it right! Don't worry be happy!

who gets the credit

The 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman said "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."  Oh that is so very true!

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.

Be the reason

Be the reason someone smiles.  Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in other people.

a favorite quote

I don't know who said this, but it's a favorite quote of mine: "Look forward with hope, not backwards with regret."

no terms or conditions

Good relationships don't need any promises, terms or conditions, just people who can trust and understand each other.

Being kind

Being kind is a daily thing, an always thing.  I have occasionally mentioned random acts of kindness, but those are just the bonuses.  Those are the extra things that kind people sometimes do in addition to the cheerful way they always show a generosity of spirit.  Being kind is part of who we are.  It's not something we even have to think about.  It just happens.

Kindness is

Kindness is a lot of things. The dictionary says it is "the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate." Kindness is more than being nice. Kindness is part of who you are. We all have the ability to be kind. Sadly, some folks choose not to be.  Kindness is a way of life.

    

Phone a friend

Call a friend out of the blue or call your grandparents, or an uncle, or perhaps a distant cousin. Come to think of it, call anyone you don't normally call.  You'd be surprised how good it can make someone feel to know that someone is thinking about them.  It doesn't have to be a long call (in fact it is good if you are very conscious of whether you are really connecting or if you are interrupting).  I know I love getting calls from folks I seldom hear from.  I'm sure you have people like that in your life.  Call them.

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!

How kind are you?

I'm not going to judge. That certainly is not my place. Judge for yourself though. Are you a kind person? How kind are you? Are you always kind; kind to everyone? If the answer is no, what's holding you back? From time to time, I look back on my day and the people I interact with. Am I proud of the way I acted? Can I do better? Something to think about.

Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer was a smart cookie! He told us “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

Return calls

If someone takes the time to leave you a voicemail, take the time to call him or her back. The same thing is true with email. This isn't just kindness, it's common courtesy.

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.

makes my heart sing

Occasionally I hear or see such wonderful things, that it makes my heart sing!  Keep on spreading that 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!

Another person

Whenever you encounter another person, you have another marvelous opportunity to again practice kindness.  Don't waste that opportunity.

aware

Part of being kind comes down to being aware, I think. We need to take a moment and think about how we are acting and how others see us. Do our actions bring joy or happiness to others? Does our tone of voice seem friendly?   More and more I try to be aware of everything I do, and I am always grateful to hear the thoughts of others.

One

One smile, can start a friendship.  

One word, can end a fight.  

One look, can save a relationship.  

One person can change your life.

inspirational thought

"Ten years from now, make sure you can say you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it."  An inspirational thought from Mandy Hale.

let's go to lunch

"Let's go to lunch," said my friend Danny. Of course I'd have to fight him for the check afterward. Oh and it wasn't just food. When I spent time with Danny, there was great conversation, about his calendar models and all number of things. Of course there was his great ever-present smile too. That alone would make my day! I remember the Ovaltine too. When I think of kind people I know, Danny always comes to mind immediately.

happy place

When I was younger, I remember having a "happy place," or perhaps I should say a "happy thought." If there was ever a scary moment, I could just direct my thinking to that happy place, and the fear would disappear. Kindness and love and only good things would be in my happy place. Often if was like Christmas but sometimes like a big wedding banquet or a Mother's Day buffet. I doubt if I'm the only one who created these happy places. For me it always worked to think positive and dwell on the good, instead of the bad or the scary.

The mind

The mind is a powerful force. It can slave us or empower us. It can plunge us into the depths of misery or take us to the heights of ecstasy.  Learn to use the power wisely.  Be kind.

Spreading kindness

How can you show kindness toward other people? Here are some more suggestions: Leave an extra-large tip for the waitperson. Donate blood. Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning. Give another driver your parking spot. Give flowers to be delivered with meal delivery programs. Give your full attention to someone in need and simply listen. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby. Have a clean-up party in the park. The ideas never end.  Keep spreading kindness!