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!

Life is like a camera

Life is like a camera, not a box of chocolates. Focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.

Making a difference together

Yesterday I started a fundraiser for someone who is having a really difficult time.  She has three small dogs and of course her own expenses and is currently without any income.  I didn't know how much I could raise to help her, but I had no idea so many kind and generous people would come forward and chip in.  Donations have already come in just the first day, from over a dozen people.  Working together we certainly can make a difference!

Pretty simple

Being kind is really pretty simple, especially if you take a moment and think.  You don't need a lot of extra money or time.  You don't need special training.  All you need is to care.  It can begin with something as simple as your smile.

Homework

Here's your homework assignment:  Think up a way to make this a kinder world.  (Think up many different ways if you like).  Then, share your suggestions here so that we can all join in implementing those ideas.  Let's see how many different ideas we can come up with!

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!

Are you happy?

Are you a happy person?  The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything.  Think about it.

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.

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." What a beautiful way of saying it, huh?

Even better

It's going to be a great day.  You know what would make it even better.  Kindness.  Kindness always makes things better!

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.