*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.