It's inside

Inside every one of us is the ability to love others, to bring joy, and to be kind. The great poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson reminded us of this when he said "What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you."

Echoes of kind words

Thinking of the long show business career of Marlene Dietrich, you might not easily be able to quote her, but I find one tiny sentence of hers to me a great anthem for our lives. Dietrich said "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

the kindness of that guy over there

Did you expect the man you passed to smile and nod hello?  Did you expect the little boy in the park to offer you one of the candies his mom had just given him?  Did you expect your next door neighbor to sweep off your sidewalk this morning?  The kindness of that guy over there might be unexpected, but it sure is nice.

All the time

Remember back around Thanksgiving when folks were collecting canned goods or just after that when toy drives were in full swing and collections for warm clothing?  Why don't we do that ALL the time?  There are people in need at any time of the year, not just for a month or two at year's end.  Think about putting aside a couple of food items every single week and donating them to a food bank, church, or other organization that is helping those in need.  Some places will also accept toys and clothing as well.

Courtesy song

For some reason, I woke up this morning remembering this little song:  "When you want it say please,  When you get it say thank you.  When someone says thank you, then you answer you're welcome!"  I learned that little courtesy song way back in elementary school.  I certainly never goes out of style.

self-kindness

To truly practice self-love, you have to learn self-kindness, and being kind to yourself means getting serious and committed to your dreams.

The World Needs More Kindness

The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.  The world needs more kindness.

Your thoughts

What is going through your head as you read this?  Have you read this blog before?  Did you stumble upon it or did someone tell you about it?  Would you like to see more kindness in this world?  Share your thought.  I know I'd love to hear from you!

all things can be mended

After some tough days, I was trying to think of something encouraging and most of my words seemed a bit short.  Then I was reminded of some marvelous words from L.R. Knost,  She gets right to it saying "Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.  All things break.  And all things ... can be mended.  Not with time, as they say, but with intention.  So go.  Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally."

Beautiful words about beautiful day

I've quoted a lot of people here who speak of kindness, but one of my favorite thoughts are these words from George Elliston:  "How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!"

True love

"It is a popular trend nowadays to say love is very much conditional. I've heard people compare it to a glass of water that eventually runs out when love isn't reciprocated. This encouragement of selfishness must stop," says my friend Jonah Kim. "True love is an infinite well and is absolutely unconditional," he continues. Jonah concludes "True love feels almost helpless in its endless giving, without asking for anything in return. And if the ones you love love you back, there is nothing more beautiful, precisely because we love without premeditated expectations."

National No Housework Day

Take a break from the sweeping, dusting, and dishes. Dirty windows? They will wait one more day. The vacuum will remain banished to the closet. Mopping? Not today! Today is National No Housework Day and so take a break. It's not laziness. It is being kind to yourself!

3,146

The counter tells me this is my 3,146th entry on this blog about kindness.  Seriously?  Well, I will certainly keep on going.  I need to keep encouraging myself to be kinder!

JOY!

Easter is being celebrated today by many, and I know that means a lot of joy.  My wish is that everyone can experience a bit of joy regardless of your observances.  Be kind to yourself.  Celebrate.  Enjoy life!

chocolate eggs and bunnies

Easter is coming (tomorrow)!  When I was little that meant chocolate eggs and bunnies.  Jellybeans too!  Oh, I loved the malted milk eggs!  I might not have been very kind back then, because I don't recall sharing very much.  I will share now though.  Just wait until Sunday.

donating blood

My aunt was a regular blood donor, so I was curious about blood donation from a very young age. I once asked her why she donated — and I was amazed to learn how such a simple act could save lives. The first time I was able to donate myself, I was shocked at how easy the process was and how good it made me feel to do something for others.  For a number of years, I was a blood drive coordinator, and I learned even more about how important this kind act is.  Keep your eye out for a blood drive in your area and donate!

Stay healthy

Take care of yourself.  Stay healthy and fit.  When you’re healthy and energetic, it is so much easier to be kind.

April Fool

There may be lots of pranks and jokes today but remember to be nice about it and don't allow any mean spiritedness.  Being kind of course is never a prank- it's a way of life!

Being unkind

If someone is unkind to you, is that a good reason for you to be unkind to them?  I'm sure you already know that the answer is no.  Our kindness should not be based on what we get back.  Now I am not saying we should allow someone to hurt us.  There are times when the bast thing to do is just walk away.  There is never a good reason though for being unkind.

let me talk to you

Let me talk to you about hospitality or niceness or affection or helpfulness or warmth or unselfishness or benevolence or consideration or warmheartedness or friendliness or neighborliness or charitableness or gentleness or understanding or thoughtfulness or generosity or big-heartedness - in other words, kindness.  That's what this daily blog is all about.  Come join us each day and tell your friends too!

from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Essayist, poet, and lecturer Ralph Waldo Emerson said "You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." How true.

surrounded by loved ones

We have all hear the phrase surrounded by loved ones when a person passes away. In my thinking, one of the kindest things anyone can do is to simply be there. Not everyone has family, but we can all have friends - loved ones. Let us be there not only in the final hours, but all through life.

walking the earth like brothers

It's been many years since Martin Luther King Jr. said “We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers.” When will we learn?

Jonah's words

"It is a popular trend nowadays to say love is very much conditional. I've heard people compare it to a glass of water that eventually runs out when love isn't reciprocated. This encouragement of selfishness must stop," says my friend Jonah Kim. "True love is an infinite well and is absolutely unconditional," Jonah says.  I've shared this before, but it's important.  He concludes "True love feels almost helpless in its endless giving, without asking for anything in return.  And if the ones you love love you back, there is nothing more beautiful, precisely because we love without premeditated expectations."

thanks Mom

When Mom passed away on March 25th in 2013, I was a basket case. Seeing a loved one die is a difficult thing. Since then though, while I still miss her a lot, I have become stronger. Everything I am is because of her. She was one of the kindest people I ever have known and also one of the most loving. Mom also left me a note to read after she was gone. In it she said I had been the best son a mother could have, and she wished me a good life. "We'll be together again someday" was how she closed. Thanks Mom, for everything.

make it so

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

Acts of kindness

Every now and then I have listed things we can all do to show kindness toward others. Here are some more: Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. 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. Invite someone new for dinner, either in your home or in a restaurant. Give toys to the children at a shelter. Say nice things randomly to facebook and twitter 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. Please add your own ideas below!

Surprise dessert

When I'm in a restaurant, I seldom order dessert, especially when I am eating alone, but I recall one time when the waiter approached my table with a beautiful looking orange kanten, telling me the table across the room had sent it.  I glanced over and realized that the couple seated there were people I knew.  How lovely though - a nice surprise dessert!  What a kind thing to do,

This is your family

Athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick says "My parents told me from the time I can remember that, 'Yeah, you're adopted. But this is your family.' I can remember my mom, she tells me this story: when I was little, I was looking at her, and I was like, 'Why isn't my skin the same color as yours?' 'Oh, you're adopted, but I wish I had pretty brown skin like you,' said Mom."  From a caring family came this caring American hero.

Is is really spring?

Funny how the weather varies from place to place.  Where I grew up there might be snow on the ground this time of year, even though it is officially spring.  In some places it's even hot.  Yes, it's really spring, even if it doesn't seem like it where you are.  Why not pick up a nice bouquet of flowers to put you in the spirit?  Wait!  How about picking up two bouquets and giving one to a friend?

simple

There is no secret or hidden message here in these daily postings.  It is as simple as it appears.  My message is one of kindness.  I want to be a kinder person and I want to encourage others to do the same.  It's simple.

keep them

The best way to keep the people in your life, is to not give them away.  Keep them and be kind to them.

blessings of the day

One Saint Patrick's Day (probably long ago) I was blessed with these words: "May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far. Have a long life and a merry one, a quick death and an easy one, a pretty girl and an honest one, and a cold pint and another one!"

popularity

Some folks may think of life as a popularity contest, but that's not how it is.  No matter how hard we try and how nice we are, there will always be those who don't like us for some reason.  Don't let it get you down.  Be yourself.  Stay positive.  Keep spreading the love, even when it is not returned.

True Saying

It's an old saying but it is just as true now as ever:  "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

Wisdom from James Clear

Author James Clear wisely tells us "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you are becoming."

hello

The telephone company used to say "reach out and touch someone" and "long distance is the next best thing to being there."  I'm not sure how many of us think about it, but hearing someone's voice can truly brighten our day.  Not everyone can get out and see folks and if you are stuck indoors and alone, it can become overwhelming.  Take a few minutes and say hello to someone in your life.

Mister Rogers Said

“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.” ―Fred Rogers

from Aesop

Although I write here in this place every morning about kindness, the words are not always mine. I often quote others. One of my favorites is this simple line from Aesop: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

Kind Doctor

An incredible physician recently treated me in the Emergency Department, and when I thanked him, he was so humble and kind. He said to me "Getting to hear a thanks from patients makes all the hard work worth it. It means more than you think." I will always remember the good efforts of this doctor and I will especially remember his kindness.

It isn't very hard at all

Kindness.  We really aren't talking about a difficult task.  In fact, it isn't very hard at all.  The more we are kind to others, the easier it is to do.  It becomes a way of life.

naturally

Kindness is an intrinsic part of living rather than merely an act of gratitude. The best kindness just comes naturally.

The Value of a Moment

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

help one another

One of the most beautiful things we can do is to help one another.  Kindness doesn't cost a thing.

Random acts

I have 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?

mean can turn to nice

If someone isn't very nice, remember that we can all change.  Never give up. We can all get better and do better, but 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. Already a nice person?  Try to become even nicer!

simple message

The message here day after day is really quite simple:  be kind.  Sometimes I just want to shout it from the rooftops.  Someday I hope everyone will realize how important this is1

Goodness and kindness

Goodness and kindness.  Spread this every single place you go.  Life is too short to be doing otherwise.

No day off

It's Sunday, so no school or work, and therefore no need to be kind, right?  WRONG!  We don't take a day off from caring about others?  Being good and kind is an everyday occurrence we should practice every single day!

War, what is it good for?

You may recall these words written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in the song "War."  I feel the need to repeat them this morning.  I can almost hear the voice of Edwin Starr (who recorded this back when I was a kid).  

     War, huh, yeah
     What is it good for?
     Absolutely nothing, uh-huh, uh-huh

     War, huh, yeah
     What is it good for?
     Absolutely nothing, say it again, y'all

     War, huh, good god
     What is it good for?
     Absolutely nothing, listen to me

     Oh war, I despise
     'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
     War means tears to thousands of mothers' eyes
     When their sons go off to fight and lose their lives

     I said, war, huh, good god, y'all
     What is it good for?
     Absolutely nothing, say it again

                                                                          -Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

Take responsibility and breathe kindness

"If everyone took personal responsibility for their animals, we wouldn't have a lot of the animal problems that we do. I'm a big spay-and-neuter supporter. Don't have babies if you're not going to take care of those babies. We don't need more. We just need to take care of the ones we have. Take responsibility and breathe kindness." -Wonderful words of wisdom from the late actress Betty White 

making my heart sing

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

Surpassing yourself

Winning does not always mean being first.  Winning means you’re doing better than you have done before. Winning means surpassing yourself and turning your dreams into reality.

sharing

On this Tuesday, as you go about your business, take a moment to think about the kindness you experience and how it makes you feel.  Share that with others and help them experience it as well!  Kindness is always best when shared!

Cooper Words

Having grown up in the same village as author James Fenimore Cooper, I learned these words of his at an early age, and I agree with him. “Equality, in a social sense, may be divided into that of condition and that of rights. Equality of condition is incompatible with civilization and is found only to exist in those communities that are but slightly removed from the savage state. In practice, it can only mean a common misery.”

it is in our power

Sometimes we want to create our own opportunities for kindness: Going beyond the opportunities that naturally present themselves by intentionally working to make someone’s day. Truly it is in our power to do amazing things!

The kindness of fundraising

I'm seeing all kinds of online fundraisers these days.  How wonderful that people not only make donations of money, but that folks are also taking the time to setup these fundraising events to help channel funds to their favorite charities.  Such a kind thing to do.  I'll be doing one next month in honor of my latest personal orbit around the sun.

now more than ever

I'm not sure how or why, but there seems to be a lot of frustration these days and so many people are fearful for the future. We can do better.  Kindness helps an awful lot and now more than ever we need to plant these seeds of kindness and then watch them grow.  Do something nice for people today.  It will make them feel good and also make you feel good.

My epitaph

There are all sorts of things that people say about us after we pass away, but I would like my epitaph to be, He was a kind person. What a great way to live life and a wonderful way to be remembered.

Surround yourself with positive

By surrounding ourselves with people who inspire us and lift us up, we create a support system to help us weather any storm. These positive relationships are a source of strength, encouragement, and motivation, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Surround yourself with positive!

idea

Some ideas: Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.  Volunteer to be a tutor in a school. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. Volunteer to read to kids in the library. Donate time at a senior center. Send a gift anonymously to a friend. Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.  Give a pair of tickets to a concert or baseball game to a stranger. 

you're not a tree

If you don't like where you are, move.  You can put down roots in a new community.  You're not a tree.

Kindness stories

I love hearing stories of kindness. Sometimes on the local news we hear of a neighborhood hero or maybe on a tv show or in a Facebook post. The kind acts that people do always warm my heart and getting all the details is such an extra bonus. Sharing stories can be done here too - just add them in the comments below!  Tell the world!

love is in the air

It doesn't matter to me if the jewelers, florists, chocolatiers, and card companies all conspire for Valentine's Day. I just like the idea of celebrating love! A bit more often would be nice though. How great it would be to discover that love is in the air every single day of our lives!

daily exercise

Many people write blogs, but it seems to be easier for me all the time.  What a nice exercise this is for me each morning, and thinking about kindness and writing about it, just might make me more kind myself!  I am hoping that is the case.  The first thing I think about every morning is "Be kind."

Be kind

Be kind.  This isn't meant to be a command, but a suggestion and a hope.  It is my hope that I will become more kind and that everyone will as well.  The world can never have too much kindness.

intentions

At the end of the day I am at peace, because my intentions are good and my heart is pure.  How wonderful if we can all say this.

Kindness costs nothing

Kindness costs nothing but changes everything. A single act of kindness can brighten someone’s darkest day.  Be kind!

an always thing

Being kind is an always thing. We aren't just kind sometimes.  I have occasionally mentioned random acts of kindness here, 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!

we can all relate

Blind people can see kindness and deaf people can hear it.  We can all relate to kindness regardless of where we come from.  Kindness is a universal language.

Leo Buscaglia words

Author and motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia said "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

powerful words

I find these words from Winston Churchill to be quite powerful. He said "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

friendship

"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?" ―Henry David Thoreau

kindness at work

I volunteer at a local hospital and today when I arrived there was a birthday card for me signed by every employee in physical therapy (not the area where I volunteer) and there was also two meal vouchers from the cafeteria enclosed.  I am very grateful for this kindness!

words from FDR

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people."

the beauty of kindness

The beauty of kindness lies not in its recognition but in its genuine, often silent, capacity to touch lives and make a difference. The essence of true kindness is its ability to affect others deeply, even when the act itself remains unseen.

magical words

Do you believe in magic? Richelle Goodrich gives us some magical words in her book Making Wishes. She says that "Kindness is a magical spell - performed by enlightened beings - meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls that they might fly." Oh my! I love her words!

big and expensive

Does it have to be big and expensive?  Nope.  It need not cost you any money at all.  In fact some of the kindest things we can do are simply being there for someone else and showing that you care.  Try it.  It matters.

lifesaving blood

I've mentioned it before, but we can really never be reminded enough.  Blood donors are heroes.  Giving blood is such a kind and generous thing to do.  I am always delighted to hear stories of what motivated someone to give blood, and to keep coming back to blood drives over and over.  As a volunteer blood drive coordinator I see it over and over and so I say it over and over:  Gove blood!

move on

Not every moment of your life is going to be amazing and not every person you meet will be wonderful but don't let that slow you down.  Move on.  No need to dwell on the negative.  Keep on giving and being positive.  The world does not become better by reliving those negative moments.  Continue your own personal kindness and keep on making a difference!

what if

Don't spend your life wondering "what if?" and worrying over something you have no control. The past is over and done.  Looking backwards will cause you to miss out on new blessings ahead.  What will happen on January 28?  You decide.

grateful

Today I am grateful for all of the people who are loving and kind to me.  I hope I can be just as kind and loving to others.

one

One word can end an argument.  

One smile can start a friendship. 

One look can save a relationship. 

One person can change your life.

they know

If someone is falling behind in life, you don't have to remind them of it. They already know. If someone is unhealthy, they know that too. If someone is struggling in their relationships, or with money, or with self-image, they know.

from Eleanor Roosevelt

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said: "In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."  I agree.  Let's choose to be kind.

it's in the Bible

Saint Paul had a thing or two to say about kindness and compassion. This from the third chapter of his letter to the Colossians: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

focus

Focus.  Focus on the positives - there are always positives.  Focus on the positives, and above all, be kind.

lovely quote

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

powerful thoughts

If we all realized how powerful our thoughts are, we would never again think a negative thought.

bits of good

Bishop Desmond Tutu urged us to "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

Mister Rogers

Remember Mister Rogers? Wonderful Fred Rogers was such a great teacher for our kids. He once said “Being kind means responding to the needs of others—and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.”  I agree!

need a break

Need a break?  Go for it!  It is perfectly normal to take breaks.  While I will always encourage kindness to others, kindness to ourselves is so very important too!

Self kindness

 Be sure to show yourself the same kindness you show others.  YOU are important.  Don't forget that!

seeds of sweetness

Make your actions so kind, that they spread seeds of sweetness far and wide. Those seeds can grow and grow! How wonderful!

Always grateful

I am always grateful for the kind comments people make here, for the general kindness we show toward each other, for all the blessings of our creator, and for the good that is everywhere.  Yes, we can always add to that good, but I will continue to give thanks for all that we have.  

we underestimate

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

make up your mind

Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." I suppose the same thing can be said about kindness.  We are as kind as we make up our minds to be.

You just have to care

To make in difference in someone's life, you don't have to be rich or famous. You don't have to be brilliant or beautiful. You don't even have to be perfect. You just have to care.

proud parents

My parents didn't raise me to take advantage of people. My intentions will always be pure. Mom and Dad will always be proud.

isn't a better feeling

Which feels better, being kind to someone, or someone being kind to you?  That might seem like a trick question.  Of course, it's 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 appreciate your efforts, there just isn't a better feeling.

David Levithan says

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

spread love everywhere

Occasionally I think of the advice that has come to us from others. An example of that is these words from Mother Teresa: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

profound words

This morning I want to share these profound words from Albert Schweitzer: "When you callously ignore the suffering of others, you lose the capacity to share their happiness, too." Give that some thought. 

Einstein said

These words are from Albert Einstein: “The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth.”

Tomorrow is another one

Today was good.
Today was fun.
Tomorrow is another one.
Be kind.

Promote what you love

Promote what you love.  Rather than bashing what you hate.  I always want to take the more positive approach.

words of wisdom

As we begin this new year, I was thinking of these words of wisdom from Langston Hughes: "I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go."

welcome 2026

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this eighth day of Christmas and spreading lots of kindness.  Let's make this the kindest year ever!