let it begin with me

We need more kindness.  I'm not talking about how you should act.  This really isn't an instruction manual.  It's so very important for these words here be directed to me.  We ALL should be kind.  Let it begin with me.

Volunteer Recognition Day

Today is Volunteer Recognition Day, so take a moment to thank a volunteer in your life. To volunteer for an organization is to show great kindness. Evaluate your current schedule and see where you can fit in time for volunteering.

Do me a favor

I'm sure you have heard people say "Do me a favor."  Another way to say that is "do me an act of kindness" or "do me a solid."  Should someone have to ask though?  Isn't it great when those favors just flow forth from us like the water in a stream?  Do me a favor good readers and lets spread that kindness everywhere!

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.

Monday blues

It seems every week I am hearing folks complain about Mondays.  It's the back to work or back to school day for so many, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.  We should cherish every moment of our lives and help make them better, not only for ourselves, but for others.  I'm sure a little kindness can cure those Monday blues.

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.

Today

Today is Friday, April 3, and it is the 93rd day of 2026. There are 272 days remaining until the end of the year. Oh, and yes, it is another day to be kind!

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!