Smile

Earlier in the month we had World Laughter Day. Well, today is National Smile Day. Smiles are powerful! I'm told that smiling has a direct link to our brain and can help to reduce stress.  A friendly smile is always a kind act.  Let's do a lot of smiling today!

Like stepping on to the surface of the sun

It's 99° where I live, and it's only 7am.  I keep hearing about other really hot cities.  In Phoenix I'm told it was 122° yesterday!  I told someone that is like stepping on to the surface of the sun!  On hot days like these, kindness is more and more important.  People are not comfortable, so help them with a pleasant attitude.  Stay hydrated.  You might want to carry an extra bottle or two of water to share with others.  Don't forget the animals too.  They won't be liking this heat either!  The good news for me is I am moving this week to a much cooler city!

Nine years later

After writing this for nine years, you might think I would run out of things to say. I'll admit that some mornings the words come easier than others. At the core though the message is always the same: Be kind. I cannot stop until we all become kinder, me included. It really makes a positive difference. Helping to make other people happy is very rewarding.

this blog

There are many types of blogs on the internet covering a variety of subjects. This one is about kindness, a type of behavior marked by acts of concern for others, rendering assistance, and generosity. As I have said here before, I'm not an expert, but hopefully by writing about it every day, I will become better at it. Do feel free to share your own thoughts on the subject and continue to check in daily to see what I have to say.

it's coming

Growing up, this was one of my favorite times of the year.  School was nearly finished for the year.  Summer was just days away.  The weather was getting nicer.  Oh my!  What not to like, huh?  These days I prefer to not think of what's coming but instead, what is already here.  I prefer to try to make each day great and each day full of kindness!

YOUR kindness

I could easily go on and out speaking here of being kind, 

but I would also love to hear about your kindness.  

Seriously.  

Using the comments section below, tell us about a kind 

thing you regularly do or you are trying to do, or maybe 

some suggestions for all of us to do!

Arnel

I'm sure you have all heard of the fantastic singer Arnel Pineda.  I've mentioned him before in both of my blogs.  His talent as a singer and songwriter is obvious, but in addition to that, it is his kindness that inspires me the most.  If all the world was like Arnel, what a better world this would be! 

volunteer to be kind

Yesterday I was at a women's health fair with the hospital where I volunteer.  What a wonderful event.  I saw so much kindness and so many people were thanking me and my fellow volunteers for our service.  Giving my time really makes me feel good, and it is also a great feeling to be appreciated.

honoring our LGBTQ+ elders

Today is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and struggles of older LGBTQ+ individuals who paved the way for equality and social acceptance.  It is National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day and I think this is a great idea.  Let us continue to build on the path they have begun.

middle of the month

I can't believe it's the middle of the month already! Oh my!  There's a feeling of spring in the air but summer is just around the corner. In so many places, this is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Mother nature is so kind to us, be sure to return the favor. Be kind to the environment. Enjoy the beauty of the earth and share that beauty with others.

Be patient

Never give up. 

Great things take time. 

Be patient.

surrounded by family and friends

Last night a woman died in the apartment building where I live.  That is not unusual.  She was old and had health issues.  What is especially sad to me is that she died alone.  Often in obituaries it will say "surrounded by family and friends."  That wasn't the case for this woman.  Police discovered her while doing a welfare check.  My message today is to cherish your family and your friends.  Nobody should have to be alone.  

Mother's Day thought

On this Mother's Day, here is something that actress Sophia Loren once said: “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”

almost 100

Folks seem to live longer these days and if you can have a long life and a healthy one, how wonderful, right? I have a neighbor down the hall who is 99. He is in a wheelchair but seems to be happy and is always smiling.  He recently wrote a song and is hoping to have it professional recorded.  He talks about his 100th birthday which will come in August and he is really looking forward to it.  He seems to be such a kind man.

National Nurses Day

Today is National Nurses Day. My mom was a nurse and as a longtime hospital volunteer, I am in daily contact with many nurses. Hardworking, compassionate, and kind is how I would describe most nurses. Let us celebrate their profession and their dedication and most of all, be kind to our nurses.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day. It actually commemorates a significant battle during the Franco-Mexican War that took place in a town called Puebla. Tacos are a staple at any Cinco de Mayo party, but the holiday's most beloved dish is mole poblano. Did you know that? Of course, today is also a very good excuse to be kind, just like every day!

Princess Diana said

I love the encouraging words from Princess Diana who said, "Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."

World Laughter Day

World Laughter Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of May to promote health, happiness, and global peace through laughter. What a kind idea. Dr Madan Kataria, a family physician in India, was inspired to start this and I recently learned that there are actually thousands of Laughter Clubs in more than 115 countries.