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!

overflowing with kindness

Hello everyone!  Happy Sunday!  I hope you are having a good week, overflowing with kindness.  If not, you know what to do.  Get out there and be extra kind.

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.

Inspiration from Michelangelo

"Danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark." - Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

help feed

There are lots of folks out there who go hungry, and nobody should have an empty belly. Consider volunteering to serve at a homeless shelter or other meal program.  Meals-On-Wheels or similar programs are usually in need of help too!

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.

The kindest thing you do this week

What do you think will be the kindest thing you do this week? Oh there are certainly a lot of loving and nice things we can all do for each other, and everyone can add suggestions, but I like the idea of always trying to outdo myself? Let's be kind to everyone! Let's put some smiles of those faces!  Let's all try to be more kind than we ever have been before.

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.

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.”

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!

be kind

You might have been expecting some fancy quote or an incredibly moving message, but what I write about here every day is really quite simple.  If I encourage you or help you along the way, so much better.  My goal though is just to spread kindness everywhere and hopefully to make me a kinder person too.  So dear friends, be kind.

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.

ideas

As we head in to this weekend, can you think of some kindness ideas?  How about donating blood?  (That's always a very kind thing to do).  Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning. Tell your parents/children why you love them. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier.