simple birthday kindness

A few years ago, a friend of mine wrote these words on his Facebook page:  "I have a request for everyone I know to do one good deed to a random person for my birthday. Even if it's just a compliment or giving change to a homeless person. It'll make you feel good and it'll make me feel good. Just like pay it forward."  I still think of that simple kindness all the time.  So easy.

Tell me a story

Dozens of times I've said that I would love to hear from you, and it's true.  I'll bet you have some amazing stories.  Share some.  Tell us your kindest memories.  Come on.  Tell me a story

transplant kindness

I was just reading about a mother sharing some very moving moments with a transplant recipient. The mother had lost her daughter following complications from a congenital brain malformation and the daughter's limbs and organs were donated, with her left hand becoming a transplant for a young woman who lost her hands as a result of sepsis. The donor's mother met the recipient, and it was a heartwarming emotional meeting. Such a great example of kindness!

what about today

It's Wednesday morning and as my fingers hit the keyboard, I ask myself what I am going to write here today.  Is there a new message?  Can I say something I have never said before?  This really isn't about new ideas or reinventing the wheel.  The message of this blog has always been very simple:  Be kind.  What more can I say.  Kindness matters.

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.

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

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.

today, tomorrow, and every day

Always be kind.  Not just sometimes, but today, tomorrow, and every day!

predicting the future

If I could predict the future, I would be so rich!  When will fighting and wars stop?  When will our economy improve? When will racism and hatred end? When will we be more kind? Some questions are more difficult than others to answer. Of course, there are some things about our future that we very easily CAN change. We can be more kind, for example. We each have that power.

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.”

Be patient

Never give up. 

Great things take time. 

Be patient.

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.

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!

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.