that's it for June

Well friends, that's it for June.  I hope it has been a good month for you.  I hope it has been a kind month.  Now on to July and hopefully even more kindness.

The list goes on

When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job. Give another driver your parking spot. Give your full attention to someone in need and simply listen. Stop by a nursing home and visit a resident with no family nearby. Have a clean-up party in the park. Bring coworkers a special treat. Give the gift of your smile. Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers. Share your smile generously. Take an acquaintance to dinner. Sponsor people in fundraising walk-a-thons.

I've got your back

It's during the worst times of your life that you'll get to see the true colors of the people who say they care about you. If you say to someone "I've got your back," mean it!

too late

I have probably shared this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson before, but it is an important one.  He said "You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

teaching

Teaching others to do things can be very kind and helpful! Teaching someone to read, for example, is a gift that will last forever. Perhaps tutoring a student, spending more time with your own kids or grandkids, offering to read at a children's library, or volunteering as a helper at an after-school program. Senior citizens often can use a hand learning things too, especially new technology.  A helping hand and the sharing of our knowledge and experience is always a kind thing.

responding to the needs of others

Remember Mister Rogers? He was a very wise and a very kind man. Fred Rogers once said, "Being kind means responding to the needs of others—and people can be kind, no matter how old or young they are."  Wise words indeed.

Summertime

Summertime is just beginning.  It is my hope that we will become a kinder more caring people and that we can truly enjoy this summer.  Let's do our best to make that happen.

stay hydrated

The human body contains more than 60 percent water and maintaining that balance can be a challenge. Becoming overheated or dehydrated can lead to heat stroke and possibly death. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and make it part of your daily routine. Today is National Hydration Day. Be kind to your body and use this day to remind yourself of the importance of hydration!

alone

No person should ever have to be all alone.  Some prefer moments of solitude, but how wonderful it is to have folks around that you can interact with.  It's nice knowing that someone cares.

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone and welcome to the beginning of another week of kindness.  Any suggestions on who we can make this a kinder world?  I'm always interested in new ideas!

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

from Coretta Scott King

On this Juneteenth I am reminded of these words from Coretta Scott King, "Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation."

What a day

Oh my!  What a day I had yesterday.  Oh, it was good.  VERY good.  It was so good because of all the wonderful kindness I encountered.  I really can't give all the details here but trust me.  It was good.  Very good.

lists

In the past I have shared lists here of random acts of kindness.  Perhaps they have been helpful and given you ideas.  Being kind isn't about following directions and grabbing items from a list.  Being kind is a way of life, an everyday action.  I do like suggestions.  I'm always trying to think up more ways to be kind. The lists though aren't really that important, except for encouragement.  The important thing is the act.

Ring the phones

As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing kinder than reaching out and saying hello to another person.  Folks who are all alone at home with nobody to talk to will certainly welcome a text, a card or an email, but let's ring the phones too.  There is nothing better than hearing the voice of someone who cares.

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.

a new week

We begin a brand-new week with the celebration of Flag Day, and also with another day of being kind to one another.  May this week ahead be a wonderful one for us all!

Thirteen

Today is the thirteenth of June.  Some people think of the number 13 as unlucky.  They are wrong.  We make our own luck, and we can make every day a good day.  Kindness helps.  Be kind and be happy.

Let's do it!

Our world can always do with a little bit more kindness. Perhaps that kindness should begin with me and you.  Let's do it!

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.

No More Teacher's Dirty Looks!

"No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks!"  Remember that?  Was your teacher really giving you a dirty look?  I'll bet you're sorry you even thought that.  Hey with summer upon us and no school for many (yes, I know there is summer school and year-round school), I'd like to think about all those teachers who make a difference.  Be kind to those who instruct.  It's not an easy job!  I'm grateful for all my teachers from years ago and especially Lou Ella Gridley and Letha Sines.

3,212!

Today is the 3,212th time I have sat down and written something here about kindness.  I hope it has touched at least a few people, and I hope it has also made me more aware and a kinder person.  There will never be too much kindness!

Butcha gotta have friends

How many friends do you have?  Is there someone you consider your best friend?  Today, just in case you didn't know it, is National Best Friends Day, so be especially kind to those friends.

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.

From Winston Churchill

The great Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

today, tomorrow, and every day

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

chocolate macaroons

Today is National Chocolate Macaroon Day! Yum! Let's be kind to ourselves and to each other and kindly pass that place of chocolate macaroons!

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everybody!  I hope it's a great day for you.  I really hope that all of your days can be good ones.  Spread kindness.  It can do amazing things.

say something nice

Today is National Say Something Nice Day, a special opportunity to make today extra pleasant for everyone by saying nice things all day long.  What a wonderful act of kindness and a perfect way to begin the month!