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.

Happy Monday!

A lot of folks don't like Mondays.  For many it is the start of a work week or a school week and the end of the more recreational weekend.  EVERY day can be good though.  It's up to us!  Make the most of every moment.  Share the joy.  Be kind to yourself and to others.  Let's make every day great!

Keep those cards and letters coming

Keep those cards and letters coming in.  It was a long time ago when Loretta Lynn sang those words in a song and Dean Martin said them at the end of his television show.  It has been said by many folks over the years.  I was thinking of them though because I really want to invite you all to respond.  You don't have to write a letter or even a card.  Below there is a comments section and a word or two there would be most kind.  Let me know what you think about this blog.  Tell me a story of kindness that you witnessed or were a part of.  Make suggestions.  It really would be of great help.

old friends

How many friends from your past are you still in touch with?  Today is Locate An Old Friend Day.  I'm not making this up for the sake of my message.  It really is.  It makes me realize that I have lost contact with so many folks over the years.  I should take the first step in reconnecting with some of them.  Be kind to those in your life and be kind to yourself.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

(You thought I was going to sing that Aretha Franklin song).  Actually, I just want to remind you that everyone deserves respect.  Today is National Respect Day and it's an excellent time to practice both or kindness and respect.

what about today

It's Thursday 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.

observe the little things

I said this here before "Observe the little things. Watch how folks can bring a smile to others."  Sometimes we take things for granted, but if just concentrate a little on doing and on seeing, I think we will all become kinder. It will be second nature.  Seeing the kind acts of others is very inspiring.

middle of the month

Hey it is the middle of the month already!  Have I asked you about kindness recently?  I'd love to hear some of your ideas.  Being kind is a state of being, but we all can do special things for others to show that kindness.  From time to time, I have shared ideas here, but there are so many more things we all can do. What do YOU suggest?

Feedback

On this wonderful summer day, consider giving us some feedback here.  Do you read this often?  Have you ever shared this with anyone else?  Do you consider yourself a kind person?  We'd love your feedback!

random acts

How about some random acts of kindness this September morning? I think kindness is an everyday thing, but it doesn't hurt to do some special unexpected things from time to time, like surprising the office with homemade cookies, or buying the latte for the stranger behind you at the coffee counter or leaving an extra big tip for your server at lunch.  Any ideas for some random things you might do today?

Always the message

What can I say on this September 12th that I haven't said before? Well, it doesn't have to be a new message, right? Be kind! That's always the message!

Remembering 9/11

"I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people -- and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!" -George W Bush's Address to Ground Zero Rescue Workers delivered on September 14, 2001.

Presence

Another celebrity took their own life yesterday.  We hear about the famous people, but not the stranger across town who commits suicide.  It happens every day and it is sad no matter who it is.  The answers are complicated, but one thing I have seen in the past 24 hours is people saying "I am here if you need me.  Please reach out."  The presence of people who care - people who will listen, can make a huge difference.  As I said, the answers can be complicated but a good place to start is the kind and caring folks who reach out.  I'm so grateful there are people like this in the world!

teddy bears

Today is National Teddy Bear Day, which is special to me.  My mom collected teddy bears, and I still have many of hers.  The gift of a teddy bear is one of the kindest things you can do.  Everyone loves teddy bears!

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

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.

wise words

Inventor and philosopher Blaise Pascal once said "Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much."  Wise words!

It's never-ending

Like I said, the list of random acts of kindness is never-ending.  Here are more:  Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through. Smile. Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers. As you go about your day, pick up trash. Pay a compliment at least once a day.  Buy some bottles of water and randomly hand them out to strangers on the street. Drop off a plant or a plate of cookies to your nearby police or fire station.

Happy Friday!

Happiness and kindness go hand in hand!  I hope you have shared a lot of both this week and keep in up right through the weekend.  Happy Friday everybody!

National Welsh Rarebit Day

Today is National Welsh Rarebit Day, which really has nothing at all to do with kindness, but I guarantee you that if you serve me a delicious plate of Welsh rarebit, I will think it VERY kind!  Oh my!  Do any of you love Welsh rarebit too?

Maya Angelou

I could easily quote the wonderful Maya Angelou every single day. She said some amazing things like "When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed."

Suicide Awareness

Suicide Awareness is something I have mentioned a number of times here, and I will certainly mention it again. It's important. Asking for help is a good thing. Offering help is a good thing too. Caring about others is a very good thing. Every life is important.  The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.