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!

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.

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!

best advice

Writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley said, "It’s a little embarrassing that after forty-five years of research and study, the best advice I can give people is to be a little kinder to one another."

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.

there is something about Sunday

Would you like a ride to church?  We're having a barbecue this afternoon and we'd love to have you join us.  How lovely the weather is!  We gathered these flowers from our garden, and we hope you enjoy them.  Mom spent yesterday baking and she wants you to have this fresh loaf of bread.  There is something about Sunday that just invites kind behavior.  How lovely!

From Mother Teresa

I love these words from Mother Teresa: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

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.

Feedback

On this wonderful fall 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!

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!

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?

Eight Dolly Parton Quotes

It was decided that 9/25 should be Dolly Parton Day, and so in celebration of her life, here are eight quotes from her: 1)“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” 2)“Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.” 3)“If you see someone without a smile today, give ‘em yours.” 4)“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” 5)“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” 6)“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” 7)“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” 8)“When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.”

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

wise words

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

fall kindness

Now that fall is here, are there any special things we can do at this time of year to show kindness.  Pumpkin spice is probably involved, right?  Seriously.  I'd love to hear some fall kindness ideas from you!

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."

simple

Be kind. (It's really quite simple. The message doesn't have to be complex. We don't have to spend hours thinking about it. Why would anyone not want to be a good kind person? It just doesn't make sense. And so, this very simple message). Be kind.

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.

Always the message

What can I say on this September 17th that I haven't said before? Well, it doesn't have to be a new message, right? Be kind! That's always the message!