more than just words

Saying it is important is one thing, but it has to be more than just words.  Every day I try to think positively, even if it seems I am surrounded by negativity.  I want to do kind things because it feels good and makes other people feel good too.  I try to think of new ways to make a difference.  I hope I am getting better at it.  I'd like to think it comes naturally.  What I say is only a part of the picture.  The more important part is what I do.

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.

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!

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!

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.

random acts

How about some random acts of kindness this October 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?

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.

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.

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!

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."

The Red Power Ranger

Sometimes celebrities inspire us in ways we might not expect.  I suppose you don't even have to be a celebrity for that to be true.  We ALL can inspire.  The actor who is the red Power Ranger always inspires me.  He seems like such a nice and kind person.  Shouldn't we all want to be thought of that way?

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.

wise words

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

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

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."

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."

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.

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.

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!

end of month thoughts

As September comes to a close, I have a few end of month thoughts.  First, thank you for reading my thoughts here.  Because there are regular readers, I am encouraged and try to be faithful posting every single day at about the same time.  I try to stay fresh in my writing and positive in the words I share.  I truly believe in the importance of kindness and hope that this daily exercise will help me to be more kind.  If I can influence some of you, that is a wonderful bonus. Let's head into October being extra kind!