this year

Were you kind this year?  You still have a few hours left.  Do something especially kind to close out 2021 and then begin the new year tomorrow being even more kind!

care and unite

I began this Thursday with sad news. The US is now averaging more COVID-19 cases per day than at ANY OTHER POINT in the pandemic, according to data updated yesterday from the CDC. A respiratory therapist was in the news for taking his own life, because the strain of the pandemic had gotten so bad. Very sad. We all need to care, and we all need to unite. 

 If you or anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, 

please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 

1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

presence

Presents are always nice to receive.  (Did you receive many of them yesterday)?  As nice as it is to receive a physical gift, I think I think presence is even more important.  Let people know you care and that you are there for them.  That really is the best Christmas presence!

be happy

Whether you are celebrating Christmas today or looking ahead to the new year, or just relaxing as 2021 comes to its last week, be happy.  Try to be happy always.  Share that happiness too.  Help to make others happy.  Today is an especially good day to call, text, email, or otherwise reach out to others, even if it's just for a moment.  

memories

Sometimes you never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory that you wish you could experience again.  Many of you have wonderful memories of things that have happened on December 24th.  Today you can add some fresh memories.  Be sure to including a nice big serving of kindness!

don't forget the others

As we go about our planning and our shopping for holidays and celebrations, it's important that we not just look inward, but also look outward too.  Don't forget the others.  Don't forget those who are sad or lonely or poor or alone.  Don't forget the friends we no longer see or the relatives who live far away.  Don't forget those who have health issues or who have recently lost a loved one.  Kindness means thinking not just of ourselves, but of others.

Mom

Thinking today of my mom. Today would have been another birthday for her, just five days before Christmas. I don't think she ever got the attention she deserved. Mom was the kindest person I have ever known, and that memory keeps making me want to be kind and to encourage others as well. So much love! Thanks Mom. I miss you.