Ever since I began working with Mike on The Kindness Blog, I find myself constantly on the lookout for kindness everywhere I go. Some days, I am overwhelmed by the love and kindness in the world, and other days, I wonder where all the love and kindness have gone. One theme that I have noticed is how, quite often, the smallest acts of kindness can mean the most to the recipient. Today, I found myself surrounded by examples of this theme that left me asking myself what if we. . .
smiled at, and made eye contact with, people we encounter, instead of looking down at our tablets, shutting out the world with our headphones, talking on our cell phones, etc.?
took time to thank people, instead of taking them for granted?
used social media to promote others in a positive manner, rather than shaming or humiliating them?
doled out compliments to ourselves and others as readily as we dole out criticisms?
offered an apology, instead of serving up an excuse?
donated our time, talent, and treasure to help those in need in our local and global communities, instead of waiting for someone else to step up and do it?
truly loved and respected ourselves, instead of wallowing in self-loathing and self-sabotaging?
lifted people up, instead of tearing them down?
found reasons to include people, instead of excluding them?
gave people a hand up, instead of keeping our hands to ourselves?
made kindness a way of life, instead of a random act?
What if we did all of these things and performed countless other acts of love, kindness, and service? Could we change the world? Save a life? End conflicts and wars? Well, there’s only way to find out . . .
George, thanks for your kind words! I had trouble articulating what I was trying to say, so, it means a great deal that you understood me. Here’s to kindness in all of its forms!
I am so glad that this resonated with you, and I truly believe that if we all focus on making those positive changes, we can change the world for the better!
Kristi, thanks. Maybe it is there more than we think, we just do not highlight it enough. This blog does that. You are so right, small acts are all it takes. Thanks, BTG
Blogging about kindness is different than being kind. Over the years I have read a lot about “kindness” but sometimes the words don’t equal up with the actions. Perhaps adding a “kindness” request to our morning prayers might make a difference. Just thinking out loud here after reading the first lines of your post here. “Dear God, along with all my other requests and statements, please hear my plea for a mega dose of kindness in my world, both stemming from others and from myself”. Breathing with kindness in mind, might be an interesting concept, but then, also, along with that kindness knowing that in some circumstances, kindness doesn’t always work. And sometimes our honesty, while effective, and sometimes while helpful, doesn’t always “appear” kind. 🙂
Thank for taking the time to both read this post and to share your thoughts. I really like the idea of a kindness request as part of prayer, and I agree that our actions and words must match. We enjoy being able to blog about kindness, but even more than that, we love striving to be kind in how we speak, act, and think. We may not always succeed, but we will keep trying.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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It seems so simple a task. Makes you wonder why it remains difficult. Excellent advice.
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George, thanks for your kind words! I had trouble articulating what I was trying to say, so, it means a great deal that you understood me. Here’s to kindness in all of its forms!
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Reblogged this on Lorie Schaefer and commented:
A lovely little reminder to do one small, kind thing every day.I’ll bet you notice a change in yourself and your world.
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Many, many thanks for sharing this!
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My pleasure!
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It would make a more beautiful world, that’s for sure…
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I agree, so, I hope we can all do our part!
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😊
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Reblogged this on Alison Williams Writing and commented:
Lovely post 🙂
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Thanks so much for the compliment and for reblogging this!
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I love this post! Even just thinking about it makes you want to change, you know?
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I am so glad that this resonated with you, and I truly believe that if we all focus on making those positive changes, we can change the world for the better!
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Absolutely! I completely agree with this =D
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Reblogged this on Anita & Jaye Dawes and commented:
you never know, it could catch on… and it certainly needs to…
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Thank you for reblogging this, and here’s to changing the world one kind deed and one person at a time!
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I love the ways you spread awareness, inspiration, and so much love.
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That’s just lovely, and I thank you so much for saying that! We are all in this together, and together, we can all change the world!
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You are sooooo right. That is what I just said in a post today https://erikakind.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/song-of-the-day-it-is-in-our-hands/
Btw. I just nominated you for the “Spread the Love Challenge” https://erikakind.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/spread-the-love-challenge/
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Thanks so much!
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You were definitely one of my first choices!!! You are such an important voice.
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Aw, that’s some mighty lofty praise, and I thank you kindly!
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You are so very welcome, Kristi!!!
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Kristi, thanks. Maybe it is there more than we think, we just do not highlight it enough. This blog does that. You are so right, small acts are all it takes. Thanks, BTG
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Thanks for understanding what I was trying to convey and for all of your continued support!
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“kindness a way of life, instead of a random act” … that is something really worthwhile to aim for
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I am so glad that you agree, my friend:)
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Reblogged this on ONLYtheGOODnews and commented:
Make it a good day for others….
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My appreciation for sharing this!
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It’s my daily goal. Words I live by and teach my kids…Fantastic reminder! ❀Koko
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Thank you for your kind words and for all you do to make this world a kinder place and for being a great role model for your kids!
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I needed to hear that today. It is my turn, thank you! 🙂
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So glad we good share some good cheer with one another!
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I agree, it is just the small gestures that can make a difference.
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I am happy that you agree with this, too.
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Great thoughts on how some simple actions can spread kindness. Thank you for this uplifting and inspiring post.
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Thank you very much for taking the time to read it and for the compliments!
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Blogging about kindness is different than being kind. Over the years I have read a lot about “kindness” but sometimes the words don’t equal up with the actions. Perhaps adding a “kindness” request to our morning prayers might make a difference. Just thinking out loud here after reading the first lines of your post here. “Dear God, along with all my other requests and statements, please hear my plea for a mega dose of kindness in my world, both stemming from others and from myself”. Breathing with kindness in mind, might be an interesting concept, but then, also, along with that kindness knowing that in some circumstances, kindness doesn’t always work. And sometimes our honesty, while effective, and sometimes while helpful, doesn’t always “appear” kind. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank for taking the time to both read this post and to share your thoughts. I really like the idea of a kindness request as part of prayer, and I agree that our actions and words must match. We enjoy being able to blog about kindness, but even more than that, we love striving to be kind in how we speak, act, and think. We may not always succeed, but we will keep trying.
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