"Happiness can be found in the darkest times, if one only remembers to turn on the light".
Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
In my post about trying to make sense of recent events, I talked about how kindness could be a powerful way of demonstrating priorities, world view and just because ... It's nice to be nice. It makes others feel happy and improves their lives because they weren't expecting it. It makes us feel happy because it just does. Given how crazy and destructive the world seems right now, a little love and kindness goes a long way.
I don't usually bother with words for the year, but this year, I will. My word for the year is kind. It means generous, helpful, considering the feelings of others and not causing harm or damage. It has other meanings as well, but those are the ones I'm focusing on. Yes, this is a bit late, but no matter.
It's lovely see to similar posts popping up all over the blogosphere. Michelle over at This Happened to Me Today tells 2017 our children are watching and it's not okay. She also wants to make the world a better place. Liza at Lisapomerantzster: Are We There Yet and Emma at Islandliving365 have written some amazing posts (on this). Maybe if everyone feels the same jumps up and down we'll make the world shake.
I don't usually bother with words for the year, but this year, I will. My word for the year is kind. It means generous, helpful, considering the feelings of others and not causing harm or damage. It has other meanings as well, but those are the ones I'm focusing on. Yes, this is a bit late, but no matter.
It's lovely see to similar posts popping up all over the blogosphere. Michelle over at This Happened to Me Today tells 2017 our children are watching and it's not okay. She also wants to make the world a better place. Liza at Lisapomerantzster: Are We There Yet and Emma at Islandliving365 have written some amazing posts (on this). Maybe if everyone feels the same jumps up and down we'll make the world shake.
Here's some ideas:
- Give a genuine compliment to a different person each day.
- Offer to help someone - baby sit their children, cook dinner etc.
- Donate items to your local food bank or pet shelter. Many supermarkets have a cardboard container at the back of the store where you can put your purchases to be picked up later. Or volunteer.
- Manners. Smile and be friendly. Listen to people when they're talking and don't interrupt. Please's and thank you's. Sharing.
- Give up your seat on the bus or train for someone who needs it more.
- If there's an argument or disagreement, keep out of it. Don't add fuel to the fire.
- Welcome newcomers at work, school or the various groups you attend and introduce them around.
- Buy lunch or suspended coffees for someone needy. If your local coffee shop doesn't do this yet, maybe suggest they do.
Got any other suggestions for acts of kindness or stories to share? Let me know in the comments.
A lovely post! Every year we have a calendar of goodwill through December that we complete with our children, and this year we have decided to continue it throughout the year. Little or large gestures, they can make all the difference. #bigpinklink
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love the idea of a good will calendar. Such a lovely thing to do :)
DeleteI love the idea of a suspended coffee. I've never heard of that. So small but so kind.
ReplyDelete#marvmondays
It's a great thing to do and such a small thing. Yet a hot drink is such a difference to someone
Deletei love the suspended post idea. There is a soup shop in Melbourne that does this too with soup and bread for the homeless. It is such an easy and simple way to give back and show kindness. # globalblogging
ReplyDeleteThe cafe I posted the sign from do lunches etc as well. It's a great idea and a really practical way to help
DeleteWhat a lovely list of ideas you have there. I've been wanting to do an art related random act of kindness - hopefully I'll be able to create a few small pieces of original art that I can leave out in the world for people to find. #mg
ReplyDeleteThere's someone in London who leaves little clay figures for someone to find. I was really chuffed to discover one a few years ago. It's a great idea. Enjoy doing it.
DeleteKind is a very good word to live by. I like some of your suggestions. I have given a suspended coffee before. It is such a simple but effective thing.
ReplyDelete#BigPinkLink
Simple things are often easier to do that great big complicated ones. Two lattes - one for me and one for someone later - job done.
DeleteLovely post. I agree. It is better to be kind. It is sometimes the small things that count. Noticing the older person that struggle to reach something high on the shelf in the shop and offering assistance with a smile. #globalblogging
ReplyDeleteThat's a brilliant idea. Being tall, I take being able to reach things for granted. Thank you for commenting
DeleteThis post brought a smile to my face. Such a lovely feel-good read. 'Pay it forward'... a concept I absolutely love and wish more people would follow! Thanks for sharing this with #globalblogging
ReplyDeletePay it forward is such a brilliant concept. (I loved the film as well)
DeleteGreat post, we could all do with a little more kindness. The smallest act can have such a huge impact on a persons day x
ReplyDelete#Mg
So true. It's the small things that often make the biggest difference
DeleteSome lovely ideas. I've always tried to be aware of being kind and thoughtful, but this has reminded me again. Thank you for linking up #globalblogging
ReplyDeleteGlad it helped :)
DeleteGreat post! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting
DeleteI love this and completly agree that a little kindness really does go a long way. I've never heard about suspended coffee before and love the concept, how fantastic! I am going to keep an eye out to see if any of our locals do this and contribute if they do :-) Lovely post, thanks for sharing it on #MarvMondays. Emily
ReplyDeleteYay! I hadn't heard of the idea until I went to Tiki's but it's such a good one
DeleteIt's great to read of all the kind acts that go on in society. #mg
ReplyDeleteIt is. Really encouraging :)
DeleteI love this, a lot!! It's very high on my agenda at the moment-I used to be a nurse, and part of what I loved about it was getting to show people very in need, some kindness that they really needed. I realised recently that I really missed getting to show that kindness to others, so I'm looking into becoming an age concern volunteer. I also pay it forward in coffee shops too. I'd love to see others be kinder!!
ReplyDelete#bigpinklink
Good luck. My friend works for Age Concern and they're always looking out for good people.
DeleteWouldn't it be great if people were kind?!
This is a lovely idea, lots of inspiration here! #globalblogging
ReplyDeleteGlad it helped
DeleteThere is no such thing as too much kindness, and I love the practical ideas you've added here. Have you heard of 40 Acts? I'm trying to follow it for Lent. Some brilliant suggestions there for things that make a real difference. #sharewithme
ReplyDeleteI have, but I always remember it half way through Lent! I do want to do it one year. Hopefully next one
DeleteA great reminder. Kindness helps others of course but inadvertently helps us feel better about ourselves and the world too.
ReplyDelete#runjumpscrap
It does :)
DeleteSuch a great and kind post! Why do we never thinking of making the world better?
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are true - suspending coffee or giving up my seat on the bus for those who need it more. So simple and so nice! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the lovely comment :) I'm glad you enjoyed the post
DeleteI love this, there is as much pleasure in giving kindness as receiving it too, I love that surprised and happy look when you offer a kind word to a stranger or a complement to someone not expecting it at all. #SharewithMe
ReplyDeleteThat's true. People look so chuffed when you say something nice. It really makes my day
DeleteI love this post! I love kindness, I always make sure I do as many kind things as I can through my week. I always give genuine compliments and send little messages to friends or my family, help friends out, it is just a way of life and I am a role model to my children, I can't expect them to be kind If I don't show the the way. Fantastic post! #mg
ReplyDeleteSo true. How can we expect our children to be kind if we don't show them how or teach them it's important. Thank you for the lovely comment and for hosting each week :)
DeleteAhh this made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Some lovely ideas and it is SO important to teach our children to be kind. #sharewithme
ReplyDeleteIt is. They'll never learn if we don't teach and show them how to be kind. Just telling them never works.
DeleteI LOVE this. Kindness should come naturally! It's such an important life lesson. It's our responsibility to teach our children that empathy and kindness should come before all else!!! Great reminder!! Thank you for sharing with us #globalblogging
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Glad you enjoyed the post and I agree. It's important to show and encourage our children to be kind and thoughtful.
DeleteIt's just so important to be kind...I'm always on at my daughter. I like the idea of a suspended coffee and just being nice to a newbie. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting each week and for the lovely comment. It's so hard when they're small, they really are convinced the world is them shaped!
DeleteWhat a lovely idea. I especially like the buying a coffee for someone! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
ReplyDeleteIt's great isn't it? Such an easy thing to do. Thank you for hosting each week :)
DeleteI love this - I talk to my children about this a lot. Thanks for linking to #sharewwithme
ReplyDeleteThank you :) We talk to the Tubblet about this alot too. Kindness is really important
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