Kindness Is FREE

Being kind is probably one of the most rewarding acts you can experience. IT'S SO DANG EASY TO BE KIND!

I've been blessed in my life to have some AMAZING examples of kindness. My Mom was the Queen of Kind. I don't ever remember any of my extended family or friends coming to our home when I was growing up when they weren't greeted with a, "Hi Honey, are you hungry?" She went above and beyond to make people feel welcome even when she was tired or not feeling great. My Mother In Law (pic below) is another great example of Kindness. She takes care of every person she can in the small town she lives in. She keeps in touch regularly with homebound neighbors, making sure they have their needs met. She's been struggling with her own health issues. They haven't stopped her kindness for a minute. Both of these women are my inspiration for kindness. I learned from the BEST!

Anyone can be miserable and mean. The energy that is sucked out of you is exhausting. Don't do it. Don't engage in mean.

Being aware of your kindness and sharing it whenever possible will not only enrich your life but will enrich the lives of those around you. It might even give them the courage and desire to share their kindness.

SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS~

Smile! Smile at a stranger. It takes 26 muscles in your face to smile and 62 muscles to frown. Don't overdo your workout in this case. Choose to Smile!

Start a conversation with the person behind you in the line at the grocery store. Ask how their day is going. You don't know how long it's been since they spoke to someone. They may live alone and be lonely. They may just be having a bad day. You might just possibly change that bad day around. Leave a kind note for a friend or family member. Make a phone call to someone you've been thinking about. There's a reason they have been on your mind.

BIG ACTS OF KINDNESS~

These of course take a little more preparation and time. They may be time consuming, hit your pocket book a little, or require a special talent you have. Pay for someone's lunch/dinner anonymously, leave a gift for someone who needs a pick me up, clean someone's home who isn't able to do it themselves, visit a elder care home (it's amazing what you can learn from these lovely people). I promise that amazing feeling of happiness you will feel in your heart will be so rewarding you will find yourself looking for something or someone else you can share your kindness with.

I have been on the receiving end of kindness to many times to name them all. I can assure you they made a difference. Many of those times were when I was single and struggling financially. I received Christmas gifts left on my doorstep Christmas Eve, I received gift cards to the grocery store, I got phone calls from people I needed to hear from right at the time I needed them. Kindness was shown to my kids on many occasions.

I want to challenge each of you to show one act of kindness for one week. I'm participating also. When the week is finished please come back and leave a comment about your experiences. You can do this! I'm right here with you :-)