I heard "be kind whenever possible. It is always possible" from my Mother and my Grandmother long before I read it as a Dalai Lama quote. They lived that quote throughout their lives and proved by example that no act of kindness is ever wasted.
I consider it my privilege to have grown up in a family where generosity is a way of life. Regardless of how individual each member was by nature, there was one thing they all had in common - kindness and generosity. They never hesitated to take the shirt off their backs to give it away, feed the hungry and speak kind words.
Often, I would secretly wonder if they weren't behaving like wimps - and I am ashamed now that the thought even crossed my mind. I now realize what strength it takes to always practice kindness even when other less desirable options are justified.
As my uncle still says - "I never want to go to bed feeling bad about being nasty to someone. I enjoy sleeping in peace."
I am pleased that my son believes in being kind. He has a birthday coming up next week and when I asked him what he wanted, the first thing on his list was feed the children at the local welfare home. I am blessed.
I am thinking of all these people who influenced my life, both in and outside my family today, who made me a #RAKtivist.
Gratitude fills me to think of all the good Karma I've collected through simply being nice.
Because today, November 13, is World Kindness Day! Let's celebrate with Random Acts of Kindness
I've put together a quick A to Z of Random Acts of Kindness. Of course you can think of several more - I would love to know in the comments. A Ask yourself, what kindness can I practice today?
B Be kind to yourself
C Compliment 2 people today, Cook a little extra, pack it up and go give it to someone who needs it.
D Donate a book, money, blood, food, clothes
E Encourage someone - send loving messages to five people you know who need it
F Find three things in your closet to give away today.
G Give away two things from your closet. Give a gift for no reason
H Help someone by buying them a meal, cross the road, carry their bags...
I Invite your neighborhood workers for tea.
J Jazz up someone's day by giving them flowers.
K Keep aside some coins to put in a little jar every day and when it fills up, donate it or use it to buy something for someone
L Listen to someone who wants to talk and needs a friendly ear
M Make a greeting card for someone and post it / email it to them.
N Nourish yourself. It can be good thoughts, good food, good books.
O Omit and oust anything that makes you unhappy from your day.
P Phone someone you haven't been in touch with, and have been meaning to call
Q Quit complaining for 7 days. Before you know it, it will become a habit. Or do yourself a favor and quit smoking
R Reciprocate an act of kindness you've received (visit bloggers who've visited you, share on social media)
S Smile at everyone you see, Share your lunch
T Thank all the people you meet today, including the lift operator and all those workers who make a difference in your life
U Unplug your devices and go out and spend the day in a park. Or at a nearby Home for the Aged.
V Visit 5 new blogs today and comment. Visit the local welfare home and give something. Volunteer.
W Write a gratitude journal, write a letter to someone who has shown you kindness
X Xpress your "I love you" to each family member, the ones that live with you and the ones in other places.
Y Yield. If you are being stubborn about something trivial, give in. Now. It is okay to put a smile on someone's face.
Z Zzzz. Yes, promise yourself you'll get enough sleep.
Kindness habits to practice
- When you wake up in the morning, ask, "What kindness can I show today?"
- Each time you receive an act of kindness, reciprocate. With at least a "thank you"
- Make a giveaway chest and place it in your living room. Keep adding things to it, and keep taking them out to give away.
- Be kind to your own family
- Do something for your local charity - in cash or kindness
- And oh yes, please be kind to yourself.
Kindness quotes that inspire
"Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others."William J.H. Boetcker, Religious Leader, Influential Public Speaker"A little kindness from person to person is better than a vast love for all humankind." Richard Dehmel, Poet, Playwright"The true essence of humankind is kindness. There are other qualities which come from education or knowledge, but it is essential, if one wishes to be a genuine human being and impart satisfying meaning to one's existence, to have a good heart." The 14th Dalai Lama (B. 1935)
"To be rich in admiration and free from envy, to rejoice greatly in the good of others, to love with such generosity of heart that your love is still a dear possession in absence or unkindness - these are the gifts which money cannot buy." Robert Louis Stevenson Essayist, Poet, Novelist "Real kindness seeks no return; What return can the world make to rain clouds?" Tiruvalluvar, Tamil Sage, Poet"When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace." The 14th Dalai Lama
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998) American Author And Motivational Speaker
The lovely photo at the top? It is from here.
Be kind. Make kindness your religion. Change the world.
