Spreading Kindness

My friends, let’s focus on love and kindness this Valentine’s Day.

It’s above all things, what I have worked to teach my two sons.
To be kind above all else, and
to treat everyone the same from pauper to prince.

And as I’ve said in a blog post before… if something nice pops into your head, it should also pop out of your mouth. Too many times we keep kind thoughts to ourselves.  Let’s let them out instead! If we have the ability to make someone’s day, shouldn’t we do it?

Am I perfect? Nope, nope, nope. Mean or spiteful things pop out instead in times of stress, frustration, and anger. Still, we can always make our way back to kindness.

At the risk of sounding cliche, kindness really can change
1) a person’s day  2) a person’s life  3) change the whole dang world

I think it’s only kindness that can. In the midst of all of the anger, fear, and outrage over the past election – regardless of which “side” we’re on, all I kept thinking was, “Why can’t everyone just be kind?” Treating others as I would like to be treated, belief systems aside, is not that hard.

In fact, it’s rather easy.

I couldn’t have said it better.
Who can stay grumpy when someone flashes a smile at you?
Well, some people can, but that just means they need more kindness.

These are all gentle reminders for all who enter my office. They’re reminders for me as well.  Everyone needs reminders.

Even when we want to sulk and growl (which I literally do – just ask my family) or really just want to have a pity party, showing kindness can lift us out of the blues – and lift others.

Imagine if everyone operated with that philosophy.
To quote Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, “what a wonderful world it would be.”

I think the Dalai Lama said it best:

Thanks for reading!

Wishing you a lovely Valentine’s Day shared with those you love.