Small things we can offer to others to improve their lives. Even if it’s just a smile … it helps!
Choose any random car and leave a nice note on their windshield. Why not leave a note like, “You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but I’m wishing you as wonderful a day as possible!! ” … or something like that? The person may already be having a great day and you’ll make it even better. Maybe they’re having a rotten day and you just brightened it!
“I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love, it is the common fibre of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives.”
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
We all enjoy sharing recipes. Although the original author of this particularly perfect recipe is unknown. Still, I’m sure you’ll enjoy!
2 heaping cups of patience
1 heartful of love
2 handfuls of generosity
1 headful of understanding
A dash of humour
Sprinkle generously with kindness
and plenty of faith
Mix well
Spread over a period of a life time
Serve to everyone you meet.
Author Melody Beattie reminds us that … “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” It’s a simple thought of kindness and at this time of the year, such words and thoughts warm our hearts … unquestionably, they signify the spirit of the season!
In this day and age, people are sending and receiving hundreds of emails and text messages! But you can be sure, nothing could possibly beat a good old-fashioned handwritten letter! It is filled with warmth, love, and care. The person who receives the letter will no doubt be overwhelmed by the spirit embedded in your letter. There is something far deeper when we can touch the very words another took the time to write.
Whether it’s rock climbing, knitting, playing an instrument or anything in between, there are countless opportunities to better yourself. You never know what could become your new favorite hobby. Even if you don’t end up enjoying it in the end, trying new things can help you overcome your fears, stimulate creativity, and get to know yourself better. It’s never too late. Why not give it a shot?
Given the time of year, an act of kindness is often as simple as just remembering and being thankful. Here’s a little poem that we can think about this Remembrance Day …
To flourish near my native bower,
To blossom near my Cot
cultivate a little flower,
They call ‘Forget Me Not’
Though Oceans may betwixt us roar,
And distant be our lot,
Ah! Though we part to meet no more,
Dear Youth forget me not.
This is an act of kindness that can help save a life. The next time there is a blood drive in Placentia, go ahead and decide to donate your blood. And if you happen to be in St. John’s, take an hour out of your day to visit the blood donor clinic and give a gift of life. The Canada Blood Services can be found at 7 Wicklow Street (or you can get in touch by contacting them at 709.758.5300/ 1 888 2 DONATE). Your kindness means life.
Fold two hands together
And express a dash of sorrow
Marinate it overnight
And work on it tomorrow.
Chop one grudge in tiny pieces
Add several cups of love
Dredge with a large sized smile
Mix with the ingredients above.
Dissolve the hate within you,
By doing a good deed
Cut in and help your friend
If he should be in need.
Stir in laughter, love an kindness
From the heart it has to come,
Toss with genuine forgiveness
And give your neighbor some.
The amount of people served
Will depend on you,
It can serve the whole wide world,
If you really want it to.
Why not donate your stuff. We all know how good we feel when we give of ourselves. Many times we hold onto things, because “well, you never know … who knows, a year from now I might just need this,” we say. But why not give it away to someone who may need it now. Be it old furniture, electronic, an old appliance, clothes, eyeglasses or any number of items we have hanging around. Put them to good use and pass it on.