Kindness is free, sprinkle liberally

My post ‘Birthday wish list: the gift of joy‘ talks about ushering in a new decade (which I did—complete with princess party and sparkles) in the form of engaging in 50 acts of kindness. A dear friend suggested I spread these acts out throughout the entire year, rather than attempt to stuff them into an already packed birthday month. And then to personalize them along the way. What a gift of joy this journey unfolds on a daily basis. I’ve encountered kindness begets kindness: a returned smile, a thank you, a hug, a gentler response. And then I want to do it all over again. But not for the recognition. I think serving others might just be a little self-serving because this is where I get my happy on. And although it’s a little corner of my world, I can sprinkle liberally. My hope is that kindness becomes contagious and scatters outward to make a bigger impact.

How do you sprinkle kindness in your sphere of influence?

Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

 

We will never forget

[Image credit: kidfreeliving.com]

In my post entitled Refocusing our attention, I talk about finding a cause to take our minds off ourselves while we’re waiting for Someday to roll around.  Or perhaps we should simply reach out for one of the many readily available opportunities to make an impact beyond our own sphere of influence.  Today, as we remember the tragedy that struck our nation, I reflect on the aftermath and how the country rallied together to become one in its efforts to heal.  From the service personnel to volunteers to the families left behind — as well as those extending goodwill, prayers and monetary relief efforts — we were a people who temporarily set aside our differences to do what was necessary to get back on our feet.  It would be wonderful if this was a customary action rather than a reaction.  We will never forget 9/11.  And maybe we also need to remember what it looked like to share a common goal.

Where were you when the Twin Towers were struck?