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Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS #mondaymotivation

30/11/2015

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS - Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS – Symbols & Acts of Kindness

The mission of the World Kindness Movement (WKM) is to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world. TheWorldKindnessMovement.org
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. William Arthur Ward
When autumn darkness falls, what we will remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk, and every single rose. These are all expressions of a nation coming together and caring about its people. Jens Stoltenberg
A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. Saint Basil

What does kindness mean to you? How motivated are you to add kindness to your vocabulary and daily routines? Even though November 13 was the official World Kindness Day celebration, it can’t hurt to be reminded during this coming holiday season that kindness is an everyday affair. Each of us can perform acts of kindness to help others: our loved ones, cohorts, folks in need, strangers, and those exhilarating random acts of kindness that create love and harmony around the world. We can share our food, shelter, goodwill, and even a smile. Every kind act we perform will be multiplied because goodness spreads in a ripple effect that touches many people. Sadly, the same is true of unkind actions, so choose wisely. If you’d like to know more, World Kindness Day is the brainchild of the World Kindness Movement, which originated in Japan in 1997. KM’s purpose remains to bring people and nations together by creating global communities of kindness and care.

Today, over 25 nations participate in events organized by TheWorldKindnessMovement, and you can join in and share your goodwill too. No one is an Island unto themself, and we all benefit from others’ kindness. In a world that has grown rife with violence and anger, we need to remind ourselves, and those around us, to be kind, to be compassionate, and to be grateful. If there is anything we need more of in the world today, it’s kindness. Kindness should definitely be one of the top 5 on our list. It is up to us to choose to be/act kind. We can start by thinking kind thoughts and matching them with actions that uplift us and others.

Are you kind to yourself? While we are busy being kind to others, we must not forget to be kind to ourselves. Some of us are very good at giving, but we forget that the key to kindness is giving and receiving with an open heart. We all know people who complain about how much of themselves they give to others and how unappreciated they are. Kindness is a conscious act, and pretending it’s random and/or forgettable is foolish. We give because it makes us feel good; because we remember how we were helped; and because, if we are honest with ourselves, we hope that the karma credits will benefit our loved ones and us down the road. To truly offer kindness to others, we must be open to receiving the same… Think about it deeply and honestly. Kindness doesn’t require martyrdom. The truth is, kindness/giving are a two-way street. As the Zen story and the Elephant story below show, it is in our hands, too. How do you plan to express yours in your community?
A Story: Buddha & The Angry Elephant
Nalagiri was an elephant with a bad attitude. One day, Devadatta, the Buddha’s jealous nephew who wanted to kill him, deliberately made Nalagiri very angry and set the poor elephant loose on the street where the Buddha was walking with many other monks. As Nalagiri ran wildly and trumpeted closer to the Buddha, the Buddha mentally directed his loving-kindness and friendliness (metta) toward Nalagiri. Nalagiri calmed down and then rested at the Buddha’s feet as a sign of respect. Story via Wikipedia
A Story: Kindness Is In Your Hands
A young man caught a small bird and held it behind his back. He then asked, “Master, is the bird I hold in my hands alive or dead?” The boy saw this as a chance to play a trick on the older man. If the master answered “dead”, it would be let loose into the air. If the master answered “alive”, he would wring its neck. The master said, “The answer is in your hands.” Via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn

 

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Princess Diana

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS - Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS – Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS - Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS – Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Mark Twain
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Lao Tzu
Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness. Khalil Gibran
Goodness is about character – integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. Dennis Prager
Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness, and small obligations given habitually, are what preserve the heart and secure comfort. Humphry Davy

What comes to mind when you think of Kindness? Many words come to mind that capture the simple act of kindness we all crave from each other: altruism or selflessness, Compassion, Empathy, Generosity, paying it forward, Random acts of kindness, Reciprocity, goodwill/good faith, and more. In our daily interactions, events and challenges motivate us to behave a certain way. Whichever way we choose to express it, what matters is that we extend a helping hand to others and encourage them to do the same. Sometimes, bad experiences make us bitter, and then it becomes hard to be kind. However, we should not allow our experiences to harden us. We can make an effort to be kind and develop a spirit of equanimity. The story below helps us understand that we don’t have to be swayed by accusations and ill will. We can choose to do good and to be kind. I know it is easier said than done, but we can try. Practice strengthens our actions, doesn’t it? Can you maintain a spirit of kindness and equanimity in the face of discontent? The story below is a great lesson to help us remember kindness/goodness in the face of discontent.

What about False Kindness? Earlier, I mentioned that, sadly, unkind words/deeds/actions have a ripple effect too, and whilst it is important to help our fellow men and women, in some instances we must do so with a discerning spirit. This is the season for celebration and gift-giving. Unfortunately, it is also a time when identity theft, scammers, and duplicitous operators fill the airwaves with their deception and tales of woe. It would be unwise to paint a picture of kindness without reminding us all to act with care and share our largesse without feeling pressured to give under duress or to support a cause or organization that doesn’t ring true to our spirit. Give joyfully and carefully. Many folks and groups need help in our communities and elsewhere. Do your homework to ensure your gifts go to those in need. Not every glittering pitch is what it claims, so act wisely. I added another story below to illustrate my point. Kindness is a great way to help our communities, but don’t fall victim to a scam.

The four pictures above tell stories about kindness. The top-left photo of two women giving alms to children is described as being in the manner of the famous painter Francis Wheatley, but the true author is unknown. Next to it is The Buddha calming Nalagiri, the elephant. Below it is the story/legend of the Roman General Belisarius begging for alms after being blinded and deposed. Last, but not least, is a photo based on the popular biblical parable/story of The Good Samaritan…

A Story: Is That So?
A beautiful girl in the village was pregnant. Her angry parents demanded to know who the father was. At first, she resisted confessing, but the anxious, embarrassed girl finally pointed to Hakuin, the Zen master everyone had previously revered for living such a pure life. When the outraged parents confronted Hakuin with their daughter’s accusation, he replied: “Is that so?” When the child was born, the parents brought it to Hakuin, who the whole village now viewed as a pariah. They demanded that he care for the child, since it was his responsibility. “Is that so?” Hakuin said calmly, accepting the child. For many months, he took very good care of the child until the daughter could no longer withstand the lie she had told. She confessed that the birth father was a young man in the village whom she had tried to protect. The parents immediately went to Hakuin to ask him to return the baby. With profuse apologies, they explained what had happened. “Is that so?” Hakuin said, handing them the child. Via  Zen Stories on Jataka Tales

A Story: Killed By False Kindness
Once upon a time, two merchants were friends. Both were preparing for business trips to sell their merchandise, so they had to decide whether to travel together. They agreed that, since each had about 500 carts, and they were going to the same place along the same road, it would be too crowded to go at the same time.
One decided that it would be much better to go first. He thought, “The carts will not rut the road, the bullocks will be able to choose the best of all the grass, we will find the best fruits and vegetables to eat, my people will appreciate my leadership and, in the end, I will be able to bargain for the best prices.”
The other merchant considered carefully and realized there were advantages to going second. He thought, “My friend’s carts will level the ground so we won’t have to do any road work; his bullocks will eat the old rough grass and new tender shoots will spring up for mine to eat. In the same way, they will pick the old fruits and vegetables and fresh ones will grow for us to enjoy. I won’t have to waste my time bargaining when I can take the price already set and make my profit.” So he agreed to let his friend go first. This friend was sure he’d fooled him and gotten the best of him, so he set out first.
The merchant who went first had a hard time. They came to a wilderness called the ‘Waterless Desert’, which locals said was haunted by demons. When the caravan reached the middle, they met a large group coming from the opposite direction. They had mud-smeared carts dripping with water. They carried lotuses and water lilies in their hands and on their carts. The head man, who had a know-it-all attitude, said to the merchant, “Why are you carrying these heavy loads of water? Soon you will reach that oasis on the horizon with plenty of water to drink and dates to eat. Your bullocks are tired from pulling those heavy carts filled with extra water – so throw away the water and be kind to your overworked animals!”
Even though the locals had warned them, the merchant didn’t realize these were not real people, but demons in disguise. They were even in danger of being eaten. Confident they were helping people, he followed their advice and emptied all his water onto the ground.
As they continued, they found no oasis or water at all. Some realized they’d been fooled by beings that might have been demons and started grumbling and accusing the merchant. By the end of the day, everyone was tired out. The bullocks were too weak from lack of water to pull their heavy carts. People and animals lay down haphazardly and fell into a deep sleep. Lo and behold, during the night the demons came in their true frightening forms and gobbled up all the weak, defenseless beings. When they were done,e there were only bones lying scattered around – not one human or animal was left alive. Contd Below! Via Zen Stories on Jataka Tales
Motivation Mondays details are below. Join in! The themes for October and November are:

10/05 – SMILE – World Smile Day
10/12 – DISCOVER – Columbus Day
10/19 – COMMUNITY – UN Day & Make A Difference Day
10/26 – FEAR – Halloween Day

11/02 – LEGACY/REMEMBRANCE – All Souls/All Saints Day (11/1)
11/09 – HONORING VETERANS – Veterans Day (11/11) &
11/16 –  HONORING ALL/OUR CHILDREN – Universal CChildren’sDay/World Children’s Day (11/20) & Great American Smokeout Day (11/19)
11/23 – GIVING THANKS – Thanksgiving Day! (11/26)
11/30 – REVISIT KINDNESS – World Kindness Day (11/13)

More Below!

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Scott Adams

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS - Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS – Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS - Symbols & Acts of Kindness

Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS – Symbols & Acts of Kindness

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money. John Ruskin
It’s not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. We just need to be kind, unconditionally and without ulterior motive, even – or rather, especially – when we’d prefer not to be. Josh Radnor
Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. Og Mandino
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Who have you shown kindness to today? While we might not always be able to perform random acts of kindness, we can all remember to offer a smile, a kind word, and a conscious act of goodwill to all living things. Instead of always trying to be first or disrespecting the earth and those around us, we can make a conscious effort to be considerate. When our acts of kindness are sincere, they water the earth with rich deposits of goodwill that nourish the soil and all who come into contact with it. Give with an open heart and a sincere spirit. What we practice becomes second nature. What we resist persists, and what we remember stays fresh in our hearts. Stay motivated on the path of kindness, and it will bear great results for you and all around you. Here’s wishing all a very happy and kind holiday season. Who have you helped today?

A Story: Killed By False Kindness Contd!
After several months, the second merchant began his journey in the same way. When he arrived at the wilderness, he assembled all his people and advised them: “This is called the ‘Waterless Desert,’ and I have heard that demons and ghosts haunt it. Therefore, we should be careful. Since there may be poisonous plants and foul water, don’t drink any local water without asking me.” With that, they entered the desert.
About halfway through, as with the first caravan, they were met by water-soaked demons in disguise. They told them the oasis was near and they should throw away their water. But the wise merchant saw through them right away. He knew it didn’t make sense to have an oasis in a place called ‘Waterless Desert’. Besides, these people had bulging red eyes and an aggressive, pushy attitude, so he suspected they might be demons.
He told them to leave them alone, saying, “We are businessmen who don’t throw away good water before we know where the next is coming from.” Then,n seeing that his own people had doubts, the merchant said to them, “Don’t believe these people,
who may be demons, until we actually find water. The oasis they point to might be just an illusion or a mirage. Have you ever heard of water in this ‘Waterless Desert’? Do you feel any rain-wind or see any storm clouds?” They all said, “No,” and he continued, “If we believe these strangers and throw away our water, then later we may not have any to drink or cook with – then we will be weak and thirsty, and it would be easy for demons to come and rob us, or even eat us up! Therefore, until we really find water, do not waste even a drop!”
The caravan continued on its way and, that evening,g reached the place where the first caravan’s people and bullocks had been killed and eaten by the demons. They found the carts and human and animal bones lying all around. They recognized that the fully loaded carts and scattered bones belonged to the former caravan. The wise merchant told certain people to stand watch around the camp during the night.
The next morning the people ate breakfast and fed their bullocks well. They added the most valuable things left from the first caravan to their goods. So they finished their journey successfully and returned home safely, so they and their families could enjoy their profits.
The moral is: One must always be wise enough not to be fooled by tricky talk and false appearances. Via Zen Stories on Buddhist Tales – Jataka Stories

A Story: Remembering To Honor All Life Forms
Once, a monk specialized in the Buddhist precepts and kept to them all his life. One night, while walking, he stepped on something. It made a squishing sound, and he imagined he had stepped on an egg-bearing frog. This caused him no end of alarm and regret, in view of the Buddhist precept against taking life, and when he finally went to sleep that night he dreamed that hundreds of frogs came demanding his life.
The monk was terribly upset, but when morning came, he looked and found that he had stepped on an overripe eggplant. At that moment, his uncertainty suddenly stopped, and for the first time he realized the saying that there is no objective world. Then he finally knew how to practice Zen. Via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn Source: Zen Essence
As we gear up for the holiday season, let us not forget all the families in need, families hurting, and those who have lost lives/loved ones around the world. Happy Holiday Season!

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Positive Motivation Tip: Kindness makes the world a safer and loving place for all of us. Share yours now,  today, tomorrow, and every day!

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wants to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge, or post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a Motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment, and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
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Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMonday.s Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will help others.
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Badge: I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo-editing tools. You can create your own using WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog, or you can use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Stories via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn & Wikipedia. All Photos: Cosmos (WKM official flower) by Hugo Arg, Buddha & The Elephant Nalagiri, Belisarius begging for alms, the good Samaritan, Spirit of Compassion, Alms to children, Kindness Barnstar, Seeking Human Kindness, Acts of Randomness, Every life a delight, via Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

230 Comments leave one →
  1. Masshole Mommy permalink
    30/11/2015 2:58 pm

    I wish more people were kind in general. I think it’s great when we are nice to each other

  2. Huub Ricardo permalink
    30/11/2015 3:17 pm

    AS they say: Throw kindness like confetti. I had a very small kindness act today, I just picked up a friend of mine who called me and asked if I could pick her up. Wasn’t planning going the way she was at, but did it anyway. Small act, but I was happy I could help.

  3. Liz Mays permalink
    30/11/2015 5:45 pm

    The holidays always serve to remind me how important kindness is. The trick for me is to keep it going all year long!

  4. Kate Kelly permalink
    30/11/2015 6:05 pm

    I love to do Random Acts of Kindness whenever possible. My favorite is to stick a couple of dollars in a RedBox movie and tell the person snacks are on me. I’d love to see the face of someone actually renting that movie! I hope it makes them as happy to receive it as it was for me to do it.

  5. 30/11/2015 8:39 pm

    Thought provoking post as always. Covered this topic myself recently so it is one still uppermost in my mind and way of being in the world.

    • 01/12/2015 2:45 am

      Ahhh wonderful… Yes, it is on my mind too and my prayer is that we can all find our footing again in this world.

      • Claudette Esterine permalink
        02/12/2015 6:29 am

        Amen to that! 🙂

      • Claudette Esterine permalink
        04/12/2015 5:05 am

        Indeed!

  6. Liz Mays permalink
    30/11/2015 8:57 pm

    I like the story of the bird in the boy’s hands. The old man’s response was so powerful!

  7. tara pittman permalink
    30/11/2015 9:29 pm

    I agree with expect no reward for a kind deed

  8. Giveaways4Mom permalink
    30/11/2015 10:35 pm

    I love the message. Being kind was safe but on the other side, the jealous people got mad at those kind people.

  9. michelle permalink
    30/11/2015 10:44 pm

    I love the reply of “the answer is in your hands” so powerful!

  10. Clo Nevaeh permalink
    30/11/2015 11:23 pm

    What a great delightful way to start a Monday. I love the way you’re going with the kindness post.

  11. 30/11/2015 11:59 pm

    Reblogged this on Memphis Service Ministries and commented:
    Longish post about kindness. Much goodness here.

  12. thedealmatchmaker permalink
    01/12/2015 12:28 am

    I agree… Be kind always.. Be kind to others and to ourselves.

  13. Lisa @ Low Carb Yum permalink
    01/12/2015 12:38 am

    The key to kindness is not to expect anything in return. So many people forget that part!

    • 01/12/2015 1:03 am

      Lisa, Great point! The key to kindness is to give and receive with an open heart. While there is nothing wrong with reciprocity, once we give, we should let it go. In our complex world, giving also requires a measure of wisdom.

  14. 01/12/2015 4:27 am

    Those are great quotes. My favorite would be the one from Princess Diana. We shouldn’t expect anything in return when we do acts of kindness. We do it because we want to do it.

  15. Acadiana'sThriftyMom (@acadianathrifty) permalink
    01/12/2015 3:36 am

    I love this so much! I have been teaching my children about being kind even when the world isn’t kind back. It’s such an important life lesson <3

  16. Jessica Beal Harlow permalink
    01/12/2015 5:52 am

    I enjoyed your post and the reminder to be kind to ourselves. Sometimes that gets ignored. I try to spread kindness wherever I go. Life is too short and precious to be anything but kind to ourselves and one another.

    • 01/12/2015 12:04 pm

      Indeed. It’s remarkable how some people think pushing their own needs aside is so noble. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others… One hand washes the other!

  17. listen2mama permalink
    01/12/2015 4:29 am

    It’s so easy to be kind every day, even in the smallest ways. Loved all of these stories, thank you for this!

  18. Jojo Vito permalink
    01/12/2015 5:10 am

    oh! kindness…if people will just effort to a be little more kinder…this could be so much peaceful and wonderful world for everyone…

  19. 01/12/2015 8:03 am

    Today is Giving Tuesday – see any connection? LOL

    • 01/12/2015 12:08 pm

      Haha! I had no idea of #GivingTuesday when I planned my post but it’s awesome! We need to have every day dedicated to some form of giving! 🙂

  20. Ben Butler permalink
    01/12/2015 6:25 am

    It sounds so lame, but kindness really is its own reward. When you’re kind without the expectation of a reward it makes your heart happy.

  21. Carol Cassara (@ccassara) permalink
    01/12/2015 6:42 am

    I love kindness and try to practice it every single day. Gratitude is internal, but kindness does something for the world.

  22. Fashionable Librarian permalink
    01/12/2015 8:06 am

    Does not take much to be kind…at least I don’t think so and yet so many people chose to go the opposite route…great post

  23. 01/12/2015 11:22 am

    Your posts are always thought-stirring, but kindness, I deeply agree, costs nothing and absolutely change a persons life

  24. Ann Bacciaglia permalink
    01/12/2015 10:00 am

    It is so important to be kind. I always try to spread kindness around. You never know when you might change someones day with a simple act of kindness.

  25. Coupon Diva (@RealCouponDiva) permalink
    01/12/2015 11:30 am

    we should all be setting intentions to be kinder in our actions 😀

  26. Kristen Greazel permalink
    01/12/2015 12:42 pm

    A world smile day??? that is the best!

  27. Miranda (Myrabev) permalink
    01/12/2015 1:43 pm

    Such an amazing post, I very much enjoyed the bird story (boy with bird in hand). It costs nothing to show kindness to fellow man.

  28. Dhemz permalink
    01/12/2015 2:50 pm

    Such a big word! Kindness is defined as the virtue of showing love. It’s also a way of doing good to make life better for others.

  29. Michelle Solee (@michisolee) permalink
    01/12/2015 3:17 pm

    We really need to spread kindness everyday because it can change person’s mood. Kindness is contagious. 🙂

  30. Masshole Mommy permalink
    01/12/2015 5:34 pm

    I think we all need to be a little kinder to each other. It makes the world a better place.

  31. April G permalink
    01/12/2015 4:25 pm

    This season is great for those to be reminded that kindness should be shared. I wish it were year round, but this season is better than none.

  32. Lisa McCrory Johnston permalink
    01/12/2015 4:39 pm

    I missed world kindness day! This is a great post, and it’s a great reminder to live our lives with kindness.

  33. Travel Blogger permalink
    01/12/2015 6:20 pm

    I needed this today. I had one of those days where I am just disgusted with everyone, and I want to go home and hide under the covers. But articles like these remind me of the bigger picture how important it is to continue to put kindness into the world and care for all humankind.

  34. Susan Pazera ✈️ (@SusanPazera) permalink
    01/12/2015 6:50 pm

    Great post! I always tell my children to do things with kindness without any expectation of the same.

  35. Alicia permalink
    01/12/2015 7:26 pm

    I rarely get much motivation on Mondays myself. This is definitely a good one to remember though to share a smile and say thank you. It can go a long way.

  36. Sasha permalink
    01/12/2015 7:34 pm

    Great ideas and very thought provoking. I try to look for opportunities to show kindness – there is always room for more kindness in this world.

  37. Jerwel Adrian permalink
    01/12/2015 7:35 pm

    I liked the story of the Buddhist and the Frog Eggs. It doesn’t just makes us value life, it makes us value not just of humans but also the living things that reside here with us..

  38. dngei30 permalink
    01/12/2015 10:26 pm

    I definitely agree that kindness is critical in our world today, and I loved how you presented this topic using stories. I was particularly captivated by the story of the merchants, it says a lot about wisdom and arrogance. Thanks for sharing this motivational post.

  39. Chelley @ A is For Adelaide permalink
    01/12/2015 8:43 pm

    Kindness over money. Every single day.

  40. Beth@FrugalFroggie permalink
    01/12/2015 8:59 pm

    It is amazing how a little kindness can go a long way. Pass it on!!

  41. Angie Scheie permalink
    01/12/2015 9:00 pm

    I love the Mark Twain quote! The world can always use more kindness that’s for sure, and it starts with each one of us. I think our words our a powerful tool that can go far in spreading (or withholding) kindness.

  42. Chanelle permalink
    01/12/2015 9:48 pm

    A small act of kindness can create a big change in many people’s lives. Never underestimate the power of small.

  43. Girl, Unspotted permalink
    01/12/2015 10:25 pm

    What I learned from my travels is that people are generally kind. And true kindness indeed is when you don’t expect anything in return.

  44. Claire Algarme permalink
    01/12/2015 10:55 pm

    Kindness is what this world needs a lot. Each of us longs for kindness in our daily lives, even from our family members or people close to us. At the same time, we long to share our kindness to others, even to random strangers. Kindness is a good foundation to love.

  45. Niki Cruz permalink
    01/12/2015 11:01 pm

    I enjoyed this post..A great reminder for us to share a little more of kindness

  46. Nicole Escat permalink
    02/12/2015 1:23 am

    Kindness is something that you show to other without expecting anything in return. Just be kind to all people around us. 🙂

  47. franckxethee permalink
    02/12/2015 3:02 am

    Kindness is its own reward. Kindness is like light that radiates and a single act of kindness can really make a difference.

  48. April Mims permalink
    02/12/2015 3:36 am

    I love reading stories of kindness. With so much going on in my life that others can’t see, I always appreciate kindness and know that others might need it too, even if I can’t see that. A little kindness goes a long way!

  49. Rosey permalink
    02/12/2015 6:22 am

    Hopefully the boy with the bird was made to think by the master’s response. So much for playing tricks… 🙂

  50. chbernard permalink
    02/12/2015 7:24 am

    Kindness is so important! My favourite kindness quote is along the lines of “it doesn’t cost you anything to be kind”. I also love that you hit on ‘are you kind to yourself’ … I think this is something many of us need to work on!

  51. R U S S permalink
    02/12/2015 5:40 am

    I like that you touched on being kind to oneself. With all the busyness and all the work that we do, sometimes we get so caught up that we forget ourselves. I give myself weekly me-time treats. I also try to travel at least once a year.

  52. Fred permalink
    02/12/2015 6:00 am

    Kindness is very important to me. The people I like and enjoy being with are kind. Unkind people are an automatic turnoff. I strive to be kind at all times.

  53. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    02/12/2015 6:06 am

    That’s why I love talking to old people, they are full of wisdom! Love his response!

  54. Fernando Ceballos Lachica permalink
    02/12/2015 6:43 am

    Kindness is really needed for us to feed our inner being. Luckily, most people can do kindness for the sake of love.

  55. Jenn permalink
    02/12/2015 7:21 am

    What a beautiful and thought provoking post. Kindness should be a strong part of all of our lives. I know it’s what i teach our girls.

  56. raine permalink
    02/12/2015 10:33 am

    Inspiring stories! I agree that a little act of kindness goes a long way.Thanks for sharing 🙂

  57. Sunshine Kelly permalink
    02/12/2015 10:52 am

    I love to bring smiles to other people life whenever I can. A little kindness from us may make a big impact on others. I hope that the world can be a better place for everyone.

  58. Autumn Blues (@AutumnBlues) permalink
    02/12/2015 11:11 am

    Kindness is universal! Everyone should practice it!

  59. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    02/12/2015 12:51 pm

    Kindness is a powerful act that begets happiness.

  60. Jonathan Key permalink
    02/12/2015 2:22 pm

    We need more kindness in this world. I like Princess Diana’s quote. We shouldn’t expect anything in return when we help another fellow human being. The satisfaction of knowing it was the right thing to do and the joy they get should suffice.

  61. Natalie (@nataliemadeit) permalink
    02/12/2015 3:25 pm

    There’s not enough kindness in this world, so this was a great way to start your Monday.

  62. Eileen xo permalink
    02/12/2015 7:04 pm

    I love the theme :” Kindness” and I love the photos! Especially now, the world could really all read this and be Kind!

  63. kleebanks permalink
    02/12/2015 7:30 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful organization and movement. Extending kindness is such an easy thing to do, and it’s a shame more people don’t engage in random acts of kindness–especially during the holidays.

  64. Jason Panuelos permalink
    02/12/2015 5:30 pm

    It really is true how kindness goes such a long way. This post could not be more relevant today 😀

  65. angie permalink
    02/12/2015 7:25 pm

    thank you love it especially for this week following thanksgiving and time to give back

  66. Maria Teresa Figuerres permalink
    02/12/2015 7:53 pm

    If people on earth are kind to one another, then there will be no wars, only peace and harmony. The world will then become a better place to live.

  67. Holly permalink
    03/12/2015 3:02 am

    I am a big believer in the incredible things that can happen when we dedicate ourselves to performing random acts of kindness. It can be something as small as going out of your way to hold a door open for someone you see walking up to an establishment or paying for someone’s morning coffee, these little things can mean so much to someone else. We all need to focus a little more on kindness.

  68. Miss Millennia Mag (@MissMillMag) permalink
    03/12/2015 4:22 am

    Nice motivational post as usual… I just found myself got addicted of reading your each post!!

  69. jsmakegreengogreen permalink
    03/12/2015 4:38 am

    You always have such thought provoking posts. I love the imagery you use too. Thanks for sharing!

  70. Sojourner permalink
    03/12/2015 12:47 pm

    This is precisely what the world needs! I’m going to look into the organization- thanks for sharing. We need more positive acts to drive out all of the negative in the world!

  71. carmical permalink
    03/12/2015 6:08 pm

    I like the story of the bird in the boy’s hands. The old man’s response was a powerful one. But I think my favorite, and most powerful one is “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. Saint Basil”.

  72. Ann B (@AnnBac9) permalink
    03/12/2015 5:10 pm

    Kindness is an important trait that we need to make sure to do everyday. Big or small things can make all the difference in the world.

  73. ODDree ANYwhere permalink
    04/12/2015 10:21 am

    I love world smile day! We used to celebrate it at my last job!

  74. Jeanette M permalink
    04/12/2015 1:22 pm

    Kindness is a very important part of life. I wish our world would come together to realize this.

  75. Kelly (@KickingWKelly) permalink
    04/12/2015 5:15 pm

    I just talked to my husband about being kind and speaking kindly. I have seen powerful changes in my life from doing this.

  76. thedealmatchmaker permalink
    04/12/2015 9:27 pm

    Thanks for reminding us to be kind 🙂 kindness is very important.

  77. thedomesticbuzz permalink
    05/12/2015 10:54 am

    The power of kindness is incredible. You’ve given us a lot to think about in this post.

  78. Shaylee Field permalink
    05/12/2015 1:53 pm

    I always try to be kind to everyone I meet. I’m usually the person flashing random smiles, holding the door open and always saying thank you 🙂 It makes me happy when other people do it so I figure maybe I make other people happy when I do it 🙂

  79. Eileen xo permalink
    06/12/2015 12:03 am

    I love how you are expressing kindness from photography to huge smiley heats

  80. Jason Panuelos permalink
    06/12/2015 5:47 am

    Indeed a powerful reminder as to how far kindness can take someone. We can never know what we can do for others 😀

  81. Yvonne Bertoldo permalink
    06/12/2015 7:37 am

    Being kind, even if you haven’t really done anything yet would make the other person feel loved and important. By simply being approachable and accommodating are good ways to show your kindness.

  82. nacaroinc permalink
    06/12/2015 8:25 am

    I loved reading this. Everything you said was true. I love to give and I never want anything in return. I receive happiness in making others happy. I don’t like people that do kind things for recognition or to throw it in your face later. My late grandfather always said “If you are doing something from the heart recognition is never needed” As always I enjoyed reading this. I love your positive outlook on life.

  83. Cai Dominguez permalink
    06/12/2015 2:20 pm

    Thank you for another Motivation Monday Im very glad to start my day reading this article 🙂

  84. Mommy Maye permalink
    06/12/2015 7:37 pm

    I always try to be kind. However, it’s very hard to be kind nowadays because people cab be abusive. But I agree, there’s no small act of kindness and for sure it will never be wasted.

  85. Camesha | Mama Motivator permalink
    06/12/2015 10:32 pm

    I didn’t know World Kindness Day existed. It certainly is needed these days. A little more kindness couldn’t hurt at all.

  86. Len Ainza permalink
    07/12/2015 6:55 am

    I love your blog! it always gives me motivation and hope for life!

  87. Len Ainza permalink
    07/12/2015 6:56 am

    I love your blog! it always gives me an Inspiration and hope for life!

  88. Melisa Sanchez permalink
    07/12/2015 7:35 am

    The bible also teach us to be kind to each other.If you are kind to another then God will be kinds also to you. Such a good read, thanks for sharing.

  89. Dominique Goh permalink
    08/12/2015 4:48 pm

    Kindness certainly makes the world a better place. A really thought stirring post.

  90. Nilyn EC Matugas permalink
    14/12/2015 2:29 pm

    To remain kind is super challenging, especially if you’re surrounded by unkind people! haha.

  91. Melgie permalink
    14/12/2015 2:41 pm

    This is so inspiring and powerful post. I love the story, the kindness is is truly within. Thank you.
    http://www.sweetcuisinera.com

  92. Allan permalink
    20/12/2015 9:47 pm

    I think you cannot measure the act of kindness a person is giving to you. Just like the first quotation, no matter how small or big it is, all of these must be treasured.

  93. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) permalink
    13/01/2016 4:42 am

    Being kind to one another is a blessing. Sometimes I am mean when people abused my being kind. I guess we have to be observant how people treated us.

  94. 21/01/2016 11:29 pm

    It was indeed a great post. Kindness is a trait that every person should work on. We must look deep into our insides and search for that.

  95. Kai | Lilpink permalink
    23/01/2016 9:09 pm

    indeed, when we are kind to others, good things are always bound to come to us. even the happiness we feel on being kind to others is a good thing already. <3

  96. Renata PereiraRenata permalink
    02/03/2016 10:05 pm

    I’m so impressed with the quality of your blog and your posts! Congratulations! Very well done! I’m sure you are inspiring a lot of people. I love this text about kindness, as I’m a firm believer in always choosing kindness over any other way to deal with people. I’m happy you are doing a major contribution by spreading the word!

  97. Emily Fata permalink
    17/01/2018 6:22 am

    Kindness is such a beautiful, important aspect of life that I think many people unfortunately forget to consciously incorporate into their daily lives. This is a great article and an equally great reminder to embrace kindness always!

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