Kindness Matters

When a friend said to me that it seems no one talks about kindness anymore, I knew it was time to update and share this blog.

Kindness Matters – Be kind one to another

My husband gave me a set of daily journals that track habits, gratitude, mood, and some other things. Then there’s a weekly recap with more questions. One of which is, “What are 3 kind things you did this week?” This question really made me stop and think.

Kindness means being considerate of others and that thought prompted me to ask my private Facebook group this question. “What would be some kind acts that you could do?” Here are some of their answers.

Volunteer

Visit someone in a nursing home

Take someone a meal

Listen to others

Send a card

Hugs, smiles

I loved their answers and I realized these are all great ideas for random acts of kindness. These acts of kindness don’t need to be big. Even small acts can make a difference in someone’s day.

Here are a few of the other responses that friends posted…

“Being kind to others could possibly build strong bridges. Being kind to others shows empathy, character, and putting others before yourself. Be there for others and spread kindness.” – DW

“Kindness reflects empathy and respect. It sets us apart in a world that has become increasingly polarized, where hate seems to have grown. We are commanded to love one another, and kindness reflects that love. Being both the donor and recipient of kindness makes for a happier, more civilized existence.” SD

“Kindness is like light at the end of a tunnel. You see it and are so grateful for that instead of the darkness that floods your soul.” – JF

Earlier today as I was coming out of the grocery store, I passed a much older woman walking with a cane that had plastic flowers tied on it. She had on a yellow hat and her bright orange hair showed around the edges. I thought she was adorable and I just offered, “Good morning.” She stopped almost with tears in her eyes and said, “I’m so old and no one ever speaks to me.”

You’ve probably received a similar reaction to your own kindness. In fact, her response meant as much to me as I think my comment meant to her.

While you may think of doing kind things for people outside your home, kindness does start at home. Be sure to show kindness to your spouse, kids, parents, and even… don’t forget to be kind to yourself.

A friend said to me that we do not talk about kindness anymore. Perhaps we don’t. And perhaps we don’t express kindness enough.

Even though my journal asks for only 3 kind acts every week, I want to challenge you, and myself, to search for something kind you can do every day.

Let me know about your kind experiences.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35 NIV

Discover Your Joy

Be sure to grab your copy of Discover Your Joy, a daily inspirational book for the entire year. It’s also a great gift for Moms, wives, aunts, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

I am honored to share this excerpt of an article by my publicist:

Readers and reviewers alike have praised ‘Discover Your Joy‘. One said, “Each page in “Discover Your Joy” is a simple and beautiful reminder that the world may not be perfect, there will always be the ups and the downs, but we have the ability to CHOOSE each day how we will use this gift we call life. I highly recommend this book!!” Another stated, “Pistole gives great insight into ways to remind us that our joy is important and to beware of “joy stealers”. This book is a great way to start your mornings with a great cup of coffee and to discover your joy each and every day!”

Explore Discover Your Joy or view it on Amazon.

Kindness Matters – Be kind one to another