The Kindness Chronicles - Making the world a better place through simple acts of service and kindness. Contributors: Deborah Stanley, Lyric Kinard and Jane LaFazio
Lyric Kinard http://lyrickinard.blogspot.com/
Ideas to help us make the world a better place!
Hold the door open - especially if they are pushing a stroller or have their hands full.
Leave a post-it note on the bathroom stall saying "smile - you ARE beautiful, smart, and creative!"
Give a compliment - a looking in the eyes, specific, compliment.
Put a grocery cart away for a mother with little ones in the car. (did this!)
(I always really hated to leave mine alone even for a second in the car.)
Bigger things:
Babysit for the mother of young children... even if it's just so she can go take a nap.
Bring your favorite book and read stories to kids at your local elementary school.
Wash someone's car windows.
Keep a zip-loc bag in your purse with a toothbrush, toothpaste, a few dollars, and a granola bar for the next time you pass a homeless person. (going to do this!)
Stop by the fire department with a plate of cookies and say thank you.
Jane LaFazio
http://janeville.blogspot.com/
1. Near my neighborhood is a corner, near a gas station, where day laborers gather to get work. People drive by and sometimes stop hire them to do physical labor, and pay them in cash. Occasionally, on the same corner are so-called homeless people, begging for money. The other day at the gas station, I got out of my car, went up to one of the day laborers and told him that I admire him for looking for work, and I gave him $10.
2. I visited 3rd graders at High Tech Elementary school in Shula Vista.
I told the kids about my work, and helped their teacher, Amber George, and
make felt geodes. (I volunteered my time.)
3. A friend admired a ring I was wearing and I took it off and gave it to her.
4. I offered a scholarship to one of my workshops, to someone I know would appreciate it, but could not probably afford it.
5. I left a comment on a blog, telling the writer how much I enjoy their posts
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile,
a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Leo Buscaglia
and kindnesses to me:
1. A student brought me flowers and told me how much she enjoyed my class. (thanks Janel!)
2. A teenage girl (who I did not know) told me how much she liked the blue in my hair, and how good it looked on me.
3. A fifth grade boy, in my Mundo Lindo after school art classes "my mom made me come to these classes because I was bored and I thought they'd be boring, but they are fun."
4. Always and everyday, the way my husband treats me.
we just want to spread kindness...
Deborah Stanley
http://deborahstanleyinspirations.blogspot.com/
I echo the thought that kindness is reciprocal! Being kind to others comes around and makes you & me feel good too. Right then! Our friends, Lyric Kinard, along with Jane Lafazio have started The Kindness Chronicles.
I have been thinking a lot about courtesy. Courtesy is good manners and it is a kindness to others. I have been practicing courtesy to phone solicitors. On a given day this can mean several opportunities! I find that compassion follows.
Greeting others with a smile is an act of kindness for every day. My husband and I make a practice of this during our daily walks. We often receive a happy warm response.
Do check this out from Mia Bloom. Mia leaves small pieces of art in public places as a random kindness to the one who finds it. http://graffitiinspirations.blogspot.com/2012/03/art.html
