The Gift of Kindness

This time of year can be very harried and stress-filled.  It is easy to let the tension build.  We sometimes react harshly.  To ourselves and those closest to us.

 

I propose that, in addition to being generous in your gift-giving, you give the free gift of kindness!!

 

No negative talk to yourself.  You are a beautiful soul.  You deserve to enjoy this time of year.  You don't have to be over-burdened with self-imposed expectations.  You aren't solely responsible for everyone's holiday happiness.

 

Don't expect perfection, in you or others.  Ask for or accept help from your family, friends, co-workers.  You don't have to make all of the Christmas cookies alone ~ enlist the kids!  They will love to help!!  You will be laughing, sharing...making memories and, hopefully, traditions!

 

Be present in your moments throughout the day:

While getting the kids ready for school.  Talk to them.  Smile at them.  Hug them.  Compliment them.

 

While in line at the store.  Smile at the strangers, the stockers, the cashiers.  Offer a kind word.

 

While driving to & fro.  Turn off your phone for several minutes.  Think positive thoughts about yourself.  Send affirmations to your loved ones.  Drive mindfully. 

 

While making dinner.  Think about those for whom you are preparing this meal.  Sprinkle every dish with the secret ingredient: LOVE.

 

With your spouse or significant other.  Talk, share, compliment, hug.  Just as important as showing our children they are valued, our life partner needs and deserves the same.

 

I leave you with a few quotes on kindness:

 

What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind.  ~Cleveland Amory

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.  ~Mark Twain

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.  ~Seneca

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. ~Henry James

And my favorite, from one of my favorite authors, thanx to my mom sharing him with me oh-so-many years ago:

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