It is hard to believe but Christmas is but a few days away and in talking to a number of colleagues and people, it is not always the most wonderful time of the year.
For some like myself, we are dealing with the loss of a loved one or sickness of someone close, jobs security or having a job is something that keeps us up wondering or worrying.
It could be loneliness, frustration, lack of hope or any number of things.
It could be a great period in our life and everything is smooth sailing….
No matter what state we find ourselves in, it is always possible to do good, to be kind, to offer something of value and to do it with no expectancy of a proper response.
So with that, here are a few last thing ideas that we can consider incorporating into our lives on a year round basis.
And the great thing is, kindness is not limited to a few ideas. May wherever we put our feet, people will be blessed because we’ve been there…
Write Or Send A Thank You Note To Someone
In the age of technology, we now have texts, emails, Whats App, etc to send messages of kindness to people but there is still something special about a handwritten note that is received.
There is still something special about a handwritten note that is received.
I know that one of the things that has blest my heart are the notes that I have received from people I have worked with, led in some way shape or form and these notes were so unexpected but so appreciated.
There is something refreshing when someone takes the time to express a kindness and thankfulness for things they had experienced.
It takes so little time but has the power to add so much value to the one receiving.
Tell Someone You Love Them
I have a colleague who is one of the most genuine people that I know. As we have worked together over the past 3 ½ years, our friendship has grown and it is always a good day when I am in his school.
I remember when mom passed away, he was one of the first ones who reached out to me and almost every time we see each other, we always hug and it warms my heart when he says that he loves me.
I told him the other day that he is a friend born for adversity. Not only for the rough times but the good.
I know for some, it may seem weird to say to a friend(s) or people of some sort in one of our circles of connection that we love them but honestly, life is too short to always want appear to be PC when we as people are looking for real people who we can bond with and have meaningful life connections.
Life is too short to always want appear to be PC when we as people are looking for real people who we can bond with and have meaningful life connections.
Maybe we don’t have a frame of reference because of how we grew up and what we saw but molds can be broken and new molds can be formed.
So…. Try………You Never Know Who Is Waiting To Hear Those Wonderful Words…. I Love You….
Pay For A Strangers Coffee
I’ve seen my parents over the years show kindness to people in many ways that has blest them by gifting them in some way, shape and form.
So while my frame of reference has that giving DNA in it, one of my favorite stories was meeting the famed Jean Beliveau, a Hockey legend and Icon in Montreal as the Captain of the Montreal Canadiens.
I first met Mr. Beliveau at a Canadiens blood donor clinic when I was 10 yrs old. My dad told me later that he spent 10 minutes talking to me about school and the sports I liked. I just knew that I was in awe of this great player who I watched every Saturday night playing hockey and now I’m talking to him.
Spin it along 9 years and Mr. Beliveau has retired and I’m in college. I was in between classes and walking in front of the Forum Hockey building one day and here comes Mr. Beliveau.
We spoke for about 20 minutes and told him how much it meant to me as a kid of the time he took to talk with me. He encouraged me to keep my studies up and other things and left that conversation very thankful for another meeting with this great man.
1 month later, I walk into a restaurant in the same area during lunch break and there was Mr. Beliveau having lunch with some businessmen.
We locked eyes, he smiled and he said hello and furthered it by saying, “Didn’t we meet on the street a few weeks ago?” and I said yes.
After a few pleasantries, I sat down to eat and study.
So I’m ready to leave and haven’t received my bill. So I asked the server for my bill and she said, “Oh, not to worry, Mr. Beliveau took care of it for you!”
Wow…. No fanfare, no balloon drop, no bravado for doing/showing the kindness.
This poor student had a smile for the rest of the week!!!
“Oh, not to worry, Mr. Beliveau took care of it for you!”
Wow…. No fanfare, no balloon drop, no bravado for doing/showing the kindness.
This poor student had a smile for the rest of the week!!!
So, we’re almost at the day; the Season Of The Advent, the first arrival of the Notable One and his coming was the beginning of the changing of the order of things.
Not to do things to just fulfill the requirements of the law, but to fulfill the concept of being kind.
It was/is to do whatever it is we do in the spirit of kindness and it comes from the heart.
Maybe it is some things we must practice, however at first may seem awkward but to put in to practice so that kindness becomes us.
Maybe it is some things we must practice, however at first may seem awkward but to put in to practice so that kindness becomes us.
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates wisdom, strength and depth. Kindness in giving creates love.
May this Christmas season remind us how wonderful it is to show a kindness.
It’s getting closer!!!
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