Putting the "I" in Kindness

In his biography, Larry H. Miller, the former owner of the Utah Jazz, was quoted as saying: "Go out into the world and do good until there is too much good in the world."

Last year during the month of December I was participated in a novel idea called Guerrilla Holiday. http://lyricaljourney.blogspot.com/2010/12/join-us-guerrilla-holiday.html Which was spreading Holiday Cheer through Random Acts of Kindness. During the course of the last year I have often thought about the Guerrilla Holiday and how much I enjoyed my limited participation. As I was faced with opportunities to be kind, had someone demonstrate kindness towards me, or if I witnessed the lack of kindness, I reflected upon Guerrilla Holiday. Recently, I was in conversation with my co-workers and we discussed the overall lack of consideration people often demonstrate towards others. Additionally, we discussed how easy it is to complain rather than compliment. After our discussion, I remembered the Larry H. Miller quote above and began thinking of ways to help reverse this "trend".

Which has led me to this post. What if we all did our best to always do good? What if we showed kindness, charity, and friendship towards others? What if we were to share this message within our circle of influence? How much more would we enjoy the world we live in?

What I am proposing is that for the remainder of the year, we take this challenge, share a message of kindness with those around you. They don't have to be big things, just simple acts of kindness. Call a family member or friend to let them know you care about them, sincerely compliment someone, write a note of appreciation to your mailman, school teacher, or neighbor, donate time to a care center, hospital, or soup kitchen. Donate clothes to Goodwill/Salvation Army, give blankets to a battered woman's shelter, invite a friend over for dinner, when returning your shopping cart at the local grocery store, offer to return someone elses. Tip big! Offer a friendly wave and smile. Lastly, one more idea; while with friends and co-workers, instead of a witty retort or comment about someone, offer a kind word instead. Recently, I made what I thought was a humorous comment, with no malice intended. I later found out that I hurt this person, which was not my intent. So, let's put those sarcastic, witty, humorous comments to the side and instead replace it with compliments and words of friendship. There are some many different things we can do. If you want additional ideas, refer to the Guerrilla Holiday post.

I have often heard quoted the saying: "To love someone, serve them." Let's find ways to serve our neighbors and friends.

Please join me in this undertaking. Grab the picture from this post and put it on your blog pages, asking others to participate, post it as your FB picture and ask your Facebook friends to participate. I have friends all over this country and I know those friends have friends from all over as well. Won't you share it with them? Lastly, I would appreciate the opportunity to share your experiences here. Feel free to post comments on your good deeds, or email me so I can post your stories.

Are you ready to take the challenge? Let's all make the world a better place!