REBLOG from the Kindness Blog: 40 ways to be kind

1. Smiles are irresistible. Don’t hesitate to smile warmly at friends, family, colleagues and even…strangers.
2. Write hand-written thank-you notes. The notes don’t need to be an essay and people love to receive them. It’s the personal touch.
3. If you use public transport, it’s busy and there are no free seats, be the first to stand-up and let a weary traveller, pregnant woman or elderly person take rest.
4. Pay it forward – When you are in a coffee shop or café , maybe you could buy a coffee or cake in advance for the next customer that comes in. How tasty! Imagine what a sweet surprise that person will get when they discover that a kind stranger has paid it forward for them.
5. When you see a homeless person, think about how you might be able to help them in some way. Buy a nutritious lunch. Ask them if there is anything that they need. Give them a warm coat. Share a conversation. Spend some time. Listen. Engage.
6. That thing you’re going to sell. Why not give it away for free?
7. Send flowers unexpectedly. No reason needed. Just because.
8. Hold doors open. Even for people who are a little further away from the door than usual.
9. Make your colleagues/classmates a hot-drink. Expect nothing in return. Well…maybe some doughnuts.
10. Speaking of doughnuts…why not buy a bag  full and share them out in all directions.
11. Pay compliments.
12. Does someone owe you money? Forgive the debt.
13. When a person is talking to you _really_ listen to them.
14. Pass books on, especially the good ones or leave them in public places for others to find.
15. Ask elderly neighbours if they need anything doing.
16. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Regularly.
17. When you are served in a shop, bar, restaurant etc, make eye contact and sincerely thank the employee for their help.
18. Put coins in a meter, any meter, that’s about to expire.
19. If you know that someone is particularly busy, offer to take their dog for a walk.
20. When a thought of generosity arises within you, act on it. Don’t hold back. This is important.
21. If someone is struggling with money problems, find a way to secretly help them if you can. If not secretly, out in front.
22. Take a friend to dinner.
23. Stand up for others.
24. Stop complaining.
25. Standing in a queue? Let someone go before you.
26. Tell someone that they look nice.
27. Volunteer some time to help a charity or perhaps a homeless shelter.
28. Stop speaking ill of others. Let your words be kind.
29. Forgive a driver for their error on the road or their road rage directed at you.
30. Recycle.
31. Think of the people in your life…what help do they need with chores or tasks? Don’t wait to be asked.
32. Be the calm voice in a stressful situation.
33. Donate to your favourite charity.
34. Spend some time with a senior citizen living on their own.
35. Teach a child something you wish you knew at that age.
36. If a friend or family member is having a hard time, make sure they know that you are there for them and are available to talk and help.
37. Give Blood.
38. Donate to or volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
39. Encourage someone to pursue their dream.
40. “Please” and “Thank You”

Don't forget to reach out and spread the warmth with any of these simple #actsofkindness!  

Paul Walker

I am normally not the type of person to keep up with celebrities off screen, but Paul Walker was a different caliber of actor.  He is one of the few actors who used his fame and financial success to help others.  His death has affected many people for a lot of reasons.  If you've seen the news or read articles, you know that he was killed while attending a charity event for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.  This was not his first charity event, nor was it his first act of kindness.  

I read an article yesterday that brought tears to my eyes.  Paul was in a jewelry store shopping, and a couple came in browsing engagement rings.  The man was a member of the armed forces, and he had just came home from a deployment: his soon-to-be fiance found the perfect ring in the perfect setting; but once they saw the price, it was not perfect or to be.  The $10,000 engagement ring was just outside of the soldier's budget and he told his girlfriend that they would need to keep looking.  Paul overheard the exchange and told the jeweler to put the engagement ring on his tab, and to keep him anonymous.  He didn't want the attention, or any recognition for his good deed - he just wanted to help someone for no reason other than it was a nice thing to do.  

To Paul's family I would like to send my condolences for your loss, and say that your son, brother, father, and friend, will be truly missed.  To my followers, please remember how easy it is to be kind (and free too!).  In memory of Paul Walker, let's all go spread kindness and remember to reach out and spread the warmth.

Article: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/paul-walkers-cause-of-death-traumatic-injury-and-burns-la-coroners-office-says/story-fn907478-1226775560682

Local Spotlight: Glenna Orr

Volunteerism is very important and is an easy way to make a difference.  It's free - all it costs is time.  Glenna Orr is a wonderful woman I met when I was in middle school.  She taught at Carl Sandburg, but she was so much more than a teacher.   Every week she took a group of students to The Fairfax to volunteer: The Fairfax was a retirement community for elderly individuals of a variety of needs.  I was one of the children who went with her to volunteer.  The experience was really fun, but it was also very rewarding.  I am very thankful I met Glenna and got to be part of her volunteer efforts.  Volunteering at the retirement center really opened my heart to volunteering.

Glenna has dedicated her life to volunteering and encouraging others to do so.  She has written several children's books and partners with several organizations to foster volunteerism in communities.  The teacher in Glenna also adds an aspect to volunteerism that is very important, which is reading.  The children who visit the retirement homes read with the elderly and foster special relationships.

Glenna's organization is called The Kind Kids Organization.  Please check out her website, learn about her volunteerism initiative, and read her books.  Her books are very touching and fabulous reads for young children.  They talk about real issues and leave with you a sense of hope, sympathy, and joy all at the same time.

Glenna will be having a book signing on November 30th at Hooray For Books in Old Town Alexandria from 2-4pm.  It's a chance for you to get your books signed and meet an amazing woman.

http://www.thekindkids.org/

Hero: Darnell Barton

I am sure by now everyone has heard of Darnell Barton, or at least seen the viral video that made him famous for his kindness.  Darnell Barton is a bus driver who, while driving and doing his job, noticed a woman standing on the outside of a guard rail on an overpass.  Darnell stepped off of his bus and went to her.  He helped the woman in distress back over the guard rail and sat on the side of the road and embraced her.  I don't know anyone who can watch the video and not cry because of the truly moving gesture Darnell made.  (link to video below)

How many of us notice anything on our way into work, or the grocery store, or even as we're walking?  I know I am incredibly guilty of "zoning" and being somewhat oblivious to my surroundings.  But Darnell wasn't.  Darnell was working, keeping his passengers safe, and he STILL noticed this poor woman who was seconds away from ending her life.  He didn't just continue on about his day either - - - he took the time to reach out and simply ask, "are you okay?".  Mr. Barton's kind nature saved a life with a simple gesture, and just a few kind words.  Darnell is an amazing example of a good and selfless person.  

I challenge everyone to take a really good look at their surroundings and not get immersed in your own problems, and try to brighten someone else's day.  It doesn't take make; a smile and a few kind words is all it takes.  Reach out and spread the warmth!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0GgI90c4O8

My "warm hero" spotlight: Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres is my "warm hero".  I can't count the number of youtube videos and episodes of her show that have left me in tears.  Ellen does so many amazing things for so many people in need, it is truly an inspiration.  In fact, her motto, "be kind to one another" is what gave me my idea for this blog.

Here are two of my favorite "warm hero" moments of Ellen.  I hope you enjoy!

1) Video of Sarah, a waitress receiving Ellen's kindness in return for buying lunch for furloughed government employees.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Oaq8UtiBbY 

2)  Ellen gives a mother in need a new car so she can go back to school!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe5WuUicTbE


Ellen Degeneres is a fabulous reminder that anyone anywhere can brighten someone else's day.  It does not take money, a new car, or a new house; all it takes is subscribing to the idea of being kind every day.  Don't forget to reach out and spread the warmth!

Claudio Del Valle - Argentine "warm hero" spotlight

This story was brought to my attention by my friend Antonieta.  An Argentine man purchased a house at an auction as the previous owner looked on in horror.  The previous owner, Silvina Corso had lost her house due to some unscrupulous deal with the bank, and was on the streets with her two children.   She had no place to go and tears filled her eyes when Claudio Del Valle walked over and said, "stay calm, I bought the house for you."  Claudio is truly selfless and saved three individuals from being homeless.  

You can see the original story below:


http://www.socialphy.com/posts/news-politics/26170/Purchase-House-and-returns-it.html

*This story is very touching.  However, brightening the lives of people doesn't have to cost you money.  You can volunteer at retirement homes, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or even animal shelters.  (our four-legged homeless need love and warmth too!)  Don't forget to reach out and spread the warmth!