Continue.

Maya Angelou is a BAMF.  I guess since this is my blog, I’m allowed to express my feelings accurately, and she is truly a badass.  Her words contain such power.  And this particular quote is a way to write in the reverse.

I mean, the first thing I think of when I hear the word “astonish” is being surprised at another horrible act of cruelty reported in the news. Afterall, it’s a normal tendency in this often dark world to focus on catastrophic events.

But here, she is reversing expectations and instead inviting us to “astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.”  I appreciate her encouragement and her invitation to be kind.  It takes no money and very little effort, and yet it brings light instead of darkness.

Question:  Are you astonished by the cruelty in this world?

Food For Thought:  When was the last time you were astonished by someone else’s act of kindness (towards you or towards another person)?

Challenge:  Are you brave enough today to astonish someone with your act(s) of kindness?

Do not be dismayed.

Kindness was valued above all else in our household growing up.  To do something thoughtful for someone else was modeled and expected. It was just a way of being.

So I was a bit shocked when I went out into the world (off to college, that is), and even more dismayed throughout the various jobs in my lifetime, to find that most people are focused on themselves.  It’s a pretty hard lesson; one that I am still trying to wrap my head around.

Looking back, I realize that in spite of the awful things that have happened to me, or the way people have treated me, I am still kind.  When I read the quote above, I am reminded of how important it is for me to keep my heart open and to continue to be my kind self.

Question: Do you believe there are kind souls to be found in this world?

Food For Thought:  Has the world been unkind to you?

Challenge:  Are you brave enough to open your heart anyway?

Teach them.

OMG, we put so much emphasis on our kids these days to: get the best grades, be in the most activities, get into a respectable college, pick a reputable career.  I know, because we have children, and as a parent the pressure swims all around us.

How beautiful is it when people help other people.  That doesn’t take a college degree.  You don’t have to wear stylish clothes; it doesn’t require lots of money (or any money, for that matter).  You simply have to see a need and respond, react, reach out.

How do we teach our children to notice someone or something in need?  By example, of course.

Question: When is the last time you did something kind for another?

Food For Thought:  Is there someone around you who could use your help?

Challenge:  Are you brave enough to reach out to that person?  Not only will you bless the person you’re helping, but your own heart will feel blessed.  And your children just might be watching and learn to do the same.

Ripples

When I discovered this quote, it sent “ripples” through my heart.  I needed a reminder that my kindness matters.

It can be soooo easy to get sucked into the sensationalism of the news – to hear the horrific stories that are rampant – and thus begin to believe that the world is 100% a terrible place.

However, if one little act of service inspires a person and changes their life or their heart just a little bit; and if that trickles out to everyone they come into contact with, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, then isn’t that how we change the world?

One

Act

Of

Kindness

At

A

Time.

The measure of a great man …

I realize that I’m older now, but I think I can honestly say that I’ve always believed the above quote to be true.

My husband told me once that no man ever wants to hear from a woman how “nice” he is. Well, that may be true.  But no matter how “steamy” or “gorgeous” or “sexy” you may appear on the outside, if you’re not kind or generous or loving, then you cannot possibly be a truly beautiful soul.

Kindness is evidence that love (a/k/a God) exists here on planet earth.