Be Kind...

Today is my Birthday... And I have something important  to do... "To continue to be kind... to myself and others"...

So in our year long journey of exploring what... "Happy People Do Differently"...                                          we are at one of my favorites on the list... Being Kind...

"12 Things Happy People Do Differently"...

Practice acts of kindness. – Performing an act of kindness releases serotonin in your brain.  (Serotonin is a substance that has TREMENDOUS health benefits, including making us feel more blissful.)  Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside.  What’s even cooler about this kindness kick is that not only will you feel better, but so will people watching the act of kindness.  How extraordinary is that?  Bystanders will be blessed with a release of serotonin just by watching what’s going on.  A side note is that the job of most anti-depressants is to release more serotonin.  Move over Pfizer, kindness is kicking ass and taking names.

And would you believe that there is even a "Foundation" for Random Acts of Kindness????

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Kindness-Ideas/Browse/ Holy Moly!!!! I was amazed when I went on line and I saw thee long list of sites you can go to... to give you ideas on how to be kind!  But it also made me think... do we really need to look it up on the internet... as to how to be kind to ourselves and others??? 

For me... being kind is a way of living... It goes to the very heart of how people treat and respect one another! Being kind is so important to our own lives and the lives of others. I believe that the roots of Kindness are deep within each of us.  But it is truly something that everyone can cultivate.

As you know... I am a teacher of small children... And I spend a great part of my day... listening and watching for situations that encouraging my children to be kind to each other and all living things.  And yes... learning to be kind begins when we are children.  Everyday... I try to point out when I see one of my children sharing... or doing something to help out in the classroom or recognizing when someone needs a hug!

And as quoted above... being kind and witnessing kindness... makes you feel better inside... and who doesn't need that! ;-) 

I am very happy to say that I am surrounded by wonderful loving people... whom are kind beyond words... My friends and family have taught me so much about what it means to think of others before themselves.. 

And let us not forget about our two and four legged friends... 

NOT... that I see myself as Snow White... but I do love this drawing... As a child... my pets... the wild animals around me were a huge source of comfort to me... Sometimes I think I am still waiting for little birds to light on my shoulder or finger and sing a song just for me!  ;-)  Many years ago when our children were very young... we would take some of our many pets to Convalescent Homes for the Seniors to have the opportunity to hold or pet the animals.  Sometimes... it was the one and only time some of these folks would speak... It was a very humbling experience to say the least!

So with all of this said... Drop what you're doing... and go out and spread a little joy! ;-)

I know I will today!

As Always...

  Candace

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