Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Simple Kindness

I had a blogging sister make this statement,
"Day by day, my faith in humanity erodes".

That just made me sad :(

See these beautiful farm fresh eggs?
They are a gift from the daughter 
of a dear friend.

Why, because instead of tossing 
my empty egg cartoons into the trash.
I saved them and gave them to her folks.


It didn't cost me a thing to do this . . .
and yet to her it was an act of kindness.
Do you know someone with chickens?
They would love your egg cartons.


Her gift of eggs was a lovely surprise,
another simple act of kindness. 


We all have received genuine acts of kindness.
These jars, plus a couple more boxes 
were gifted to me by a sweet lady
that was cleaning out her mother's garage.
She knew I grew a garden and called 
to see if I wanted them.
Cost her nothing
 but was greatly appreciated by me.


We can all do more . . .
throw out a row of zinnias in your garden.
Your garden will actually do better
because they bring in the bees 
needed for better pollination.


And you have flowers for your home
and some to give away:)


Those extra vegetables that you can't use . . .
remember there are people in your neighborhood
that don't have the time or room to grow a garden.

Pass the extras along . . .
put a free box on the sidewalk or along 
the side of the road.
Believe me they will be appreciated
and you'll make a few new friends without
even trying:)

If you're canning or cooking . . .
give away a little.
Don't deprive your family . . .
but if there is extra, don't hoard it.

We have a neighbor that every now and then
bakes an extra pie or cookies and
brings them over.
Just the other day we were blessed with a bag
 of homemade oatmeal cookies. 


And if you don't have any material things
to offer you always have a smile . . .
a warm hello . . .
and compliment . . .
These things can truly make a difference
in another person's life.
You don't even have to know them . . .
how do you think it makes a mother
feel when you stop in the market
and compliment her on the delightful 
behavior of her children:)

She'll cherish that comment  . . .
she'll share it with her husband . . .
and it will brighten his day, too.

Small acts of kindness can create a 
chain reaction.

Leave a comment and give us all some more
ideas of simple things we all can do.
We all have ideas . . .
I can certainly use more :)


 
  Keep Smiling!
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)


60 comments:

  1. When someone gives me something in in a mason jar, I will try and return it to them. Same with plastic containers. I will usually put a homemeade goodie inside and return them.
    Great post.
    Lisa

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    1. Sweet idea . . . thank you. Who wouldn't like their dish returned with a homemade treat inside :)
      Another kind way to show your love and appreciation.

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  2. It's the little things that can make a big difference to other people. I also collect egg cartons to pass onto someone who has hens and small glass jars for someone who makes jam. An elderly friend of mine commented that she never makes sponge cakes any more because she said it's not worth baking them for one person. So when I make a sponge cake, I cut off a quarter and give it to her. I always appreciate a handcrafted card, which one reason I only send handcrafted cards to other people. xx

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    1. These are all lovely ideas and things that we can all incorporate into our lives . . . just listening to someone like you did with your neighbor and sharing your sponge cake . . . I'm sure that she is over joyed when you do that:)

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  3. I always try to compliment people on something about themselves---it might be their hair looks great--good cut & style---it might be that their blue top brings out the blue in their eyes---it might be a simple, "thank you for the good service" when you know someone is having a rough day as a waiter/waitress.

    This was a great post, Connie. Hope you have a great day! xo Diana

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    1. It doesn't cost us anything to pass on a compliment to another person . . . and it can make a HUGE difference in their day :)

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  4. A lovely, meaningful post, Connie. All the suggestions you gave are easy enough to do and cost next to nothing. Just some forethought and a few minutes of our time. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I know there are times when we all feel like she does . . . watching the news on TV can bring us down, but we can all make a difference . . . spreading sunshine and cheer even when the skies are grey :)

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  5. Hi Connie :) I somewhat agree with your blogging friend, but that doesn't mean I'm a reclusive old Grinch lady lol...I still thing that some people do have kindness in their hearts, but in my own experience, I've seen quite the opposite and I much prefer the company of my garden, my pets, my boyfriend and my blogging friends than the rest of humanity. But that's just me and I'm pretty happy with that! :)

    With regards to kindness...I feed the birds daily, the poor little critters need some food in the winter! I also do Tarot card readings for people and offer insight and advice to anyone who asks. I donate to charity. We have given up our shed to homeless cats. I will help someone I see in need. I'm kind to the Earth. I bring back my elderly neighbour's garbage and recycle bins before she has a chance! :) A smile and a kind word goes a long way too. :)

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    1. You're right a smile and a kind word does go a long way :)

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  6. Hi Connie, What a great, uplifting post this is. Your suggestions are so kind. When I go to my local market I see the same workers day after day. I have found that learning their names and calling them by name with a friendly hello does wonders to the way I am treated in the store. Thanks for sharing your blog and for your kind comments on mine. Have a great week ahead! John

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    1. That's a wonderful suggestion . . . everyone feels more friendly toward someone who smiles and has taken the time to know their name. Thanks for stopping by, it's always a pleasure having you visit :)

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  7. I love, Love, Love this post. We just had a ladies retreat at church yesterday that spoke of some of these exact same ideas. It was about cultivating a “heart for service.” That doesn’t mean to be a slave to people, to be walked on, but to make it a habit to do the small, kind and unexpected things for others each day. I always try to do this, but don’t always succeed. Can you begin to imagine the world we would have if every person was kind to someone else every day? Maybe did just one kind thing a day? Thank you SO much for this post. People like you make the world a brighter place for us all.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy you are so sweet, thank you. It's true, but there are a lot of people waiting to start being nice to others, after others have been nice to them first . . . that's just not the way it works :) Do unto others, not wait around until other start doing for you, LOL.

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  8. What a lovely post. I live in a small village, if we have something we no longer need but it is still in good condition we leave it outside and if anyone wants it they can take it. A lot of things have been re-homed. People do the same with their home grown fruit and veg.

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    1. That's a marvelous way for a community to live. Sometimes we want to be of service and help to others but we don't know who is in need . . . just set it out . . . those who are in need will find it :) Your village sounds like a lovely place to live.

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  9. What a great post, Connie! I love encouraging people and sharing and giving away things that I no longer need or extras. And I love to make cards for people. I will be more attentive now that your great post has inspired me.

    One day our new next door neighbor brought us a package of hawaiian rolls out of the blue (it was near Thanksgiving). Apparently, he had gotten a bunch of them and was passing them out to his neighbors. That meant so much to us! It's the little things, isn't it?

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    1. It is the little things and by doing the little things in opens our hearts up to see the greater things when they come around. Small little acts of kindness can change many lives in a positive way:)

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  10. Lovely post! And the doggy is adorable.

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    1. Thank you Linda . . . Butchy is my side-kick, he's so much company. In his small simple ways, he brightens my day . . . his tail wags make me know that I am loved, LOL

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  11. A fantastic post to start the week Connie! Thank you!
    Yes I am also blessed with a nice neighbourhood and we appreciate each other !
    The world would be so wonderful when LOVE would be here finally - just simply LOVE!

    Happy week my friend!♥
    oxo Susi

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    1. Jesus taught that the greatest two commandments both include love, the greatest gift: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
      It's all about Love :)
      If we want a better life we need to spread a trail of love and kindness, it's pretty simple, isn't it?

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  12. I pass on books and magazines to neighbours. I always ask our elderly neighbours if they need any shopping done when I go into town. Friendly gestures that you have suggested are what makes a community and should be cherished. Time is such a precious commodity these days and taking a few moments to chat to someone can make someones day, I am so thankful that you have reminded us. A lovely post Connie.

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    1. These are great suggestions . . . there are so many things that we can do. When we are finished with magazines there are many people who would enjoy them. Even if we don't have friends and neighbors that would like them a senior living center would love to have them:)

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  13. Last year for mothers day I made a box full of flower pins to take to work and pass out to any of the shoppers that were mothers. On a smaller scale I try to pass along small compliments to people. If I like the shoes they're wearing I'll tell them. Once I told a lady how much I liked her denim jacket. She pulled it a little tighter around herself and said "I do too" I think she was afraid I wanted her to give it to me...lol

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    1. How sweet that you made your flower pins to pass out. I had seen them and they are adorable. Compliments are always appreciate and are a simple way to brightens someone day and put a smile on their face.

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  14. What a lovely post, Connie. And of course, you are completely right. Lead by example!

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    1. I like that "Lead By Example" we should all stick that little phase into our thinking caps. Sometimes a small phase can be a great reminder. My sweet husband (many years ago) shared with me how he was meditating on the phrase "Savor The Moment" , it has been a true blessing in my life. When I'm in the slowest line at the market I remember "Savor The Moment", this line could be a line waiting for a chemo treatment . . . that sure makes the grocery store line seem like a very small thing.
      "Lead By Example" three simple words to meditate on . . . thank you :)

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  15. Hi Connie, Amen to all of this! Even your encouraging comments is an act of kindness! May you have a joy filled day as you spread kindness to others! Hugs! Nancy

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    1. Hi Nancy, it is very easy to be kind to my lovely blogging sisters . . . They are not the only ones that need kindness . . . I'm heading to town in about an hour, maybe (no not maybe) I will brighten someone's day before I come back home . . . hopefully more that one somebodies :)

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  16. Oh what a lovely post Connie. I so agree with you. Random acts of kindness costs nothing and can be so appreciated by their recipients. As you say it doesn’t have to be materialistic but a smile, a kind word or gesture can make a persons day. Have a great week. Px

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    1. That's so right . . . not only that, but don't we all feel better ourselves when we are spreading sunshine and cheer. On the times that we miss it, and say something negative to someone (and we all do that at times) we come home feeling pretty darn bad ourselves, don't we? It's a circle kindness begets kindness:)

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  17. So many great ways to be kind. Kindness is never forgotten. Kindness reaches deep touching the heart. Words of kindness touch the soul. Genuine kindness can be felt. Kindness has moved me to tears before. Sometimes all that is needed is a little kindness.

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    1. Like the Beatles sang . . . All we need is love . . . love, love, love is all we need :)

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  18. This is a very, very small thing, but Dennis and I make it a point to ask the check out clerks wherever we shop how they are, or how's their day going? So many times they smile, answer and add, "thanks for asking". If they have a name tag on, we make sure to start by saying, "Hi _____". . .. Good post, Connie. An excellent reminder to be generous with our possessions, time and courtesy. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. You're so right, the people that are paid to stand there all day long and greet us, help us, wait on us and sometime all they get in return is guff. I know that when someone takes a moment to ask them how they are going, or to wish them a good day . . . makes a huge difference in their day. It's not easy making your living serving others and everything that goes wrong with your shopping experience that day, is not their fault in fact 95% or more is not their fault. We all need to be nicer to the clerks in the stores where we shop.

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  19. A great post, thank you for the reminder. Sometimes we just get to caught up in our own lives or are just too "busy".
    I really dislike that word. We should never be too busy to reach out to others. I'm grateful God is never too busy
    to listen to me. Aren't we to live by His example? Again, thank you for the reminder.

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    1. I'm so very glad that God is never too busy for me, too :)

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  20. Hi Connie, Acts of kindness generate more. Thank you so much for following my blog. I have enjoyed viewing yours and your little part of this world.

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    1. Acts of kindness generate more . . . how true :)

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  21. All lovely ideas to brighten the day for others around us. (and for ourselves too) : )
    One of my prayers I pray each day is to Make Me a Blessing to Someone today!

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    1. That is a very wise way to pray . . . we can change the world around us by being a blessing to those we touch each day. Praying for the Lord to make us aware of those in need and then using that awareness to take action is important. That action can be as simple as a smile, or it can be giving from our pockets and closets.

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  22. Such a lovely post Connie! These small acts of kindness are so simple for us to give yet mean so much to the recipient. I like to give compliments to people I know and to strangers too. I know how good it makes me feel to be complimented on anything and I like to pass that feeling along. My coworker is always thanking me for finding the bright side of any situation and I think that helps people too. Last year people started painting on rocks and leaving them around the county for others to find. They might have a message on them or just a picture painted on them but it made people so happy to find one and then make one to pass along to brighten someone else's day. One of the teachers at school even made a bunch and hid them around campus for the kids to find. It really is so simple to be kind to others. Thanks for sharing this post...:) You are a bright spot in my day! I am home sick today and decided to catch up visiting my friends. Have a blessed Monday....Hugs, Vicky

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    1. Hi Vicky, I am so sorry to hear that you are sick. I hope it's not that nasty flu that is sweeping the country. I have been trying to be very careful, but you can not be out in the public and not come in contact with germs. Working with small children is among the easiest ways to pick them up . . . here's to you getting better very fast . . . take care of yourself. You are loved:)
      I love that rock idea . . . I have never done it, but have thought about it many times. I just need to get my butt in gear, LOL.

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  23. LOVE todays post ! its all about be kind to one another , when we do something kind it just makes us feel so good! Did you make that camper toaster cover I love it so! I dodnt want to be a copycat but would you mind if I sewed one up??? Its the cutest thing I have seen in a while. Your canned goods look super yummy. Have a great day! Lisa

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    1. Hi Lisa, that little camper wasn't my idea, I saw it on Pinterest and then made my own version. I will be looking forward to seeing yours when it's done; be sure and post it:) You're right, when we do a kindness to someone else it makes us feel better, too . . . just like when we say something that we wish we could take back and it makes us feel terrible. Being kind is a win-win :)

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  24. I love small acts of kindess, Connie - and you offered some great ideas. When I'm out in public, I do little things such as saying hello to the cashier and maybe making a few seconds of small chat (don't want to distract them or hold up the line), taking a shopping cart from the corral and bringing it into the store instead of getting one in the store, telling a young mom how cute their baby is...

    Today I brought a box of homemade chocolate chip cookies to our mechanics, as they've been more than generous to us lately. They've checked things for free and replaced the rotors on Brian's car for free, as they were under warranty. However, it still took a lot of their time.

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    1. More sweet suggestions, thanks Melanie :) Who doesn't appreciate a plate of homemade cookies, but it's not only the cookies, it's knowing that someone thought enough of you to show they cared. Everyone of us likes to know that we are appreciated.

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  25. Connie your package to me of your stamps was so sweet of you, I do hope you have received the package I sent to you and could use the goodies.
    We have done the same thing with the extra's in our garden it is always appreciated :)

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    1. Hi Connie, you must not have received my email . . . I was so surprised with your package and I love everything and will put them all to good use. The card you made is a treasure . . . it will be displayed in my Art Barn.
      Your act of kindness blessed me, thank you :)

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  26. I do think even just a smile and a hello and a kind conversation with a stranger can truly change someone's whole day for the better. You never know when that person might be having the worst day in their whole year, and your kindness and concern can make the difference. And giving something tangible is a huge boost - just a little gift. Even just a visit with a friend at their home if they can't get out.

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    1. These are all very good suggestions . . . we all need to be more open to what is going on around us and who may be in need.

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    2. In a suicide intervention course I took for work there was a profound story. A man left a suicide note in his car and walked to the Golden Gate Bridge. In the note he stated that if one person smiled at him he would not jump. Sadly his car along with the note was found. I have never forgotten that story(may be an urban legand) or the power of a smile.

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  27. I love your kind heart Connie. I help an lady in a wheel chair load her packages and put her wheel chair in her van during the holidays. I was happy to do this for her. She didn't expect it and was so thankful for the help. I saw an elderly lady carrying around her items to purpose, I offer my cart to her and I went back up front of the store to get me another cart. She was thankful for the cart, her arms where full. Just little things like that you can do for people, if you just keep your eyes open. That doesn't cost a cent.

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    1. Just keeping our eyes open as well as our hearts . . . your so right, and it doesn't cost a cent . . . Right On!

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  28. Here is another act of kindness that I read about. After a wedding they had a lot of flowers left over. So, the parents of the bride & groom decided to place the flowers in mason jars and tied a little note that read "It's Free, please take". They placed them all over town and watched the smiles that came over people's faces, as the picked up the bouquets of flowers for their wives or girlfriends. And women may have taken one for their office. It was such a thoughtful way to share flowers that brought smiles to all those who found them, even all those zinnias from the garden!

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    1. That is such a sweet idea. It took some time to do it, but the flowers would have gone to waste . . . think of all the people they brought happiness, too. Thanks for sharing this:)

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  29. Here I am... commenting late again! Loved this post on kindness. I try to do RAKs as much as I can. I smile when someone doesn't have a smile on their face, I compliment, I may give something to someone who admires what I have.. try to make a baked goodie for a friend or neighbor now and then (and not nearly enough!). I've put out free things from my garden, and free things on our curb that we are wanting to donate.. so I just put it out there instead, with a FREE sign... it all disappears very fast! I love doing that! I try to help neighbors when I can..... our elderly lady across the street was having a hard time of moving, so we helped her for a day.. made me feel good.. I just like to help. I had offered my or my hubby's services to mow her lawn too. If everyone would be kind, it would surely help this world. xoxoo Marilyn

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    1. Your right, it would change this world . . . too many people are sitting back waiting on someone to be kind and giving to them, the way it works is to be kind to someone without expect anything in return . . . be the first one to lend a helping hand . . . too many people don't get it. We could absolutely chance the world!!!

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  30. Beautiful post. We never know how the smallest act of kindness can literally change a life.

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