I always struggle with the idea of “paying it forward….” as if I won’t act kindly unless I received a kindness so to keep the chain of kindness going.
However, kindness calls for me to focus more on another person rather than myself.
True, Kathy. When we focus more on ourselves, it’s easy to expect something in return which leads to pulling strings and agendas. Those are the last things we need.
Robin, this reminds me of my mom steering me away from sweets, cakes, and candies to peanuts, fruits, and veggies for healthier snacks to help me with my type 2 diabetes.
Acts of kindness
come automatically
when we practice Gratefulness as a way of living every day.
A woman who inspires my sense of paying it back is tall,
unremarkable looking,
and named Diane.
I used to see her regularly in the Salvation Army Thrift Store,
and we chatted over the years.
The store is closed now,
so I haven’t seen her since then.
A very interesting lady,
she told me she used to be a cook for research groups down in Antarctica.
I found this utterly enchanting.
I often saw her helping people in the store,
in parking lots,
in the grocery stores I frequent.
She always had her eyes open,
and never failed to jump in and assist,
usually older or disabled people
who were struggling with shopping carts,
bags or walkers.
I’m sure she’s still doing it somewhere,
cheerfully,
and with kindness in her face.
I admire her
and she has paid her habit forward to me,
and I now
naturally keep my eye out for someone who seems to be having a hard time . . .
I’ve been often rewarded
with a conversation with the person . . .
a story from their life . . .
I’m not so busy
that I can’t share a little time . . .
both the giver and the receiver
are equally rewarded.
I see the same intent
in the posts I’ve been reading today,
and feel happy to be a part of this little community. ♥
My first reaction to today’s question was “I try to do that everyday.” I think when you put the practice of gratefulness in your daily life, kindness comes naturally. Richard Rohr’s meditation today is a true story about Bishop Tutu of South Africa. It speaks of the power of the serpent and the power of the dove. Today’s quote tells us to become a prayer maker. That’s what we do when we practice gratefulness. Everything becomes a prayer. Hope you will take time to read the story about Bishop Tutu at the link below. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/serpent-wisdom-dove-power/
Joseph, thank you for pointing that out. I saw an interview this week with an author (Mike Grunwald) on the Daily Show. The title of his book was “We are eating our Earth.” He was addressing the loss of our forests. I’m going to see if I can get the book at the library.
I love the story of Desmond Tutu,
dear Carol Ann,
and wish that I could have been there to jump with him.
And like you,
I believe that when we practice Gratefulness,
everything that comes with it
becomes a prayer. ♥
My mother in law died at 89 in late March. My wife, the oldest of her 6 kids, is the executor of the estate. We were in Ohio to help get the process started. The kids all get on with each other quite well, so in that regard it was pretty painless.
On our way home my wife had to take some time to shed tears just as we pulled away.
Now, home in Phoenix, we talk about her mom a lot.
A couple days ago, when I asked a question about her Mom again, the tears came, and through them she replied: “I think about her every day.”
I’ve been looking for ways to comfort her almost every day.
My folks are 93 and 90. My wife’s are 82 and 75. Her folks live 3 and a half miles down the road. Our time of consoling each other is right around the corner. Thank you, John for you kind reflection.
Such a blessing that you have a listening ear for your wife who is grieving the loss of her mom. I am sure it helps her integrating the pain of her loss. As an eldest, she probably is used to take on responsibility, as you mentioned, and it seems a relief then that you allow for expressing her sadness, listening carefully and offering comfort through giving a loving hug ot being at her side even without words, which might console a lot. Your company probably is balm to her soul. Blessings to both of you and all the family.
I’ll keep today simple, and smile more. I’m in a training and can be more of a listener than a take-charger. Remembering those who lost their lives with 9/11 and those who sacrificed their lives in the war(s) that followed. ☮️🇺🇸
I always try to make kindness a priority. Especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Today I am up at 4am to do a favor for my boss. Not really much of a kindness, I mean, I am getting paid. 😁
I am in touch daily, with friends that are suffering, and I hope that my support is helping in some way.
I will be in the lookout for opportunities to “pay it forward” today.
This reminds me of the ritual I’ve read about, where monks go around the neighborhood with their bowls, looking for offerings of some rice or other sustenance. They believe they are giving the community a chance to start their day with a good deed. It’s such a different way to think about life. Even receiving a kindness can be an offering.
Funny,
dear Charlie . . .
I too,
am softer and more tender with others,
when my heart is broken
or I am feeling overwhelmed.
I think I have realized
that a broken heart
is an open heart . . .
it’s an opportunity to make a good choice. ♥
An old friend in Charleston is meeting me at the beach this morning and letting me borrow a surfboard. I will pay it forward with everyone I encounter, sharing joy and gratitude. I will also buy her coffee and/or breakfast after.
Its our last full day down here, and I’m so excited to get on the waves again 🌊
Dieng, acknowledging those who have helped me with kindness is something I’m continuing to work on. The only way we can give is to be able to receive as talked about from the question on receiving which I’ve talked about setting agendas and string-pulling aside.
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I always struggle with the idea of “paying it forward….” as if I won’t act kindly unless I received a kindness so to keep the chain of kindness going.
However, kindness calls for me to focus more on another person rather than myself.
True, Kathy. When we focus more on ourselves, it’s easy to expect something in return which leads to pulling strings and agendas. Those are the last things we need.
I just told my daughter how beautiful she looks. She sent a picture of herself before going for an interview. She had her nails done too.
I help my son out as much as I can around the house, this week I have left him healthy snacks to bring to work.
Robin, this reminds me of my mom steering me away from sweets, cakes, and candies to peanuts, fruits, and veggies for healthier snacks to help me with my type 2 diabetes.
He plays a lot of sports so he depletes his energy at times because of it
Acts of kindness
come automatically
when we practice Gratefulness as a way of living every day.
A woman who inspires my sense of paying it back is tall,
unremarkable looking,
and named Diane.
I used to see her regularly in the Salvation Army Thrift Store,
and we chatted over the years.
The store is closed now,
so I haven’t seen her since then.
A very interesting lady,
she told me she used to be a cook for research groups down in Antarctica.
I found this utterly enchanting.
I often saw her helping people in the store,
in parking lots,
in the grocery stores I frequent.
She always had her eyes open,
and never failed to jump in and assist,
usually older or disabled people
who were struggling with shopping carts,
bags or walkers.
I’m sure she’s still doing it somewhere,
cheerfully,
and with kindness in her face.
I admire her
and she has paid her habit forward to me,
and I now
naturally keep my eye out for someone who seems to be having a hard time . . .
I’ve been often rewarded
with a conversation with the person . . .
a story from their life . . .
I’m not so busy
that I can’t share a little time . . .
both the giver and the receiver
are equally rewarded.
I see the same intent
in the posts I’ve been reading today,
and feel happy to be a part of this little community. ♥
My first reaction to today’s question was “I try to do that everyday.” I think when you put the practice of gratefulness in your daily life, kindness comes naturally. Richard Rohr’s meditation today is a true story about Bishop Tutu of South Africa. It speaks of the power of the serpent and the power of the dove. Today’s quote tells us to become a prayer maker. That’s what we do when we practice gratefulness. Everything becomes a prayer. Hope you will take time to read the story about Bishop Tutu at the link below.
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/serpent-wisdom-dove-power/
Thank you Carol Ann. Alexia Salvatierra has an interesting last, name to me. I would translate it as “saved earth”. Dear to my Heart.
Joseph, thank you for pointing that out. I saw an interview this week with an author (Mike Grunwald) on the Daily Show. The title of his book was “We are eating our Earth.” He was addressing the loss of our forests. I’m going to see if I can get the book at the library.
I love the story of Desmond Tutu,
dear Carol Ann,
and wish that I could have been there to jump with him.
And like you,
I believe that when we practice Gratefulness,
everything that comes with it
becomes a prayer. ♥
Give words of encouragement and/or praise to a family member, friend, or colleague
Check in with a few folks who have recently had COVID.
I intend to make bran muffins. I will share with others
In traffic, let people in.
Yes!!
I do this often and it is so simple.
That’s a big one,
dear Drea . . . ♥
Ha–it is.
My mother in law died at 89 in late March. My wife, the oldest of her 6 kids, is the executor of the estate. We were in Ohio to help get the process started. The kids all get on with each other quite well, so in that regard it was pretty painless.
On our way home my wife had to take some time to shed tears just as we pulled away.
Now, home in Phoenix, we talk about her mom a lot.
A couple days ago, when I asked a question about her Mom again, the tears came, and through them she replied: “I think about her every day.”
I’ve been looking for ways to comfort her almost every day.
My folks are 93 and 90. My wife’s are 82 and 75. Her folks live 3 and a half miles down the road. Our time of consoling each other is right around the corner. Thank you, John for you kind reflection.
So thoughtful John 💕
♥
Such a blessing that you have a listening ear for your wife who is grieving the loss of her mom. I am sure it helps her integrating the pain of her loss. As an eldest, she probably is used to take on responsibility, as you mentioned, and it seems a relief then that you allow for expressing her sadness, listening carefully and offering comfort through giving a loving hug ot being at her side even without words, which might console a lot. Your company probably is balm to her soul. Blessings to both of you and all the family.
John, RIP to her. It sounds like she lived a long productive life.
I’ll keep today simple, and smile more. I’m in a training and can be more of a listener than a take-charger. Remembering those who lost their lives with 9/11 and those who sacrificed their lives in the war(s) that followed. ☮️🇺🇸
Even during my “gossiping” time, I try to minimize saying negative things about others as much as possible.
My Ngoc, it’s the best we can do. We’re also full of shit too like everyone to a varying degree.
I always try to make kindness a priority. Especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Today I am up at 4am to do a favor for my boss. Not really much of a kindness, I mean, I am getting paid. 😁
I am in touch daily, with friends that are suffering, and I hope that my support is helping in some way.
I will be in the lookout for opportunities to “pay it forward” today.
This reminds me of the ritual I’ve read about, where monks go around the neighborhood with their bowls, looking for offerings of some rice or other sustenance. They believe they are giving the community a chance to start their day with a good deed. It’s such a different way to think about life. Even receiving a kindness can be an offering.
Funny,
dear Charlie . . .
I too,
am softer and more tender with others,
when my heart is broken
or I am feeling overwhelmed.
I think I have realized
that a broken heart
is an open heart . . .
it’s an opportunity to make a good choice. ♥
Thanks for the reminder, Charlie.
Interact with members here on this site as usual.
An old friend in Charleston is meeting me at the beach this morning and letting me borrow a surfboard. I will pay it forward with everyone I encounter, sharing joy and gratitude. I will also buy her coffee and/or breakfast after.
Its our last full day down here, and I’m so excited to get on the waves again 🌊
Have a great day, everyone!
Surfs Up!
It wasn’t great, but it was FUN!!
Everything others have said- smile, acknowledge those that help me with kindness, remember those lost on 9/11.
♥
Dieng, acknowledging those who have helped me with kindness is something I’m continuing to work on. The only way we can give is to be able to receive as talked about from the question on receiving which I’ve talked about setting agendas and string-pulling aside.
smile 🙂
A smile can heal a million hurts,
dear MIchele. 🙂