Each week we change the words/quote/saying that we are displaying on the noticeboard in our kitchen; these are the words we try to live by individually and as a family that week. Some weeks may focus on lifting our mood, others may be about motivation or attitude to life; something that speaks to us on some level and that we can directly apply to our lives. Changing the words each week stops them from becoming just another thing you walk past without really seeing, it keeps things fresh and stops them losing their power. This series is where I share those words with you in the hope they may help you and your family too.
Without further ado, this weeks words are:
A few days ago I read a post by the lovely Lisa at lisapomerantzer.com providing an update on how things were going since they implemented a new house rule. That rule was simply to be kind (read it here – Update: The Rule of Kind). Reading her amazing post set off a lightbulb moment in my head and reminded me of a good quote I had recently made a note of to use on here, and so this weeks words set.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
How powerful is this quote? And how much better would the world be if we all followed this advice?
Kindness doesn’t have to involve grand gestures and you don’t need to go out of your way to show it. The simplest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact. Think back to the last time you were having a really shitty day and someone did something kind for you, even if it was something as small as a sympathetic smile, or an un-asked for cup of tea. Those small acts may not turn your whole day around but they can certainly provide a touch of light in the darkness.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato
And offering kindness doesn’t just help the other person, it uplifts your own mood too. It also has a ripple effect, someone who has been on the receiving end of your kindness will be much more likely to then show kindness towards someone else and back towards you too.
“We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll
Here are just a few ways you could show some kindness this week:
To strangers
- Smile and say good morning/afternoon/evening as you pass people in the street. I have lived in a few places where offering this greeting to a stranger got you suspicious look and it’s obviously not practical in a crowded street, but where I live now it’s the norm and I love it.
- Hold a door open for someone
- Let someone out at a junction (being on the receiving end of this one always lifts my mood!)
To Family/Friends
- Make them a drink (served with cake/biscuits is even better)
- Cook their favourite meal
- Give them a hug
- Offer to help them with something/or do something for them when they are rushed/struggling
- Play a child’s favourite game
- Provide a listening ear/shoulder to cry on
- Tell them you appreciate them
- Praise your children for their good behaviour
- Run your other half a bath
To Yourself
- Focus on your good qualities when you look in the mirror
- Allow yourself some downtime to do what you want to do, whether it’s read a book, have a bath or watch your favourite show
- Stop putting yourself down. It’s something we all do but we really shouldn’t.
These lists are by no means exhaustive but they certainly provide a place to start. I’ll leave you with one last quote:
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
Have a great week x
Being kind is so important, and in a time when we are so busy with our own lives, so put upon by politics, so tired….it’s easy to forget this or just slip away from it. Thanks for the reminder 🙂 #marvmondays
You’re so right, it really is. And it’s so simple to do too x
What a nice uplifting post to read on a Monday! These are great ideas. I like how you outlined how to be kind to strangers, family and yourself. Thanks! #bigpinklink
Thank you, it can be so easy to overlook one of these groups, I think it’s important to keep some balance x
I think this is great, Kindness is free and we should be forth giving with it. I saw a social media post the other day where someone left a random bag of goodies on someone’s doorstep. Thought it was lovely 🙂
It really is, thank you. Although I think I might be a bit wary of random goodies on the doorstep – though that wariness is yet another sign of how society has moved away from kindness and towards suspicion x
Oh Alana, how wonderful of you to have this lovely post today! You made my Monday filled with kindness. Wouldn’t it be great if we could create a groundswell of kindness all over the world! We sure could use it. Thank you so very much for sharing, caring and authentically being kind! M’wah to you! I’m kvelling, such nachas for me, OY!
And, #mg too!
Lisa Pomerantz recently posted…UPDATE: The Rule of Kind
My pleasure. Thank you for providing the inspiration, we could all do with spreading more kindness x
Kindness is one of the most important traits we can have – it makes us better people and has such a positive influence on our family and friends – and even strangers (I love all the random acts of kindness that people do for each other!) and it costs nothing.
This is so true, it doesn’t cost a penny but can have a big impact x
I love this post, on of my fav reads this week! I loved Lisa’s post and this follows it up perfectly! I wish everyone could be kinder #mg
Thank you so much, your kind comments have already made me smile 🙂 Lisa’s post really is great x
We certainly all need to think about being kinder to each other especially in this world we live. It doesn’t really take much to show kindness but it gives so much to others.
It’s little, little things really do go a long way x
I especially love the comment “be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle’ – such wise words, and always worth remembering!
Leri recently posted…Quote of the day – Positive.
They are wise words, and so true. Time to spread a little kindness x
I love reading your words of wisdom each week #mg
Helena recently posted…Farewell October, Hello November!
Thank you so much, comments like these make my day x
Just the simplest quote but so so true. It can be surprisingly difficult at times when we find ourselves in a bad mood but I find being kind instantly makes you feel good too.Thanks for linking to #MarvMondays. Kaye xo
It’s amazing isn’t it how helping someone else seems to help us even more x
Its so timely for me. Last few days were so exhausted that I needed these badly. #mg
upasna recently posted…The one who weaves magic- A day in the Life of a Blogger
Thank you, I hope things have settled down for you now x
lovely and inspirational as always.
#bestandworst
kristin mccarthy recently posted…Queso CheeseMonster Gets Fancy with KaiKrates
Aww, thank you xx
Truest test of how I’m doing as a parent is the way that my daughter treats others as far as I’m concerned. Great post #bestandworst
jeremy@thirstydaddy recently posted…One School’s War Over Halloween ( Or Not )
That’s very true, they definitely learn by example x
What a lovely post. Being kind is so important and so easy to do. It doesn’t cost anything to speak to smile at a stranger, or take a few moments to really listen to someone. You are so right about the ‘ripple’ effect too. Thanks for sharing and have a fab rest of the week #bestandworst x
Thank you, it really doesn’t cost a thing or even take much effort but can make such a difference x
I read Lisa’s post earlier and I too thought it was very inspiring. You are absolutely right. We should all be more kind to ourselves and each other. The world would be a better place. #DreamTeam
Lisa’s post is great isn’t it? The world really would be a better place x
Aaah, I love all the quotes from the philosopers, and particularly the one by the Dalai Lama-I wrote my biggest piece of A level course work about the Dalai Lama, and found the whole process quite inspiring! You are right, kindness can be the easiest, smallest gesture, which actually makes the biggest impact on somebody’s life, or day. Although, as a person who has always readily shown kindness, I sadly don’t see very much of it around. I don’t always expect it to be reciprocal, but it seems that we have become a society, like you mentioned, of being sceptical towards kindness, and selfishness. One time that I have been shown kindness since I’ve lived in Bristol, was when an elderly man stopped as I passed, bowed, and tipped his hat to me-It absolutely made my day! I do wish that the world could be kinder!
#bigpinklink
This Mum’s Life recently posted…A Recipe For Disaster
Old kindnesses like hat tipping, and politeness in general certainly seems to have dropped off over the last few years and it’s such a shame. We could all do with a little more kindness in our lives x
What a lovely positive post and what a great idea. It’s so easy to be kind, yet showing kindness towards someone can have such a huge effect on them. I think the hardest thing is to remember to be kind to yourself. #familyfun
twicemicrowavedtea recently posted…Come back September, all is forgiven
So true, we always overlook ourselves x
Alana this is just the post I needed to read tonight. I have had a shitty day and acts of kindness are what I am looking for from my family to get me through tonight but I know I need to reciprocate as they are all dealing wiht their fair share of pressure. Kindness to our family is probably one of the easiest hurdles to jump, to strangers not so, but like you I do try. Only yesterday I helped an old woman across the road ignoring the swearing and shouting of impatient drivers and the embarrassed looks of my daughter as very rarely do we all show how easy it is to be kind. #mg
Thank you, I hope it helped in some way. Well done you for helping that lady, people have a tendency these days to just keep their heads down and pretend they didn’t notice someone who was in need of help. I hope you and your family get the kindness you deserve x
That is such a lovely idea, I might steal your idea for our kitchen as well. It’s easy to get caught up in life so a simple statement or quote could really help ground everyone. A xx #familyfun
Thank you, I’m loving it so far, it really does help shift focus when your having ‘a moment’ x
Please never end this series that you are running! It is so refreshing to read a post this positive that also helps us to be better parents, spouses and friends. Thank you. 🙂 #SharingtheBlogLove
Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson recently posted…Andy Cat for President
Oh wow, thank you so much for these kind words. You’ve made my entire day x
This is going to sound a bit big headed but I think I am always kind. I try really hard to be nice to people every day whether it is a stranger or a loved one. I think the world would be a much better place if we all tried to just be kind and do something nice everyday. Loved this thank you for sharing at #familyfun xx
Tammymum recently posted…The Hypocritical Feminist?
Nothing big headed about it, it’s an admirable quality and one seemingly missing in a lot of people these days. It costs nothing to show a bit of kindness x
Oooh love this. I need to replace ‘Happy Halloween’ in my light box so ‘Be Kind’ might just take it 🙂
Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub
MMT recently posted…#coolmumclub Linky week 43
Thank you, hope it works for you. I really want a light box, they look so cool x
I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series – lovely simple advice to live by this time – fab. Thank you for sharing. x #familyfun
Mindful Mummy Mission recently posted…Wicked Wednesdays #11: Mealtimes – the ultimate test of Mindfulness
Thank you, you’re making me blush 😊
I love this – I think kindness is the most important quality you can have as a human being. It’s those little acts of kindness that really lift your spirits when you’re down. And I love that you included being kind to ourselves too – it’s so easy to forget that, but just as important as being kind to others. Thanks for joining us again at #SharingtheBlogLove
Katy – Hot Pink Wellingtons recently posted…Embracing being a ‘Mummy Blogger’
Thank you, it’s all too easy to forget about ourselves but so important x
I also read Lisa’s post and clicked on yours because your title reminded me of her post (which I very much enjoyed too!). Kindness definitely has a ripple effect! Holding a lift door open for someone is another one to add to the list. All too often people pretend not to see you heading for the lift until the doors close! #SharingtheBlogLove
Lucy recently posted…Lessons from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Thank you, holding the lift is a great one!
Aww, it’s nice to be nice, to yourself and others. Lovely ideas here, have a great weekend! ‘picknmix
Thank you, it really is. You too x
Can’t really go wrong with that can you! I do however especially like the idea of being kind to myself! I’ll put that into practice first! Thanks for linking up to #FamilyFun
Karen : TwoTinyHands recently posted…Firework / Bonfire Night Tuff Spot
Thank you. We definitely overlook ourselves far too much x
I love this post. It’s very much my philosophy on life. I have a quote in my classroom that says ‘It’s ok to be mad but not to be mean’. My students know that that is the rule I care about the most. As my grandma would have said – it costs nothing to be kind.
What a great rule for the classroom! I may have to use that one x
Best quote so far for the board 🙂 If everyone in the world did even a little bit more of this, it would be a much better world. Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
A Cornish Mum recently posted…04/11 Pick ‘n Mix Fridays Blog Linky
Thank you. It really would, and it takes no effort at all x
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle – that is my favourite quote of all time. It’s so true and a wonderful way to live your life. Kindness is everything isn’t it? Thank you for linking to #momsterslink
five little doves recently posted…Momsterslink November 3, 2016
It is a great quote, and so true. Kindness costs nothing but can make a world of difference We all deserve a little kindness x
Yes to all of this! Lovely post, and lovely set of quotes too. Being kind is so, so important. x #CandidCuddles
Madeline (This Glorious Life) recently posted…Let them eat dirt
It really is, thank you x
It’s funny isn’t it? It really is THE most simple life mantra of them all, yet one we so often fail to achieve? I love love the longer version (which must have been formed from the Plato version you mention here and which I think I’ve mentioned some time ago on my blog): Be kind. Everyone if fighting a battle you know nothing about. Your noticeboard thing is amazing. Great idea. Thanks for joining #candidcuddles
Thank you, it’s such an easy thing to do and makes such a huge difference but we’re all so caught up in our own dramas it’s easy to overlook x
It’s so important to remember this basic act. Especially at home, we may forget to be as nice as everyone deserves. Great idea to focus on.
Thank you, basic human kindness is so important but easily overlooked in the bustle of everyday life
Love this idea! Such a good idea to do this as a family. I think it’s nice for kids to have one thing to focus on each week, rather than just always being reminded to be kind and share or whatever it is. I love your kindness ideas too – you’ve given me something to think about! Also like that you’ve included ourselves in the list. x
#TheListLinky
Rosie @ Little Fish recently posted…Little Moments #30: Halloween and Blogging Buddies
Thank you, it’s far too easy to overlook ourselves x
These are great ideas for how to ‘be kind’ . Definitely something we can’t have too much of in this world!
Thank you, you’re so right x
This is a wonderful post and I agree it is so so important to be kind to everyone. 🙂 Lovely post and great thoughts. #CandidCuddles
Angela recently posted…Without Hard Work Nothing Grows But Weeds
Thank you so much x
This is such a lovely idea! I’m babysitting for a friend who a single mum this afternoon, so she can have an hour to nap/ tidy/ shower in peace or just sit in front of the TV and veg out. #KCACOLS
Wow, that’s lovely. I think we could all do with a friend like you x
I read Lisa’s post too 😀 Be Kind. I love it, though not sure I’ve implemented it well as I’m now hearing my little ones saying that’s not kind!! Ummmmm time to rethink !
Ha ha, they do like to keep us on our toes!
Ou forgot to say…Thanks for linking up with us #FabFridayPost
Love your inspiring quotes each weeks. Thank you so much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost xx
Aww, thank you 😊
Oh I love this! Its so true that such a simple act of kindness can make a difference to not only the person you are being kind to, but also to yourself. Whenever you do something kind, it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside and that can only be a good thing. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove x
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Thank you, you really do get back what you give out x
Popping back from #KCACOLS
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Review: Toddlebike2…Plus A Giveaway!
Isn’t that Dalai Lama quote just wonderful. It really does make you stop and think about things! Thanks for linking up #bestandworst
It’s one of my favourites. So simple, yet so powerful x
We are so busy with our lives that we do forget about being kind to ourselves and others. It doesn’t take much and things you listed can be done every day without any extra effort. Very uplifting post 🙂
Thank you, it really is a simple thing but so often overlooked x
I love this post – kindness is so important and it should come naturally!! #sharethebloglove
Thank you, it really is x
Love this series – brings a smile to my face! For me, the other day I went to the petrol station with my little girl…she was in a grump but there was a queue for the petrol pump. The guy in front had an empty space in front of him but was just heading in to pay; my heart sunk thinking that I’d have to wait for him to pay before being able to move forward. But he got back in the car and moved his car out the way before paying! I was so touched at his kindness, it made my whole day. Fab post – Thanks for linking up to Apologies for the late comment this week xx
Bridie By The Sea recently posted…#DreamTeam #28
Thank you. It’s those little kindnesses that take no real effort but make a huge difference that can really turn a persons day around x
Love this and some great ideas on being kind. I’ve always been in a believer in if you have nothing nice to say. It seems the World needs a lot more kindness at the moment.
Thanks for linking to #PickNMix
Eilidh x
Mummy and Monkeys recently posted…A sad day to be a woman
Thank you, funnily enough the ‘if you have nothing to say’ saying features in Words To Live By #6 x
Returning from #sharingthebloglove
five little doves recently posted…What to do when your child hates school?
Yes! This. Be kind is so simple but some people seriously lacking in kindness. Little things can mean so much.
#SharingTheBlogLove
Cathryn recently posted…Salted Caramel Filo Parcels
Thank you, we could all do with a little more kindness in this world and it costs nothing x
Love it. I definitely think we all need to be kind to ourselves too. #SharingtheBlogLove
Susie at This Is Me Now recently posted…Instagram – who cares what I’m eating?
We so often overlook ourselves x
A lovely post. Kindness is something we can all give to others so easily. I work in a small shop and we have a lot of elderly customers. I try to make sure I do what I can each day to make sure I make their trip a little it easier. It really doesn’t take much to be kind to others does it!
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
Tracey Bowden recently posted…Guest Post: World Prematurity Day
Thank you, it’s those small little kindnesses that can really turn a persons day around x
What a lovely post! Definitely, kindness is a word that we should be using every day. It is so important! If we do that more often imagine what a wonderful world we could have! 😉 Thank so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. It is lovely to have you! x
A Moment With Franca recently posted…What Is So Special About Your Office Chair?
Thank you, kindness costs nothing and can make a world of difference to someone’s day x
Such a lovely post. I’m already trying to impress on my daughter that if you can’t be anything else, be kind. It’s the single most important thing you can be. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday x
Thank you, I totally agree x