Another Opportunity for Kindness

Today's daily word gives us many ideas of where an act of kindness may be applied, and assures us that joy and fulfillment are the known side effects :)

Monday, July 12, 2010

Service

I offer my service to people in need.

In our increasingly interconnected world, there is a vast spectrum of experiences at any given moment. We are all part of the human family, and when our brothers and sisters suffer, we suffer as well. What affects one family member affects us all.

If we are unsure about how to help someone in need, we look to God for guidance. We might be called to volunteer at a local nursing home, donate books to a library, mentor school children or send money to a worthy charity. We choose activities that resonate with our hearts and match our talents and resources. Today we begin the cycle of giving. Serving fellow members of our human family brings joy and fulfillment, for we know we are participating in truly sacred work.

Today's Kindness Challenge...

Today, let 3 people know that you are grateful for them or that you appreciate them - Not only is this an act of kindness, it also changes the energy around their whole day, and yours too :)
(Inspired by today's Daily Word, below)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Gratitude
From a place of gratitude, I see beauty in everyone and everything.
When I adopt an attitude of gratitude, I create a shift in my outlook. Instead of seeing problems, I see opportunities. Instead of feeling hopeless, I feel hopeful. By focusing on what is working well, I invite more of the same.

When I let others know, "I am grateful for you," I create a connection of love and understanding. Through these simple words, I help others see their own beauty and the contribution they make in the world.

Through prayer, meditation or journal writing, I begin and end each day reflecting on the many ways Spirit blesses me. I approach life in a state of gratitude. I see the magnificence all around me, and I am filled with joy for all the good in this world.

The Cookie Thief...

One of my favorites...

Written by Valerie Cox, I first heard this poem read by Wayne Dyer in one of his talks - It's funny, but makes a good point as well:

A woman was waiting at an airport one night
With several long hours before her flight
She hunted for a book in the airport shop
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop
She was engrossed in her book but happened to see
That the man beside her as bold as could be
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene
She munched cookies and watched the clock
As this gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by
Thinking "If I wasn't so nice I'd blacken his eye"
With each cookie she took he took one too
And when only one was left she wondered what he'd do
With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh
He took the last cookie and broke it in half
He offered her half as he ate the other
She snatched it from him and thought "Oh brother
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude
Why he didn't even show any gratitude"
She had never known when she had been so galled
And sighed with relief when her flight was called
She gathered her belongings and headed for the gate
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate
She boarded the plane and sank in her seat
Then sought her book which was almost complete
As she reached in her baggage she gasped with surprise
There was her bag of cookies in front of her eyes
"If mine are here" she moaned with despair
"Then the others were his and he tried to share"
"Too late to apologize she realized with grief"
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief

Kindness...

I loved today's Daily word:

Friday, May 21, 2010
Kindness
I am a kind and loving human being.
When I am kind, I feel connected to my spiritual center, to the light of God within. When I am gracious to someone, I help light up the world. Through even the smallest act of kindness, the love of God is expressing through me.

When I offer my time and attention, when I offer a compassionate word or a caring touch, I am saying, "I honor your presence. I acknowledge and value you." In that instant of grace, we each connect with the Divine.

Kindness removes all tiredness and strain. It lightens my mood and floods my mind and body with joyous energy. In loving others, I am doing that which brings me closest to God, for God is love.

www.dailyword.com