40 Days Of Kindness

In the words of Taylor Swift, "why you gotta be so mean?"

Doesn't it feel like the world is awfully mean these days?  People are mean to each other face to face, especially mean behind their computer screens, and there's a whole lot of passive aggressive meanness going on too.

Sometimes it gets to be overwhelming, and it seems like mean is taking over the world.  But it's not.  Kind people still rule, but maybe we're just not as vocal.  Every day, in ways both big and small, we have to make ourselves heard above the mean, and move forward with kindness.  It's time to step up and share our hearts.  It's time for a kindness revolution.

Sunday was Random Acts of Kindness Day, and today at The Blended Blog, we're sharing ways we can show others we care.

There are so many ways to be kind.  Even small gestures can mean a lot to someone on the receiving end.

-Leave a book somewhere with a note inside, sharing what you enjoyed about it.
-Write kind notes on post its and leave them around a store or on windshields.
-Keep lunch bags in your car with water and snacks to hand out when you come across a homeless person.
-Share random compliments - to sales clerks, your family and friends, anyone around you.
-When you're out, smile at everybody.  This is one of my favorites.  Some people look at me like I'm crazy, but most everyone smiles back.

Being intentionally kind is important to me, but I want to up my game.  This year, during Lent, I've decided to spend the forty days between March 6th and April 18th being extra kind.  Instead of giving something up, I'm giving something back - a little kindness.

Want to join me?  Let's be vocal, let's drown out the mean, and let's start a kindness revolution.  I've got a list of ideas, do you have others?  

P.S. If you're feeling kind today, could you help me with a little favor?  My younger son, Thomas, is working on his Honors Thesis, and he has created a short survey about dog behavior.  If you have time, go to this link.  It should only take a few minutes.  Thank you so much!