Show A Little Kindness Even On The Bad Days

I hope you are having a great start to this week. You know, the kind of week where everything seems to be going your way. Your attitude toward others is really good. and your follow through is right where it needs to be. Enjoy every minute of it, and be grateful.

For some of you, the week isn't going quite so well. Something unexpected has occurred and your routine is thrown off for a few days. Your focus has shifted and your attitude toward others is off track.

Let's do our best to show a little kindness - even on the bad days.

I learned a long time ago that in order to feel good about oneself, we need to help others feel good about themselves. Yes, even on the bad days.

For example:

• When you see a friend that appears to be overwhelmed, frazzled, and weary - be transparent. Let them know they are not alone.

• Be a support for someone in need. If they are in need of clothes, shoes, or food - help them out by providing items out of your closet or pantry.

• If you have a friend who needs some down time - offer to watch the children for a day.

  One day without any responsibilities can work wonders for their mental health.

• If you know a family that is struggling financially - invite them over for a meal, and send the leftovers home with them.

Have you noticed that people who live selfish lives are continuously frustrated because they are never satisfied? They seem to always want more for themselves.

People who show kindness to others live a fulfilled life and learn to be content along life's way.

Living this way is pleasing to God, and provides peace that goes beyond anything I can put into words.

Mother Teresa was an inspiration to so many. She lived a very simple life and understood the value of helping others. In her book entitled, A Simple Faith, one of her volunteers, Rupert, writes this, "The more you give the more you get. And all the time you're giving, loving, and helping, more is given to the world, more than we'd ever know from our one small step. It's like having a kind of empathy with the heart of the world."

The following words are from a sign on the wall of Shishu Bhavan, the children's home in Calcutta. I have this framed and placed on my desk as a reminder for me to show a little kindness - even on the bad days. May it serve as a reminder to you too:

ANYWAY

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,

LOVE THEM ANYWAY

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies,

SUCCEED ANYWAY

The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,

BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight,

BUILD ANYWAY

People really need help but may attack you if you help them,

HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,

GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY

Thought for the day - "Do something of service to encourage someone else. When you feel helpless - get helpful." - Ed Mylett

Have A Great Day!

If you found this to be helpful, please share it with others.

Thank you!