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Today, a reminder to ‘Speak Kindly’! Always! Even if you don’t agree with the person’s idea, opinion, their political beliefs or their cause. We can disagree in a kind and open way, with a respectful tone of voice and non-argumentative posture. Whether you are at home or at work, on the frontlines or the leader of the organization, calling people names, inferring cultural stereotypes and using words to harm is never okay. Our words influence our actions. And the actions of others. Kind words and an open mind and open heart create the conditions for people with differing views to come together to do better. Unkind words and a combative way of communicating with others causes discord and division. We always have a choice in the words we choose to speak, and the manner we choose to speak them in. So choose your words kindly. And if you aren’t sure if your words are kind…don’t say them.

When I was growing up, I came to an important realization: there was always going to be someone ‘better’ than me. At anything. And everything. So there was no need to waste my time and energy trying to ‘be the best’, worrying when I wasn’t, and comparing myself to others. All I needed was to do MY best, in the kindest way possible. Reflecting back, I can see the unbelievable value of that realization on my life today. That realization has allowed me to try many things without worrying about ‘failure’ or about what others will think. And it has allowed me to focus on and be satisfied with my efforts, not just the results. I don’t have to do things the way others do them, and I don’t need to compare my way to theirs. I just need to be me. So, if you’re feeling bad because you’re worried about what will happen if you’re not as good as others, please stop. And stop comparing yourself to others because you are exactly who you are supposed to be. And that’s enough!

How do you define kindness? When I looked it up in the dictionary, it says kindness is ‘the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.’

When I ask people what kindness is, they often describe an act of kindness like holding the door for someone or paying for someone’s coffee in line.

In order to create a kinder world, in which we treat all others as we’d like to be treated ourselves, we need to define what kindness is, not just what ransom acts of kindness look like.

So, what’s your definition of kindness?
How would you describe kindness to someone who doesn’t know what it is or how to be kind?
How can we all practice kindness everywhere, everyday?

Do you know why I post about stuff that doesn’t work out the way I planned? Or that I struggle with? Like my tiny container garden not growing anything last year…and all the time I spend picking out seams I’ve sewn incorrectly…and the two years – and many different attempts – it took to get Women in Lean – Our Table going?! Because most things don’t work out the way you think they are going to on the first try. Most things that look like they are ‘overnight successes’ probably aren’t! They are probably the culmination of multiple tries and PDCA cycles. We just may not see them. Either we’re so focused on the success we see now, or the person doesn’t talk about all the stuff that didn’t work along the way. I want people to see though. Because it’s easy to get discouraged and give up. It’s easy to feel like it’s just simply never going to work out for you…even if it does for others. I want you to know that doesn’t have to be so. Take a deep breath, learn what you can from your previous attempt and try again. And if you know someone who is discouraged (yourself included), remind them that ‘just because it didn’t work out last time, doesn’t mean it won’t work our this time’.

Foundation Director Alefiyah Tawawalla hosted a Backyard Kindness Event! Here what she had to say about it!
“Children are advocates for a kind future. Today a few children and parents from my neighborhood socially distancing ourselves in the backyard painted Love and Kindness rocks and plaques. Each child painted one for their home and the others to be distributed to the neighbors on their street. The kids put one painted Love and Kindness treasure in a Ziploc bag with buttons and stickers to drop off to a neighbor. It was heart warming to see the children laugh, smile, chatter and paint six feet apart to help and create ways to make a kind world to live in.”
Want to spread love and kindness in the world!? And in your neighborhood? Then contact us and we’ll help you get started!
#love #kindness #BackYardKindnessEvent

I had a fabulous and fun day celebrating Friendship Day with the kindergarten and first graders at May Watts Elementary School in Naperville, Illinois.

We read Big Karma and Little Kosmo Help Each Other, and then I answered question about being an author.

We all talked about how we could be kinder, and help out at school and at home! Some great ideas:

1. If someone is sitting or eating alone, go sit with them!

2. Help your sisters and brothers clean up!

3. If someone is crying, ask them what is wrong!

After we drew pictures of how we could be kind and help out, everyone got a Love and Kindness Button and sticker as a present from Big Karma and Little Kosmo!

Special thanks to May Watts for hosting me, and to Alefiyah Tawawalla for organizing such a great event!

On January 31st, we were excited to be asked to give an Author Talk and read Big Karma and Little Kosmo Help Each Other at Bethany Lutheran Church and School in Naperville, Illinois.

The event had a fun pirate theme, and between sixty and seventy children and their parents learned about how and why I wrote Big Karma and Little Kosmo Help Each Other, talked about kindness and helping and drew pictures of how they could help. Then everyone got a Love and Kindness Button, bracelet and sticker to take home!

A fabulous, fun event with lots of learning…and kindness!

Thanks for having us Bethany Lutheran!

There are many ways to spread kindness in the world! Each of us has to create our own way! It was wonderful to spend time with Kevin Milligan of The Unconditional Hug! Kevin gives out hugs to everyone – and anyone! – as a way to connect and spread kindness in the world!

And he was kind enough to put a “Plant Kindness – Grow Love” sticker on his sign!

Kindness is free…and as easy as giving someone a hug! What are you doing to spread kindness where ever you are?