“Kindness Breeds Kindness”
It’s my new motto. Well, it’s not new, but it’s reaffirmed to me with each precious passing year. Yes, kindness matters. The other day, I was discouraged after watching 1 hour of the national news. What’s happening to our society?
You see, I grew up on a farm, and there was the power of community in our farming area. If someone needed help with harvest, their neighbour was sure to show up with a big smile and a helping hand. We all pulled together to ensure each harvest was completed, in whatever capacity you could in order to help.
In my case (along with my sisters), I was the shoveler of grain, the guarder of gates when we moved cattle, and the deliverer of home-cooked meals to the field. And when a neighbour showed up to lend their support, there was no exchanging of money, just the unspoken truth that you would do the same for your neighbour.
I moved to Leduc 5 years ago, and I feel the sense of community within Leduc as well. However, I had some moments in a bigger city where I have said “Good Morning” to a passer-by, which was returned with a look of shock…like “what do you want?!”
Not everyone shares the same sentiment. Not everyone will say thank you when you hold open a door, or return your smile when you give up your seat on a crowded LRT. One just has to be OK with that, and just keep passing on the kindness.
Because, I believe with every fibre of my being, that Kindness Breeds Kindness.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. –Leo Buscaglia
I was so touched by a poem written by Jonathan Reed entitled “Lost Generation”.
Don’t be discouraged my friends if your kindness is not returned. It will be returned in the long run, although sometimes in the unlikeliest of places (which is amazing). Positive out, positive in. You never know when an act of kindness will meet another’s heart when they need it most. This is something I’ve been so thankful for since my father was diagnosed with cancer. Every comment, e-mail, phone call, smile, and donation toward the Leduc Relay for Life
…has made a difference in my life, and in my family’s life. Thank you so much.
From my heart to yours,
Christine
Reclaiming LIFE 
God Women, you never cease to amaze me. Your attitude, perception…everything. I just hope I’m half the women you are.
Oh my Teresa, thank you for that! You are an amazing woman, full of kindness, warmth, and charisma. And, I love your sense of homour too 🙂
This reminded me of something, there is a lady that lives in Vermilion who I really don’t know…but I know her from seeing her at the school that my Girl’s go to. Everytime time I see her I smile and say Hello, she never return’s my smile or hello. I don’t know why, maybe she really doesn’t like me, maybe she is shy, maybe she just really isn’t nice. But oddly I keep smiling and saying hello evertime I see her, I have no why but there must be a reason…maybe someday I will find out what that is. I am sure God knows:)
Love you Christine xxoxoxo
I love that you keep smiling and saying hello. You are amazing Tina! Love you too! xoxo
This post made me miss our farm more than I already do!! Life was so much more simple then. I am SO very grateful that my girls have the best of both worlds. They get to live in the city and experience everything it has to offer (good & bad) BUT they can still have weekends or a week in the summer to run free without worry barefoot in the grass, ride horses, play with the calves and learn to respect and love the animals as I did, eat carrots from the garden (dirt and all), smile, laugh and enjoy the simple things. . . . .
That’s awesome Tammy! Your comment made me smile, I understand! 🙂