Kindness

 

 Some great reminders about the importance of the simple art of heartfelt kindness…

 

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

-          Plato

 

"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 F. Buscaglia

 

"The measure of a truly great man is the courtesy with which he treats lesser men."

-          Anonymous

 

"If you can't feed a hundred people, just feed one.”

-          Mother Teresa

Kindness

There is not enough kindness in the world if you ask me.  We are too quick to judge, too worried about ourselves, and always in a hurry.  A bit of kindness goes a long way and may actually make someone’s day.  My wife Fran, is one of the kindest people I know (way more than me).  She is always doing things for others.  It is a great attribute for her to have as a teacher.  Here is the saying that she reminds me of often and lives by daily…

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

We all have battles, big or small, personal or professional, emotional or physical.  That barista you think is slow is battling.  The driver of the car that just cut in front of you to turn is battling.  Your co-worker who just missed a deadline is battling.  Just remember that before you react, consider a little kindness. 

Barbara Bush 1925 – 2018

Our country, and the city of Houston, lost an incredible woman this week.  Barbara Bush leaves an inspirational legacy.  People from all walks of life have spoken kind words and remembrances of her. Yes, she was the wife and mother of former Presidents, but you do not need to have been the First Lady to have positive words spoken of you.  You simply need to treat others with kindness, dignity and respect.  That is the theme of what is being said about Barbara Bush this week.  From small Houston business owners, former Secret Service agents, and all in between, the theme is consistent.  She treated people with kindness. 

We are, and will be, known most prominently for how we treat others.  That alone can bring praise from the people we encounter, both while we live and after we are gone.  Barbara Bush actually said it best herself…

“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success is how you treat other people.”

-       Barbara Bush

In honor of Barbara Bush go out and be kind this week.  In honor of yourself and others continue doing so in the coming weeks as well.