Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – New Series – Life Lessons 101 – #Kindness by D. G. Kaye

Kindness Matters

Welcome to my new series at the Smorgasbord – Life Lessons 101. In this series I’m going to talk about incidence and things in life that are important. Today the topic is kindness. We hear the word get passed around a lot in various themes and context, but it bears talking about because a little kindness can go a long way.

Have you ever had a crappy day when nothing goes right, and per chance, a total stranger comes your way with a friendly greeting, an offer to help with something, or a compliment that just turns around that crappy day?

It doesn’t cost a cent to do something nice for someone or to make them feel a little special. We never know what kind of a day someone is having, and offering a little kindness can be a very welcomed pick-me-up for them. Can you recall the last time a stranger extended a kindness to you?

Complimenting someone can be a real lift to their self-esteem. It’s a verification that they’ve been noticed, someone paid attention to something about them, and maybe you were the only one who noticed, or maybe that person has nobody else in their life that offers kind words. We don’t know, but we know that a few kind words from us may just be a mood-lifter for them. A compliment offers a confirmation that something on their person is recognized and admired. And there are so many people who don’t get any recognition in their own surroundings.

A simple smile can be a great mood booster.

On the same token, if our faces and/or body language give off a cold or dark feeling, that feeling is also registered by others, instead, leaving a negative feeling, and one that doesn’t inspire us to want to get any closer to that person. Our moods evoke ripples of energetic vibes, and vibes and energy are contagious. So, it’s just as easy to wear a smile to give off a welcoming atmosphere of warmth.

Good Deeds  

There are so many ways we can trickle a little kindness into the world, even doing the simplest of things. Kindness lives under many umbrellas. Kindness can be a smile, a compliment, even a hug when someone needs it. It can also mean taking some time to listen to someone who may need an ear, a goodwill gesture such as offering a helping hand to someone in need, letting in a fellow driver in your lane when we see their signal, offering a service to a friend – or even to a stranger if they’re sick or unable to get out, or just spending time with someone who is often alone.

What else can we do to offer up a little kindness?

• Donate blood
• Pay for someone’s coffee
• Hold the door open for someone
• Pick up trash another left behind
• Plant trees
• Volunteer to do a task for someone they aren’t able to do
• Donate books and other items no longer useful for ourselves but could be gold for someone else
• Read for someone who can’t
• Be a good neighbor
• Paint kindness rocks and spread them anywhere for someone to find some inspiration
• Cook a meal for a sick person
• Tip your server
• Leave a kind review for a person or product for something you’ve enjoyed
• Shop in your local small businesses (not the greedy giants)
• Use reuseable products to be kind to our planet
• Text, email or call someone to let them know you were thinking about them

Kindness is a gesture given or done with no strings attached, a gift from the heart with no expectations of someone having to give back. But you know, the funny thing about doing good for others is that it’s a boomerang and you will find being and giving in kind is not only a gift for someone else but a gift to us.

Below, find some profound quotes that remind the value of being kind:

 “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”  ~Princess Diana

 “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 “Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” ~Scott Adams

 “Go and love someone exactly as they are. And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered.” ~Wes Angelozzi

 “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead

 “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ~Desmond Tutu

 “My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.” ~Maya Angelou

 “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

“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.” ~Jesse Jackson

 “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” ~Kahlil Gibran

Take 4 minutes and 29 seconds to listen to this heartfelt video – Humble and Kind

I would love to hear about how an act of kindness impacted your life….please share with us.

@DGKaye2024

About D.G. Kaye

D.G. Kaye is a nonfiction memoir writer who writes about life, matters of the heart and women’s issues. Her intent is to inspire others by sharing stories about events she encountered, and the lessons that came along with them. She loves to laugh and self-medicate with a daily dose of humor. When she’s not writing intimate memoirs, you’ll find her writing with humor in some of her other works and blog posts.

Kaye’s childhood kept her observant about her surroundings. Growing up in a tumultuous family life kept her on guard about the on-and-off-going status of her parents’ relationship. She began writing notes, and journaled about the dysfunction she grew up in. By age seven she was certain she was going to grow up to become a reporter. But life has a funny way of taking detours. Instead, she moved away from home at eighteen with a few meager belongings and a curiosity for life, finished university and changed careers a few times along the way, always striving to work her way up to managerial positions. Her drive to succeed at anything she put her mind to led to having a very colorful and eventful life.

Ever the optimist, D.G. conquered quite a few battles in life; health and otherwise, and her refusal to accept the word ‘No’, or to use the words ‘I can’t’, keeps her on a positive path in life. She hopes to inspire others with her love of telling stories with lessons to empower others, by sharing her own experiences.

In 2021, she lost the love of her life. “When the grief overcame me, I found my only way to move forward was through my writing (that book currently in the works) and communing with others who understand this journey. Through this and my own search for seeking comfort, I began podcasting – Grief, The Real Talk. This is a podcast for those of us who’ve worn the shoes, and for all those who wish to understand the journey of a griever.

Books by D.G. Kaye

One of the reviews for The Words We Carry

Lizzy 5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable, validating, and very well written  Reviewed in the United States

This is the first book I’ve read by D.G. Kaye, but as soon as I read the first few pages, I knew it wouldn’t be the last. There was so much I could identify with in the blurb, so on a whim, I downloaded it.

The issue of self-esteem, which the author speaks so knowingly about, is one that affects more people than I believe most of us even realize. Low self-esteem manifests itself in many ways and that can make it more difficult for some to see. Yet, I believe it visits a preponderant number of people at some point in their lives, if not throughout. Reading this book was like talking to a new friend and sharing common experiences. Kaye’s uplifting yet honest writing style makes it very easy to turn the pages.

Even with the issues that I hadn’t personally experienced, I knew many who did (and still do), and I really appreciated Kaye’s down-to-earth approach to examining these issues and offering simple, relatable advice for those seeking to better their lives. As I especially connected to some aspects of the author’s relationship with her mother, I’m absolutely planning to read her book Conflicted Hearts. Our situations, while very different, are also very similar in ways.

Kaye discusses subjects in this book that took me back years and also resonated with me in the present. There are many reasons that I would recommend this book. Not only do I appreciate the common-sense advice, but I believe the author’s words are extraordinarily validating and will help many who feel alone in their pain. This book is also beautifully written. Excellent. 

Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – follow Debby: Goodreads – Blog: D.G. Kaye Writer – Twitter: @pokercubster – Linkedin: D.G. Kaye – Facebook: D.G. Kaye – Podcast: YouTube –   All Links: Linktree

 

 

Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share Debby’s post.. thanks Sally