Since I’ve been doing a twitterthon of daily acts of kindness for the past few eons, I thought it was about time I wrote something about being nice.
Henry James said, “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.”
I couldn’t agree more. While there are plenty of other fantabulous ways to spend your time, kindness has to be the thing that brings the most joy and pleasure to my life. If someone told me I could have a million dollars but I’d have to be horrible to everyone for the rest of my life, I’d pass, and I certainly hope you would too. If we’re to make the slightest difference in the world in a positive way, then we can do it by showing a little kindness every day.
So folks, I’m not going to lecture or offer my usual off-kilter words of waffling wisdom in this week’s post. Instead, I share with you the perceptive observations of others:
“Kindness is the greatest wisdom.” Author Unknown
“Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
“Like a boomerang kindness always returns.” Author Unknown
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama
“Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how.” Author Unknown
“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” Jesse Jackson
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” Author Unknown
“Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true.” Robert Brault
“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” Bob Hope
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” Charles H. Spurgeon
And to finish with a chuckle…
“If you step on people in this life, you’re going to come back as a cockroach.” Willie Davis
Here’s to spreading the happiness…!
Tracey
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been following your kindness posts on twitter. I really love them and so do my friends. I let someone in front of me in line the other day and he didn’t even say thanks. I got cut until my dad said that it isn’t about what the person does, it’s about the act. My dad’s pretty smart! I like the important quote too btw.
I just found you through blogged and wanted to say I love your writing. I’m just starting a blog on yoga as I’m a yoga teacher. Lots to learn!
Henry James also said: ‘I’ve always been interested in people, but I’ve never liked them.’ You can hate dogs but you still don’t go around kicking them, i guess.
I love your writhing. I even liked your NAIDOC ball blog.
Kindness, goodness, compassion etc we all have it. But the thing is self-realisation. Know yourself. Once you do you know that it’s a link within you that feels love and kindness. It has to be nurtured too.
Hey there Tracey,
You are AMAZING!