Those of you who have read this column before know that performing Random Acts of Kindness is a philosophy of life that I strongly believe in. You also know that when I come across
something that offers me guidance, I share it with whomever
will receive it. Whether you are young or not so young, the
following is a sharing that I wish I had read long ago. It may
have helped me to live a more authentic life. Maybe some part
of it may give you pause to stop and reflect on your own life,
adjusting things that may need adjusted, and treating others,
and yourself, more kindly.

“I asked a friend who has crossed 70 and is heading towards
80 what sort of changes she is feeling in herself? She sent me
the following:
1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children
and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest
on my shoulders.
3 I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A
few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help
the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a
smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I
am.
5 I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that
story many times. The story makes them walk down memory
lane & relive their past.
6 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they
are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me.
Peace is more precious than perfection.
7 I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a
mood enhancer not only for the recipient but also for me. And a
small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn
it down, just say “Thank You.”
8 I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my
shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9 I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not
know my worth, but I do.
10 I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the
rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.
11 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s
my emotions that make me human.
12 I have learned that it’s better to drop the ego than to break a
relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas, with relationships, I will never be alone.
13 I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it
might be the last.
14 I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my
happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You
can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

I decided to share this with all my friends. Why do we have to
wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can’t we practice this at any
stage and age?” -Author unknown

In our lifetime, kindness means so much, produces so much
good, and can generate positivism. I invite you to use these
suggestions, or your own ideas, to enrich our world being inspired to share kindness and gentleness with others, and even with ourselves. The old saying” “What goes around, comes
around,” or some call it karma—I prefer to use the words of
Jesus…..Love your neighbor as you love yourself!
Have a blessed week filled with kindness!