Heather, you went from preaching to meddling this time, but in a good way.
Kind words can change the entire arc of someone’s life. A few kind words changed the arc of my life. When I was broken beyond my own capacity for hope, a kind doctor who has since become my beloved brother asked me to tell him my story during my first consultation with him. I told him the tl;dr version of my career as an aid worker because I thought he was simply being polite and besides, who really wants to hear someone’s tale of woe?
When I finished, I noticed his eyes were a little moist, and he said, “Switter, thank you for your service.” No one had ever said those words to Switter before. Switter didn’t want to hear those words at first because they didn’t seem to fit. Maybe for soldier or a fireman, but not Switter. Then I realized, because of his sincerity, that I chose in my way to serve, too, and my kind, perceptive doctor gave me exactly the medicine I needed. Healing words. Words of wonder.
And I will think about that YouTube message all day long. It’s a beautiful day.
5 words, probably spoken softly to you some time ago....yet they have continued to make a difference for you. That's beautiful. "Thank you for your service."
Words are so powerful. It makes perfect sense in an ever-shrinking world to use them carefully and that would mean kindly. Thank you Heather for reminding us.
I have been thinking about this a lot lately, Heather. We would all like to spread kindness globally right now and it seems impossible, but we can affect our local world. Kindness to even one person is a start. I have a post on kindness coming out on Saturday regarding kindness to our service workers - waiters, cashiers, clerks. I was channelling my inner Heather. Thank you always for the inspiration.
To be honest, Sharron, sometimes I feel overwhelmed wondering how to spread kindness. Like you, I want kindness to reach all over the world, and it seems like my readers are already kind people. Ooftah.
I remind myself that you never know when a few kind words or even a simple smile could help someone.
Being kind makes my day. Yesterday the grocery store was packed— especially the Baking aisle. Yet everyone was kind and patient. We all waited patiently while that gal tried to find the sage amongst spices and when she noticed us waiting she apologized sweetly. When she moved her cart we said Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.
Sage....an important ingredient for a Thanksgiving turkey and/or stuffing! And so perfect that everyone was patient and kind. You're so right, CK, being kind can absolutely make our day!
Happy Thanksgiving, Mitch, to you and your family!
"You're a BAD Mama Jamma!" Now that's a good one!
Heather, you went from preaching to meddling this time, but in a good way.
Kind words can change the entire arc of someone’s life. A few kind words changed the arc of my life. When I was broken beyond my own capacity for hope, a kind doctor who has since become my beloved brother asked me to tell him my story during my first consultation with him. I told him the tl;dr version of my career as an aid worker because I thought he was simply being polite and besides, who really wants to hear someone’s tale of woe?
When I finished, I noticed his eyes were a little moist, and he said, “Switter, thank you for your service.” No one had ever said those words to Switter before. Switter didn’t want to hear those words at first because they didn’t seem to fit. Maybe for soldier or a fireman, but not Switter. Then I realized, because of his sincerity, that I chose in my way to serve, too, and my kind, perceptive doctor gave me exactly the medicine I needed. Healing words. Words of wonder.
And I will think about that YouTube message all day long. It’s a beautiful day.
Happy Kind Word Day, kind Heather.
Happy Kind Word Day to you, too, Switter.
5 words, probably spoken softly to you some time ago....yet they have continued to make a difference for you. That's beautiful. "Thank you for your service."
November, 2017. I can look up the exact day and time if you want.
I hope those 5 words drift around in your mind today. A little euphoria is always welcome.
Heather, as always, your kind words mean the world. Thank you for initiating this project and for bringing more kindness into the world every day. ❤️
You know, Scott, as I read/listen to your posts, I am always struck by the positive possibilities for kindness in leadership.
Words are so powerful. It makes perfect sense in an ever-shrinking world to use them carefully and that would mean kindly. Thank you Heather for reminding us.
You're so right, Mark. Words are powerful. Choose: Weapons...or Cushions...Embraces...Healing...Guidance...Leadership...the list goes on and on.
Happy Word Kindness Day!
Thank you for that video. Tears? Probably just my allergies.
Happy Word Kindness Day. As the say in Ireland: "A kind word never broke a tooth."
Happy Word Kindness Day to you, too, Jim. I have allergies too. They pop up at the strangest of times, especially while watching some videos!
PS - Excellent saying!
. . . nor had one broken.
I have been thinking about this a lot lately, Heather. We would all like to spread kindness globally right now and it seems impossible, but we can affect our local world. Kindness to even one person is a start. I have a post on kindness coming out on Saturday regarding kindness to our service workers - waiters, cashiers, clerks. I was channelling my inner Heather. Thank you always for the inspiration.
To be honest, Sharron, sometimes I feel overwhelmed wondering how to spread kindness. Like you, I want kindness to reach all over the world, and it seems like my readers are already kind people. Ooftah.
I remind myself that you never know when a few kind words or even a simple smile could help someone.
I'm looking forward to your Saturday post. ❤
Don't get discouraged. The more you talk, the more we listen, my friend.
Being kind makes my day. Yesterday the grocery store was packed— especially the Baking aisle. Yet everyone was kind and patient. We all waited patiently while that gal tried to find the sage amongst spices and when she noticed us waiting she apologized sweetly. When she moved her cart we said Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.
Sage....an important ingredient for a Thanksgiving turkey and/or stuffing! And so perfect that everyone was patient and kind. You're so right, CK, being kind can absolutely make our day!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
You too! 🦃❤️🙏
Happy Word Kindness Day Heather 🤍
Absolutely love this 💡
Thank you for being so generous 🙏
My Substack is about helping people Thrive Now and in the Future - through a Kindness Lens.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jrnowwhat?r=4a721&utm_medium=ios
Thanks so much for sharing your Substack, "Now What, With JR". I am subscribed!
Thanks Heather 🙏
You make our world brighter and more energizing through your words and perspectives, Heather. Thank you!
Thank you, Beth. It takes a village...