The Kindness Tree

Romeo, Romeo, Where Art Thou Romeo?

QUESTION:
Do you ever wish ROMEO, or PRINCE CHARMING or THE GREAT WIZARD OF OZ would come into your life and make you feel better. I do. Since those guys seem to be busy somewhere else, I suggest we continue to look for the  "pot of gold" in another way. (For an endearing article on HEROES & HEROINES, see  stories@clubmomemail.com)

THE ANSWER: SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS AND WATCH THE MAGIC HAPPEN

If you take a  moment to practise a random Act of Kindness, you  can create a feeling that will last much longer!  CREATIVITY IS THE KEY! (See CreativityforLIfe.com for true inspiration)

So, here's your CREATIVE CHALLENGE:

To start, keep it simple. Do an ACT OF KINDNESS  toward a family member to see the result.
Some examples are:   replace the toilet paper (before someone has to ask for it)when the roll is done (CONSIDERATION), send an email to your mate just to say "hi"  and see how their day is going (THOUGHTFULNESS) REALLY, REALLY LISTEN  to someone (HELPFUL)
and, of course, Give a Hug (CARING)

IS THERE ANY KINDNESS LEFT IN THE WORLD?

IF YOU RAN ACROSS A JERK (or even worse) TODAY,
OR THOUGHT TO YOURSELF THAT THE WORLD CAN BE A CRUEL PLACE, then ...
THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!

In today’s world, we often feel that the caring has somehow been lost.
Automated phone answering messages, impersonal service, things that break right after you pay to have them fixed, and the list goes on and on and ...

You get the point I’m sure,  as I would assume that you have certainly felt that way yourself  on more than one occasion.

In my own business, customers often comment on our personalized and caring service and the fact that it is so rare today, as if we were doing something very strange.
HOW SAD!!

With this in mind :  JOIN US AND LISTEN UP !!

OUR MOTTO IS
“KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS …SPREAD IT!!”

Stay Tuned until next time when we tell you more on  “HOW TO….

SO, WHAT IS KINDNESS, ANYWAY?

SO, WHAT IS KINDNESS, ANYWAY? (Part 1-The Question)

I don’t think anyone would disagree that kindness is a good thing. But, would everyone agree on what kindness actually is?

First, check out VISUAL THESAURUS and see how they define KINDNESS.
(a really cool resource to know about anyway!)

I recently had the unfortunate experience in which a business interaction turned very sour.  The person veiled their actions as “kind” when, in fact, what they did was what they were responsible for as part of a contractual commitment rather than an Act of Kindness.  It is easy to confuse responsibility with kindness, but the true intent and the real effect it has on the recipient are very different.

In Robert Scoble & Shel Israel’s book, “Naked Conversations”, they reference a study done by Dr. Gregory S. Berns, an Emory University Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, that indicates “Altruism turns people on even more than money.” (p.43)    (we shall leave this debatable finding for some later discussion!)

In addition,  Bert & John Jacobs  became famous selling their “Life is Good” T-shirts by “spreading optimism worldwide”.

So, are those examples of kindness?

A PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS BLOG  is to spread KINDNESS  ...  and ...
make it reign supreme!

So, readers, HERE IS THE CHALLENGE:

Your task as a family is for each family member to separately list up to 5 behaviors that each of you would consider “kind.”  Be as specific as you can and give examples.

For instance, my son Matthew, age 14, will often ask unsolicited if I need any help when he sees that I am stressed. That to me is an Act of Kindness.

My youngest son Scott will remember to ask how I am feeling a day later (with no prompting) - not too shabby for an 11 year old.

These are moments that touch my heart and ones that are Acts of Kindness to me.

Send us what you learn about your family and you will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Gift Certificate for The Next Generation, specializing is Children’s Unique Hand Painted Gifts, Room Accessories and Furnishings.