Kindness Begins with Me!

I've been trying to get this posted since yesterday but things have kept needing my attention more than this blog. Thank you all for being patient with me!

I have give much thought and pondering to my post last week. A lot of it was because I wanted to make sure I practiced what I preached! But, truly, I am striving to be a kinder person. I have been on the look out all week for simple kindnesses that I can implement in my life---so I have appreciated your comments and you sharing your acts of kindness with me. I loved the jam idea. I'm definitely doing that! I've got some yummy fresh jam in my freezer that will make a great gift. I also loved the simple idea of giving a hug and a kiss as needed to a husband (did that!) but also to children. I loved the idea of doing an act of simple service that you will never know the outcome of such as leaving a close parking space for someone else. I'm guessing that if you made a habit of that over a life time you would definitely be a lifesaver for many! Loved the ideas also of noticing then helping to lighten another's load and of stopping to help someone along the road (although, being female, I don't feel like that is something I can do). I also loved the idea of being more gracious. In my mind, that is a mark of true kindness. All of these are areas I can work on, so thank you again for your comments (see prize details below:).
In the flow of my pondering this week, I have decided that much of kindness must start at home. Kindness is easier to give outside of the home (at least for me) because we want to give good impressions and we want to be friendly etc. But at home it is so easy to slip into a non-caring or grumpy attitude. But it is at home that we learn how to be kind and we get lots of opportunities to practice!! The mom at this house has committed to do better! So I have also been praying for kindness and kind thoughts. I've been pleased with the results. A few examples of what has happened: Yesterday morning as two children were arguing over who got to use the butter first the words that came out of my mouth surprised me. They were much kinder than I would have said on my own: "I have faith that you both have enough spiritual strength to solve this in a kind way." Another simple thing I've done is smiled. I can't believe what a difference that has made during my toddler's crying moments. They haven't gone away, but they've shortened. I also have been trying to look at my children each time they talk to me. These small things have added up to make a big difference in our home in the short time of a week. I'm going to keep trying. If you have any simple ideas that help with kindness at home I'd love to hear!

Now for the prize. I put in everyone's name who shared an act of kindness. (even Mr. or Ms. Anonymous :). And Brooke, you are my winner! You can leave a comment or send an email to chart@utwire.net to let me know what prize you want!