A Simple Act Saved Me + Comfort Zones Be Gone + She Was More Thirsty
Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,
Put the kettle on, it is time for a cuppa and a chat.
A little late getting here this morning. The high winds knocked our power out for a few minutes and it took time to redo some of the blog that did not automatically back-up.
First things first todays’ PEI Covid News
I bowed my head before lights out last evening. I gave thanks for the day and sought guidance about what I was to write about today.
When I awoke, the first word that popped into my brain was KINDNESS, and so it is.
“Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much.” ~ Erastus Wiman
I remember a time when life was dark. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but all I could see was a ‘train’ coming full speed towards me. It was a very dark tunnel.
Something simple came along to pour a bright light into the tunnel.
A group of people from a local church mailed a card to me with words of support and thoughtfulness.
It was all I needed.
That act of kindness enabled me to stand up and push back on the negative ‘train’ of thought. The simple act of sending a card is a potent example of how kindness and thoughtfulness can help someone.
This quote represents the card and the power it had on me.
"I bring you the gift of these four words: I believe in you." ~ Blaise Pascal
Kindness is being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, heart, empathy, and compassion are words associated with kindness. Being kind sometimes requires courage and strength.
I am learning to get out of my comfort zone and do something different is a blessing to others and meself.
Getting out of a comfort zone has proven to me to be period of ‘growth’ as it inspires me to see things differently. I find it helps with thinking more creatively. It is also energizing.
When I started this blog several years ago, all I could think about was how I couldn’t do this. I am not a writer. Who do I think I am? Who cares what I think? Who will want to read it? I decided to get out of my comfort zone and show up every Saturday morning and write. Get out of my head and into my heart, and if nobody shows up, I will write for myself.
Over the last year, your comments have been so kind. I appreciate you sharing encouraging words through the comment section. And many of you have commented to me in person while at the shop; thank you.
“I never met anyone who, after being paid a compliment, did not feel better.” ~ Hadrian
This CBC story of an NHL star's mom donating a kidney to an arena manager is fantastic. An example of the boomerang effect of kindness. What an excellent example this is. I love this act of selflessness and compassion. Read here.
May 1, our new blog Tea & Toast will come to life. We seek friend and family food stories. Also collecting stories of ‘random acts of kindness’ experienced. (thank you to all who have submitted to date.) More info here about Tea & Toast.
Here is a sample of how short your writing could be. I read about this simple act of kindness in a Reader’s Digest article.
I forgot about the rules on liquids in carry-on luggage, so when I hit security at the airport, I had to give up all my painting supplies. When I returned a week later, an attendant was at the baggage area with my paints. Not only had he kept them for me, but he’d looked up my return date and time in order to meet me. —Marilyn Kinsella, Canmore, Canada
If speaking kindly to plants helps them grow, imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do. ~ anonymous
+
Have a wonderful weekend and be kind out there.
With love from Prince Edward Island,
Bruce + Millie
"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." ~ Phyllis Diller
ps. Your Morning Smile
Comments
Ann Kingery said:
… Saturday, April 24th… a sunny, blue-sky day in Colorado… with Bruce and his lovely choices of music! A great way to start the day… thank you… /Ann
April 24, 2021
Pam said:
I love your blogs- you are indeed a writer, but this is the best one of all. Thank you for representing Islanders so well- with kindness. I always miss the kindness and light hearted banter and community mindedness of the people of PEI. I shall return the favour by sending every Calgarian I know who visits PEI to the Preserve Co.
April 04, 2021
Mary Larson said:
Our local newspaper carries the “Kindness is contagious “ column, where the author shares stories of kindness. Info@nicolejphillips.com. Also: nicolejphillips.com.
She also has a “Kindness podcast.”
April 03, 2021
Phil Britton said:
So look forward to Sunday. Just knowing you have something written that I know will brighten my spirit or make me stop to think listen and reflect on the stillness that is there. The videos are so timely to your message but also they seem to have been placed there for just me for the time and space I’m in at the time.
thanks for keeping them coming.
March 29, 2021
Julie MacKenzie said:
I love your blog. I look forward to it every weekend! You, indeed, are a writer & a very good one. ;)
March 29, 2021
Carol Prickett said:
Your blogs continue to bless my Saturday mornings with peace and hope. Thank you!
March 29, 2021
Patricia Takahashi said:
Thank you once again Bruce. From my cloudy snowy window out west, my maritime heart is always warmed after reading your blog
March 29, 2021
Penny Wright said:
You are a writer!!!
March 28, 2021
Evelyn Yantis said:
You are indeed a gifted writer! Your blogs are amazing, inspirational, full of humor, and full of practical advice!! Thank you for a glimpse into PEI life and wisdom! Please keep them coming! So. California, USA 🇺🇸
March 28, 2021
Susan Mayo said:
I don’t know about the speaking kindly to plants? I planted, a bit late in the season, with one of my favorite plants, Sweet Peas. I’ve had success in the past, but the last couple of years, the growth is anemic at best, and never lasts to flower. And I speak kindly to all of my plants! I used to say I have brown thumbs, but I lost that title when I harvested a pumpkin seed from a pumpkin decoration that I paid dearly for, and had it to almost to finished stage. It’s mama pumpkin was gorgeous! I had read an article about growing pumpkins while on a trip to Arkansas. Straw or a plate was necessary for putting under the pumpkin was the advise that I took away, and the stem broke on my beautiful, with a 37 inch girth, pumpkin. Probably a few weeks shy of the orange, yellow and green coloring it would have taken on. I still showed it off! All of my plants receive words of kindness! Even the Sweet Peas!
Always enjoy and appreciate you and your blogs. I would never have thought that you dealt with darkness in your life, yet, the beauty in that is that you can probably spot it in others because of your struggle, and you can, and are a source of encouragement. Spot on Bruce.
Hugs and blessings from sunny California!
Suzi.angels (aka Grammy!)
March 28, 2021
Kathryn J Zaengle said:
Kindness – a surprise? I am part of a blended family and my spouse and I interact with our previous spouses and extended family. When my husband’s ex-wife was critically ill we got a call that our son-in-law needed help retrieving his car from a parking lot where he had parked to pick up his wife to take her to the hospital. My husband went to pick him up from the hospital and bring him to the parking lot where I was waiting with our car to take my husband home. The only issue was that this was taking place during a blizzard. The parking lot was not plowed. I parked our car as carefully as I could but suddenly a snow plow needed the space I was in. In trying to move I ran into a buried parking log and damaged the car. Oh well. We do what we need to do. However, the following Christmas my husband’s ex-wife raised a glass to me to thank me for what I had done. This was completely unexpected. I had not even considered the option to not help. This was a real revelation to me. To think that this act had been seen as an act of kindness when I hadn’t even considered it told me that there was much more that I could do in my everyday life. Not to mention lightening up tensions in a blended family! All is well. The kindness that you extend to others will always come back to you in one way or another.
March 28, 2021
Mary Zelli said:
I have a friend, Gini Bonnell, who started an entire kindness movement with her Be Kind signs. She and her team of kindness angels have painted more than 10,000 be kind signs and sent the out into the universe to remind us all to be kind. This started with a divine inspiration as Gini told me she didn’t really have any artistic talents. So one person can make a huge difference with their efforts. She does not charge for these signs and you can find her on Facebook. Kindness rocks!
March 28, 2021
Jennifer Sue said:
Thank you for writing! I usually read it first thing Saturday and really enJOY what you are inspired to write!
This week we have been very involved with moving a dear relative to Assisted Living and showing honor to her by placing all her treasures in loving hands. The precious memories we each have are attached to the things we keep, but it’s really the people that we must treasure!! Same with how we choose to spend – invest- our time!!
Use things, love people…don’t reverse it!!
God Bless you this Holy Week!
March 28, 2021
Jennifer Sue said:
Thank you for writing! I usually read it first thing Saturday and really enJOY what you are inspired to write!
This week we have been very involved with moving a dear relative to Assisted Living and showing honor to her by placing all her treasures in loving hands. The precious memories we each have are attached to the things we keep, but it’s really the people that we must treasure!! Same with how we choose to spend – invest- our time!!
Use things, love people…don’t reverse it!!
God Bless you this Holy Week!
March 28, 2021
Mary said:
Love getting this blog on Saturdays. I save it for a quiet time after the Saturday rush to savor, usually with creamy earl grey tea. Thank you for this gift.
March 27, 2021
Rennee Wallace said:
So glad to hear the Marilyn got her paints back! We are proud owners of one of her amazing paintings. Thank you Bruce for your great blog! I always look forward to reading it!
March 27, 2021
Gail P said:
Thank you, Bruce, for your thoughtful, uplifting words each Saturday. I have especially appreciated them during this past year of Covid-induced isolation. You help bring perspective and renewed hope to this dark period. I am so thankful you take the time to share hope and kindness with us.
March 27, 2021
Susan B said:
Thank you Bruce for this beautiful blog. It was so moving with both of the videos. Fortunately, kindness has always been part of me. I have been able unconsciously, to put myself in the other person’s shoes, for some reason. I am so glad for you and for all of the readers that the light filled the tunnel !!! Have a great week at this beautiful time of the year.
Susan B
March 27, 2021
Joan Smith said:
Thank you for yet another sweet, uplifting blog. They are a wonderful salve for our hurting world.
March 27, 2021
Andrée said:
Thank you so much Bruce, for sharing weekly with all of us. Your blog inspires me and brightens my days…always look forward to finding you in my inbox on Saturday mornings!
March 27, 2021
Michelle said:
I literally wake up each Saturday morning looking forward to savoring your blog posts. You are a wonderful writer and inspire me each week with your insights. Thank you! My family and I met you briefly 3 years ago when we traveled to PEI (from Dallas, Texas). Reading your words each week reminds me of the sweetness of PEI and keeps me grounded wherever I am. So grateful for you and the difference you make in this world.
March 27, 2021
Jane said:
Kindness. The best!
March 27, 2021
Kay Schuld said:
Your blog this morning was wonderful, the world would be a better place if more kindness was shown. The video on kindness was so great & the video on the girl singing brought tears to my eyes.
THANK YOU, Kay
March 27, 2021
Murdock Morrison said:
Indeed Kindness is a powerful gesture that leads to positive outcome. I recently had major surgery that required a 4-6 week recovery and during that time I received many cards, emails and phone messages expressing thoughtfulness, kindness and love. It lifted my spirit and gave me strength to get through the changes your body experiences after surgery. Yes it is a sub conscience thought process but it is a reminder of how people want to show kindness to others and this definitely made a difference. How thankful I am fir their kindness. Murdock
March 27, 2021
Laurie sherrick said:
Just true words. Thank you for the reminder of just how important kindness is!
March 27, 2021
Mary said:
We love reading your blog Bruce, and we can’t wait for to return to the Preserve Company in person as soon as it is safe, we miss the delicious breakfasts. We have tried making our eggs with cheddar and chives at home, but they aren’t quite as good as the Preserve Company’s. Your blog brings us joy and a piece of the Island each week and we love to read it!
March 27, 2021
Cynthia said:
Bless your heart Bruce. You’re a great writer. It only takes a fraction of time to make someone feel valued,important and loved. Love your blog. Thank you.
Heartbeats and hugs of love are treasures.
Cynthia
March 27, 2021
Gregory Gordon said:
This is the second consecutive week I have been compelled to share your blog with three friends of mine to give them the same lift it has given me. Your video choice have been just what this sorry world needs. Thank you Bruce.
March 27, 2021
Margie Howard said:
Thank you for your inspiration! Today’s blog was over the top!!
March 27, 2021
Linda said:
I love your blogs. They contain so much…..humor, happiness, and HEART. I have tea and toast with jam as I read your blogs. Thank you for your thoughts and sharing with so much positivity. Blessings from Colorado.
March 27, 2021
Mikel Stevenson said:
A little piece of prose that stuck when I read it years ago:
I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to another’s need made me blind;
But I have never yet
Felt a twinge of regret
For being a little too kind.
March 27, 2021
Sharon V said:
You send the sweetest Saturday newsletters…I always forward them on to someone that I think would enjoy them. A wonderful start to the weekend. Thank you!
March 27, 2021