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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.

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; usually,
it comes back to you. ~Anonymous


"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its
vicinity freshen into smiles." ~ Washington Irving

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 

+

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."
~ Napoleon Hill

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

Question on second-grade math quiz: "Tony drank 1/6 of a glass of juice. Emily drank 1/4 of a glass of juice. Emily drank more. Explain."
My grandson’s answer: "She was more thirsty."
Previous article Happy News + Rewilding + Magicians Dilemma

Comments

Kathryn J Zaengle - March 28, 2021

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.

Mary Zelli - March 28, 2021

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!

Jennifer Sue - March 28, 2021

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!

Jennifer Sue - March 28, 2021

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!

Mary - March 27, 2021

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.

Rennee Wallace - March 27, 2021

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!

Gail P - March 27, 2021

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.

Susan B - March 27, 2021

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

Joan Smith - March 27, 2021

Thank you for yet another sweet, uplifting blog. They are a wonderful salve for our hurting world.

Andrée - March 27, 2021

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!

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