On Kindness

"Be kind" written in bright colors in chalk

Dear Horizon Families,

I miss our grace and courtesy circles. Kindness cannot be talked about enough.

“There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” – Fred Rogers

Every child growing up in the era I did knows this man with beautiful words and a beautiful soul. The definition of kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Kindness requires courage and strength.

“We speak with more than our mouths. We listen with more than our ears.” – Fred Rogers

What does this quote by Fred Rogers mean? Our actions, our tone of voice, our facial expression, and body language also help to communicate to others how we feel. We show kindness to others in the way we listen and speak.

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain

Kindness is respect and helping others without waiting for someone to help one back. Here are great questions to ask yourself. (I ask Paul for his answers in this video.)

 

Do you notice when people could use a helping hand?

Do you say please and thank you?

Do you take time to celebrate someone you love?

Do you tell someone how special they are to you?

Do you donate things no longer used at home to people in need?

Do you care for yourself and your things?

Are you truthful and honest?

Do you enjoy helping others with tasks?

Have you made something homemade for someone?

 

A simple act of kindness can turn a bad day into a good day. Not just for the receiver, but also the giver. Happiness is spread through each and every one of us. When we are kind towards others our bond with them grows. If you care for someone, they will feel it, they will pass it on.

What are the effects of being kind? We feel good when helping others. Being kind boosts serotonin, a chemical and neurotransmitter in the human body, which helps regulate mood and is present in our blood. Kindness helps our heart. Oxytocin, what many call “the feel good hormone” is released. Oxytocin causes the release of nitric oxide in blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and protects the heart. Having a strong network of family and friends strengthens the heart. Making new friends helps, too. Share a smile or kind word. Kindness may be the secret sauce to a happy, healthy life.

 

How do you show kindness?

Use your manners

Smile at a stranger

Hug often (when it is safe to do so)

Send someone a card

Call someone

Help a stranger (of course with a parent present)

Bake or cook for others

 

Radiate love and kindness:

Tell someone you have missed them

Drink from a reusable water bottle

Choose to eat sustainable foods that help plants, animals, and our earth

Ask someone how their day is

Use positive words

Do things you love

Do small things with great love

Donate books

 

These are some of my favorite quotes that remind us of what truly matters:

“Of all things love is the most potent.” – Maria Montessori

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” – Maria Montessori

“Do your little bits of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu

 

We have sung Raffi’s, “The More We Get Together,” during circle time. Look up the words and sing it. It will warm your heart and the hearts of others nearby.

 

?Melissa