Kindness Kindness Kindness

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inHenry James, Kindness, LadyBudd, Sunday Evening Reflection, World Kindness DayTags:, ,

On November 13th the World celebrates Kindness. 

It is an annual event which was first introduced in 1998, by the World Kindness Movement.

It all started September 1997, in Tokyo when Japan brought together like-minded kindness organizations from around the world for the first time to establish the World Kindness Movement.  Its mission is to encourage individuals toward greater kindness.

Kindness is a simple concept yet has the power to increase our personal wellbeing, the wellbeing of our family and friends, and those who cross our pathways.

Kindness is essential in everyday life.

Kindness boosts our serotonin and increases our feelings of satisfaction. Kindness eases anxiety, reduces stress and, according to scientific studies, prevents illness and leads to a happier life. 

When we invite kindness into our daily thoughts and actions, we widen our awareness of the human experience. We foster a deep desire within ourselves to engage with others in creating compassionate communities

Dear friends, thank you for choosing kindness, for reaching out with thoughtfulness and empathy.  May the kindness you share fill you with warmth and happiness.

Until next time we meet, I leave you with this thought by Henry James:

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

84 thoughts on “Kindness Kindness Kindness”

  2. So true! And yet the person I find it hardest to be kind to is myself. I’m always beating myself up about something or other. If only I could learn to be Just Perfect, the world would be a better place!

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    1. Yes!!! I know exactly what you mean, Margaret. Internal conversations are the most difficult because we set a high standard for ourselves. Maybe we need to acknowledge that our critical inner voice does not know what it is talking about. Thank you so much for adding depth to this conversation. Sending hugs across the ocean.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. How very well said, Shey!!! This weekend, we had (and still have) what is called a “Pineapple Express” which has drench Vancouver with up to 200 mm of rain (7.874 inches), which has caused flooding and power outages. We had intermittent power outages for the past 2 days. During the night, I could hear crews working diligently out in the rain and cold attempting to restore power to our building which was receiving limited heat. My thought – this was kindness in action!!!

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    1. Can you imagine what it would have been like to attend the conference that launched the World Kindness Day. It must have been an extraordinary and profound moment for all. Sending hugs your way!

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me in celebrating World Kindness Day, Paulette. Thank you for your commitment and efforts in kindness to our four-legged friends. Kindness is universal – it is a gift for all! Sending many hugs!

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  6. I feel more positive just learning that there is a World Kindness Movement! How wonderful and I hope that the day of Kindness leads to weeks, months and years! How true that it leads to ‘creating compassionate communities’. Thank you for sharing, Rebecca and I’m uplifted by the beautiful images accompanying your post. hugs xx ❤️

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    1. Thank you, Annika for your profound thoughts -that a day of Kindness leads to weeks, months and years.” I agree wholeheartedly. When we choose kindness instead of anger in a difficult situation today, it will be easier to continue to choose kindness going forward. It becomes a go-to response, a positive attitude that will change our lives. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and visit. – Very much appreciated.

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  7. Well said, dear Rebecca. It is a long process, though. We must overcome our envy, greed, and selfishness first. Then, I believe that the doors in our hearts will open towards compassion and kindness.

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Alaedin! Our first kindness is an internal conversation when we consider how envy, greed, and selfishness reduces our overall happiness. I think this is the most difficult conversation because we must acknowledge that we have those temptations. Thank you so much for your visit and comments. Very much appreciated.

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  8. Yes, yes, and yes! From seeing the joy on our little playmate’s or sibling’s face when we share a toy or smile (usually after prompting from a parent)…to holding open a door for someone laden with packages…to reading and liking your words for almost 7 years! Here’s to kindness and my gratitude for the kindly Author of Kindness. Hugs+++

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    1. Thank you for heartwarming comments, Mary Jo! I remember when we (siblings & cousins) went on an Easter Egg hunt at our Grandparents’s home. It was a competition to see who could find the the most eggs/candy. Imagine our surprise when we were asked, after the hunt was over, to put all the candy in the middle of a table and divide it out evenly. I was 6 years old. It was a lesson that I carried forward in the years since. Competition is great; sharing and kindness is even greater. I am delighted you enjoyed the video. Sending many hugs back your way.

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you, Dave! Isn’t it interesting that the person who wrote The Aspern Papers, The Turn of the Screw, The Portrait of a Lady and more gave us that profound quote – kindness, kindness, kindness.

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  10. I can not think of a better way to start the day than with this message from you. Thank you for sharing. Kindness does not require lots of money, many hard days of work, or a super intelligent mind, it just takes a loving heart and attitude and care for the well being of our family and friends! We talk of “little” acts of kindness, but in the scheme of acts, they are the largest. Thank you for the quote from Henry James! !

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Frances – “little” acts of kindness and not so little. I love the Henry James quote and completed a research into whether it was truly his words. It was!! Mr. Rogers used the same quote and gave attribution to Henry James. It is one of my favouite quotes because it creates a pause to consider how kindness integrates into our daily lives. Here is how I look at the quote: The first kindness is for ourselves. The second kindness is for friends and family. The third kindness is for our communities, both local and global. Many thanks for your lovely comments.

      Liked by 4 people

  12. I can but echo all these responses, though of you and said kindness, I can also speak of personal and ongoing experience since our first encounter these many years ago. You and Don have become our kindness link to and in Vancouver, both Marianne and I are most appreciative and thankful!

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    1. I love that thought – Kindness Link that joins two side of Canada. What an adventure we have been on over the years. Sending many hugs to you and Marianne. Looking forward to many conversations waiting for our arrival in 2022.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi Rebecca, thank you for this lovely post. It is great to know about this movement. I have long known this although I taught it to my boys differently. I told them that if you wish to find happiness in life you must seek it outside of yourself. You must not look internally for happiness because you will not find it there, happiness is found by serving others and connecting with them. The I must become the We.

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    1. You have given your boys a wonderful foundation for life, Robbie. I love your powerful and profound thought “the I must become We.” Can you imagine what it would have been like to be at the inaugural conference of the World Kindness Movement. Thank you for your commitment to supporting others – your kindness and compassion is truly appreciated in our community.

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  15. I love this albeit I am late to the party but its never too late to be kind I am happy to hear there is a kindness day as we could all certainly benefit from giving and receiving kindness Hugs x

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    1. Oh my dear friend, you are never, ever late to any party. Your bring the most delicious and nutritious food so the party begins with your arrival. (I wish you were my next door neighbour) This past weekend, we had what they call the Pineapple Express come through Vancouver with 200mm or about 8 inches of rain over the weekend. Our power was on and off for a couple of days and our heat was limited. During the night hours I heard a crew trying to bring back our electricity. They worked through the night in the cold and pouring rain, which was a wonderful act of kindness for those of us who huddled in the dark and cold. You are so right – we all benefit from giving and receiving kindness. Sending hugs back across the ocean.

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  16. Rebecca, a deeply felt thank you for this beautiful post about kindness. I do so believe the same
    and if we practised every morning to let our first thoughts and words be those of kindness and care
    I truly believe the world would be a smiling place with the heart leading the way.

    Miriam

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me in celebrating World Kindness Day! How very well said – “let our first thoughts and words be those of kindness and care.” It is a choice that transforms our connection to ourselves and to others. Many thanks for adding depth to this post – very much appreciated!

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  18. Thank you for this lovely reminder to be kind to everyone and everything. If everyone practised kindness the world would be a much better place. I love your spoken words in the video and also the wonderful music. Thank you, my kind friend.

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    1. When I walk this particular nature pathway, what I enjoy most is meeting up with our four legged friends. This is a perfect place to walk dogs – they love the scents of the trees and the river flowing nearby. Kindness to all life forms is essential. Our very survival depends upon living in harmony with the natural world, remembering that we may not be the most advanced creature that walks this earth.

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me on my “meditation” walk on a nature pathway in North Vancouver. I agree – the ripple effect is a powerful force. I have found that choosing kindness is an act of courage, especially in difficult circumstances when there is perceived unfairness or injustice, but there is joy and wellbeing in return. Many thanks for your visit and comments. Very much appreciated.

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  20. Kindness really is a two-way street, Rebecca – or so I’ve found throughout my life.
    As you mentioned in your wonderful video, engaging in kindness increases our serotonin and other happiness hormones.
    Isn’t it ironic that this investment in life is actually a self preserving act. If it wasn’t for the fact that we really can’t be kind unless this is our intention, one may say we are cynics looking to prevent our own decomposition..
    But, not so, indeed not….
    Like all intentional acts the actor must firstly be affected.

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    1. Thank you for creating a space that invites kindness, Carolyn. I especially appreciated your thought that “investment in life is actually a self preserving act.” I agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment. Our physical and psychological health is connected to our ability to be kind to ourselves and to others. We have a choice – every day, every hour enact compassion! “Like all intentional acts the actor must firstly be affected.”

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    1. Sylvia – your kindness to those who share our planet can been seen in every photo you take from your view through your magical window. Thank you for joining me on my walk – we have the best conversations. Sending hugs across the ocean.

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      1. I can hardly wait to get back home to my magical window, Rebecca. It’s not been a whole lot of fun going overseas on holiday to the seaside and then suddenly needing a hip replacement. I’m powering through, though. This too shall pass, as Mom used to say. 🙏🏻🤗😘

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      2. I can hardly wait to get back home to my magical window, Rebecca. It’s not been a whole lot of fun going on holiday to the seaside and then having a hip replacement. I’m powering through, though. This too shall pass, as Mom used to say. 🙏🏻🤗

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      3. I have been thinking about you these past weeks. So glad that you are coming home and that you are on the way to recovery. I LOVE your Mom’s “this too shall pass” and have been repeating that this past year. Sending hugs and more hugs!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I have never seen so much rain come down from the heavens as I saw over this weekend 200mm or 8 inches. It was relentless. Our power went out two time for several hours which limited our heat, but we are not in the flood areas. The sun came out yesterday and has stayed for another day. It has been an interesting year with a heat way in June and flooding in November. Thank you so much for asking! Sending many hugs across the miles.

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      1. I’m relieved you’re not dealing with any flooding. That’s a heck of a lot of rain though. Weather and climate is changing everywhere. What I’m most afraid of here are high winds. They’re already crazy at times, and I pray they don’t get any worse. Take care! xx

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      2. I remember walking up Signal Hill, St. John’s and being almost swept away. I had taken out my phone just to take photos, but the wind was to strong that I had to keep focused on taking one step at a time.

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  24. Dear Rebecca,

    I’ve thought this for a long time. Never a mean person, I learned to be kinder.
    The word “kind”… when someone first told me I was kind, I was somewhat shocked.

    We (costumes, hair and make-up) had gone to NYC to do promotional work for a movie we had just finished shooting.
    The make-up person had fear of flying, fear of cars, trains, buses, etc.
    There was a massive storm moving through, just north of us.
    We were the 40th plane lined up on the runway.
    They cancelled all flights after ours.
    We waited 4 hours. One by one, planes were sent back to holding, as their fuel had become too, low.
    We had eaten and drank everything on the plane.
    Then the pilot announced, our flight is cancelled.
    The plane began turning around.

    Suddenly, the pilot announced, “there’s a hole in the storm! You want to go for it?”
    A ginormous YES went up.
    The pilot turned the plane around, and up we went.
    I was seated beside my make-up cohort. She began shaking and crying. I held her in my arms and spoke gently to her, until we were over Toronto.
    Then the pilot informed us that due to the storm, there was only 1 runway opened. We had to circle for over 2 hours more.
    I continued to caress her and talk softly to her.
    When we finally landed, she had to be taken off the plane in a wheelchair.

    Years later, we worked together on another movie.

    She was now a single mom, divorced and raising a teenage daughter. She asked if I was still with Norm.
    I said yes.
    She replied, that’s because you are kind to him. He must be kind to you, too.

    Kindness made more sense than anything else, at that moment.
    I was so honoured to be thought of in this kind way. I grew.
    {{{hugs}}}

    Liked by 2 people

    1. My dear Resa, your kindness comes out in everything you do, from your walks to find mural treasures to your glamorous arts gown, to your special pies, to your love of fellow creatures, to the care for our earth, to your support of and compassion for our blogging community. I smiled when your said that you were shocked when someone said that you were kind. Of course, this would never cross you mind because your kindness comes intuitively, without pretense. You have a kindness that comes from a deep respect for all who come into your life. I am honoured that we have connected and that we share the pathway together. What joy there is to find, as Anne Shirley said, “kindred spirits.” Sending many hugs across the mountains, praise and lakes…

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      1. Oh Rebecca! You say the best things.
        I’m honoured that we have connected, too!
        Kindred Spirits!
        Hope the flood thing in BC settles soon.
        Has it stopped raining?
        I’ve got 1 more drawing for the next episode of the AGMs & PBH.
        Your black bamboo plays! xo

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      2. The rain is over but the clean-up has begun. Metro Vancouver has temporarily suspended glass and foam collection for recycling because the primary glass process facility is currently under water and key transportation routes to reach alternative processors are closed. Gas restriction are taking place in BC. Areas hit hard by flooding are also dealing with regional Covid19 restrictions. And there are pleas to stop hoarding food and grocery shelves empty. I have every confidence that things will improve. I am heartened by the many committed people working together. Looking forward to the next episode of the AGMs & PBH.

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      3. So many unprecedented climate happenings!
        There are many wonderful people helping each other.
        Creating a storage pantry is a wise thing to do. Buy extra when on sale, save it for when needed but not in the middle of a crisis.
        That is hoarding.
        As a matter of fact, if one has a healthy pantry, one has something to share when needed!
        {{{hugs}}
        Hey, I didn’t realize that there is an immersive Klimt show in Toronto. Crazy!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. I agree, Diana – kindness everyday is a choice – one that is in our power to make. Even so, there have been times when I felt that choosing kindness was too hard. Perhaps that is the time when kindness is the most needed! Sending hugs back your way with all speed.

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    1. How very well said, Teagan. The word “kindness” has many other words embedded within it – compassion, hope, honesty, truth, gratefulness, encouragement. Your writing and stories are full of kindness! Many thanks for stopping by! Sending hugs back on the wing with great speed.

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