Sometimes in life you meet someone who changes your life and through some hidden alchemical reaction taking place deep within your cells, you are never the same again.
I heard a quote once, possibly about 7 years ago, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle".
No one seems to know who was the original sayer of that quote.
Some say it was Plato and some say it was someone else. It matters not, for it's an eternal piece of wisdom that holds true no matter what era the human race finds itself in.
Kindness softens a heart and gives hope where perhaps before there was none.
On a daily basis, as you go about your business, you are interacting with many people. Some you barely speak to, some you have a longer conversation with and some you don't speak to at all.
Make no mistake though, you have touched each of their lives, whether you spoke or not. Oftentimes even a glance will affect someone who is at their wits end and drenched in desperation.
You never know when your kind smile and eyes will make all the difference in someone's life right when they need it most.
How often do we stop to think of the inherent power of words? The words that others direct towards us leave indelible marks upon our spirits and sometimes, may scar them for life. Likewise, the words we say to those around us have the ability to lift up the spirits who they are spoken to, or tear them down to gound zero minus 50.
Now where is this more evident than on the faces of children.
It breaks my heart to see a child with a worried or sad face.
Childhood should be a time of happiness and ease, however for millions of children the world over it is anything but.
Do you remember when you were a child and someone was kind to you?
When we are children, open and trusting, the words spoken to us have a greater effect than at any other time in our lives.
This time of year, when unwrapping my Christmas ornaments and memorabilia, I always pause to think of two people who greatly affected my life as a child.
Mr and Mr's Barazynski lived next door to us in Batawa, Ontario.
They were an elderly and lovely couple who's children had grown.
They seemed to dote on me and one day, when Christmas was approaching, they brought over some tiny figurines wrapped gently in cloth.
They were 'from the old country', they said and they thought that I might enjoy having them.
I gazed in wonder at the clay figurines which were hand-painted in muted tones, now dull with age and the oils of the many hands who had held them.
They seemed heavy in my tiny hands and my Mother thanked Mr and Mrs Barazynski while I stared in wonder at these small treasures, the remnants of an old nativity scene.
I felt so loved and so special at that moment.
To think they had thought of me and had brought these treasures to my house to give them to me. I will never forget their kindness nor their soft smiles, kind words and gentle eyes.
Think of the difference you alone can make in one tiny life or in the lives of all of those you meet daily. Just a kind word of encouragement or admiration recognizing something special about the person goes a long way and will never be forgotten.
©2009JoSmith
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Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.Oakville-BurlingtonHomes.com |
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Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Your Choice Realty , Mississauga, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com |
Great sentiment for this market and in general. I always try to remember to say thank you. So simple, but important.
Sonia,
It's amazing what a great impact just the words 'thank you' can have, isn't it?
Jo
good morning Sara,
good idea to keep it on your desk....I think it is a quote we should all be reminded of daily.
Jo
Jo, we all can make a difference even with our smallest of kindnesses, and they do have ripples, even looking at yourself and remembering this story. Keep being kind. The world needs more of it.
Jo-Anne: Your lovely blog is now featured on our Optimist Group. May we live our entire lives in the spirit of Christmas:
Think of the difference you alone can make in one tiny life or in the lives of all of those you meet daily. Just a kind word of encouragement or admiration recognizing something special about the person goes a long way and will never be forgotten.
Jo-Anne: Thank you for YOUR kindness is sharing this wonderful story and the reminder quotes.
I love that quote Jo-Anne! It's so proactive! Don't wait for someone to be kind...show them how! Awesome! Great words to live by!
Jo, I love the quote and you're very right that it doesn't take much to change someone's day around. A small kindness can have a bigger ripple effect then we may have imagined. Thank you for the reminder to pay it forward in ways big and small....they are ALL important.
Jo - I Loved the post card the picture is so appropriate for your message ... someone has to light the way
The message is so simple but yet can be so powerful. I did something yesterday I don't normally do (give money to someone who asked while I was at the gas station) but the kindness made me feel good. It's contagious. My whole day felt good.
No one can tell a story like you Jo.
Such a great message to remember as we go about our daily lives. Thanks and Merry Christimas to you.
Jo~
I am smiling and it is so early on a dreary morning! ..and it is a sleet-filled day..and cold as the mountains can offer...Still I feel warm...Thank you for this gift, your post. As always, you warm hearts and create possibilities.
Great message for this time of year; sometimes we forget to stop and just cherish those special times in life. Thanks for the reminder and a trip dowm memory lane with my old childhood next door neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Wisnom.
Thanks Jo for reminding us to keep the spirit of Christmas in our hears year 'round. What an impact that would have! Merry Christmas!
kp
Jo, great post and a great reminder at Christmas time as well. Thank you for sharing. We all need to remember this and be kind to everyone we meet. Thanks, again.
So true.. what a great story this morning. Thank you for sharing
Jo-Anne, you are SO right. You never know how you may affect someone's day or life. We need to remember to look for the opportunities to connect with people. I have found some of my greatest friends "by accident". :-) Great positive post to start Monday. Thank you!
Very true. We all are walking different paths but we all have obstacles to overcome. And sometimes it is just a smile or a kind word that gives us strength. Thanks.
Another that I like in preference to those awful words of 'No Problem' is 'You Are Welcome'. if some-one thanks you be gratious as well.
Thanks for the post today. I like the sentiment very much and the quote is very good.
Patricia
hi Jo, its amazing how the smallest gestures and kindness can have such a BIG impact on other people. Have a wonderful Christmas. {hug}
Great post Jo... People sometimes get to wrapped up into themselves and forget to lend a helping hand. It doesn't take a lot of energy to hold that door open for someone or say thank you.
Just a little careness goes along way!
If we can just remember to be kind not only around the holidays, but year 'round! Kindness brings joy. Be kind today and you will feel good today! The more people you are kind to, you will find the more people are kind to you! I try to remember that even in dealing with difficult people in difficult situations. It has taken me YEARS to learn that my words and how they are presented will either get me kicked to the curb or first in line! Thank you for the beautiful reminder this morning!
Just a few days ago, I saw a poster that said "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." I've really been thinking about it a lot, and it must be fate for me to be reading about it on here. Thank you!
Jo, What a great post for the season. Greeting the world everyday with kindness comes back in larger bunches. Never know what someone is going through. Thanks!
Wonderful thoughts for this time of year. Kindness goes so far in a world where everyone is in a hurry and doesn't have time for the niceties.
Thanks for post today. I needed a bit of encouragement.
Jo Anne,
The Dalai Lama's version is Be Kind Whenever Possible, It is Aways Possible. All the best!
That is a very sweet story and you are right, kindness goes a long way.
Great post! We actually have that same quote posted in our brokerage office.
Goes to show, the best things in life really are free! And more than encouraging someone else, we actually reap the benefits of having a more kind and positive attitude.
I don't think we are always meant to know when we have positively influenced others. Not knowing sometimes keeps us humble.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about your kind neighbors from the "old country." Now more than ever, we all need kindness ... even in small doses it makes such a difference in someone's life. On Saturday at a busy mall, a clerk stopped and said something very kind to me ... and it stayed with me for the rest of the day, making me feel wonderful. Such a small thing, yet so important!
Very appropriate for the holiday season. Thanks for posting! Have a great week!
I remember many kindnesses that were done to me in childhood and the people who did them. Children never forget these things.
Jo Ann: So true. Thanks for this. We should be looking to help others at every opportunity. That's what God put us on this earth to do. Thanks again!
Jo-Ann I smiled reading this. Kindness DOES go a long way. You're right, you never know someone's story and kind could be just the thing they need to solve their problem or pick them up. Kindness heals. It sure does bring you to tears too like it did last night when i watched extreme makeover. the women, ms. clara was being rewarded for her kindness and love.
Gary,
You're a great leader in the kindness department....the world needs a zillion more of you.
((-;
Jo
Mirela,
Thanks so kindly!
Jo
Dianne,
Thanks...you're a sweetheart.
(-:
Jo
Of course it is all in the timing.... just got out of a 4-hr closing, 2 hrs to sign the papers and 2 to wait for funding. I lost all sight of smiling or making a positive impact in someone else's day. Thanks for the reminder.
Beautifully written Jo...and clearly shows the depth of what your "words" portray you...as a heartfelt person.
It's a beautiful day Jo....Happy Holidays!
Mr. & Mrs. Barazynski wanted to recipricate your kindness and in the spirit of their native land-> Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia :)
Sincerely,
Grace
Hi Jo...Thank you for sharing your memories of Mr. and Mrs. Barazynski. You reminded me of a couple that was very kind to me when I was very, very young. This was a kind thing for you to do.
When we are kind to someone it makes them feel good and we do too. Win-win.
Thank you.
Kate
Jo Anne,
We should always walk in grace and kindness..
A smile, a gentle touch, a soft word cannot be wrong.
Thank you so much for the post.
All one has to do is look at the current battle over health care for those that do not have it or cannot afford it to see that though we consider ourselves to be a "kind" country, there is a lot of unkindness out there. Problem is, most of those unkind people do not see the big picture from a distance. We fight for swine flu vaccine when many more elderly will die of the regular flu and there are mothers in Africa who will cry tonite since their babies died for lack of medicines that we buy over the counter for pennies. Few of us have had to undergo the disasters that many have. Katrina was about the worst for many.
Sadly, I see less kindness that I used to when I was younger. I search all over for it, but our country has gotten out of whack and could use a little jolt to get us back on track. We each need to do what we can to set good examples, but unfortunately the others could be too busy texting to see kindness in action. But we need to keep trying.
What a wonderful post, Jo Anne. You are absolutely right when you say you touch everyone you come in contact with, even if you don't speak to them. That is what you need to keep in your head when you go about your business everyday.
Hi Jo-Anne -- This post touched me and made me remember an elderly woman who I made potholders for as a kid and got 5c and 10c for them. She ended up buying a bunch and was so complimentary of my work, I was 9-10 at the time. I was beaming that someone actually bought them and I have always remembered her kindness and generosity. It's amazing how it's the little things we remember.
So true that we can make a difference. Have you ever had a day where a smile or a kind word just changed the whole direction of your day?
If our business is nothing it's about being of service to others. The meaning real estate has for people comes with a great price tag and usually lots of emotion. Being a kind in all our dealings will not only be a great benefit to those we serve but it will also be returned many times over. My motto is "Treat Eveyone Like Gold."
The world is a better place because people like you shine a light on the goodness that enhances the lives of others. Thanks
It's so true that kindness goes a long way. I am usually very kind to strangers. It's family and friends, though, that pay the price!
The comment that lives with me is about 15 years old. When you have a problem or challenge ask yourself "Will my life be affected one year from today?" If no you don't have a problem. If yes, you do have a problem
have a great day
tony
Thank you so much for this post. There is a lot of suffering in this world but if we can let our lights shine and give something positive back like kindness it is like giving ourselves a gift just as much as it is giving one. Kindness to me is another word for love! :-)
Jo, both positive and negative little things can burn permanent memories in our lives. We don't know how long the things we say or do may affect someone. Sometimes more thought would make a big difference.
What a great message Jo-Anne. I teach my kids to look beyond a person's behaviour and try to understand that they may be dealing with difficult things that are beyond their control at the moment that are affecting the way they act with others. It's what my mom taught me. It makes the world, and our lives in it, much deeper, kinder and more peaceful. Thanks again for a great post. -- Tanya in Montreal
Great post. Kindness is something that we can give all throughout the year and just like your example can make an impact in someone's life.
Its the small things not the big ones that make the difference.
Great story to start off my week!
What a beautiful post and a powerful message! I have a similar memory: as a child my neighbors were elderly, and so kind to us. It was like having grandparents right next door. I still remember how excited it was to receive a special surprise one Easter morning when they sent over a huge Easter basket for us. Kindness like that is never forgotten.
Jo Anne - Love this outlook on life and people, words of wisdom to truly live by.
Kind to all... Big or Small
Your smile will be... A gift to all!
Nyssa, Thanks for your lovely comment. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hi Carole, You're the Queen of Kindness and it comes straight from your heart.
Kathy, Yes, if we're able we should light the way for those who need it. At times we need someone else to light our way.
Kris, I notice many more people asking for hand-outs this time of year...how kind of you to give to someone in need.
Missy, aww, thanks. Merry Christmas to you and all of your lovely family too!
janeAnne, you have the most wonderful way with words...thanks so kindly and thank you greatly for re-blogging this post.
((-;
Jo
Penny, I would like to hear the story about the Wisnoms.
Karen, Yes indeed, the world would be such a better place.
Joyce and Terry, Thank you!
Thank you Roland.....nice to see you!
Marney, the greatest friends are often found 'by accident'...or is it an accident afterall?
Gary, I guess it's part of the human condition.....no life is without it's share of troubles.
((-:
Jo
Jo, It looks to me like I'm not the only one that's been missing you on here.....Congrats on the Star and I DO hope you're back to stay!!
Hi Jo,
A beautiful story and I agree with Carole--we've missed you and your writing.
Corinne, 'You're welcome' isn't heard often enough!
Patricia, Thanks!
Marti, How true! Hugs to you too and please keep warm...
Corey, Isn't it amazing how kindness travels in waves and relieves stress all around?
Stephanie, Words are so powerful, aren't they?
Shana, Sometimes messages come to us from all angles.
Sara, Let's hope kindness stays year round and we always remember to carry it forward.
Nicholas, It does go a long way, doesn't it?
Christa, I hope your day is going better today.
Ron and Alexandra, I'm reading one of his books right now...amazing man.
Thank you James!
Doug, That's a wonderful place to have it posted!
Deena, I agree with you completely....
Maureen, Amazing how powerful a few kind words are, isn't it?
Great quote. It is really, really true. Thanks for a great blog to remind us.
I always try to remember every person is a million stories and we really don't know what roads they've been down. Just because they cut us off in traffic doesn't mean they are a jerk. Who knows where they are going or what they are dealing with at the time.
Hi Jeff, I hope you have a great week too and thanks for stopping by!
Claudette, You're so right...children never forget.
Paul , Thank you too!
Dee, Kindness certainly does heal....amazing isn't it?
An, Sometimes it's hard to feel giving when we are stressed and tired, this is human.
Sally, Awww, thanks. Merry Christmas to you and Gary and your beautiful family!
Grace and Jeff, Thank you for the beautiful message....
Kate, Yes, the perfect WIN-WIN. I'm glad you were reminded of a couple from your childhood. ((-;
Judi, Thank you for your lovely sentiments.
John, Never giving up the good fight is what it's all about.
Heather, Thank you for being a kind presence in my day.
Chris, What a lovely memory and lady! Thanks for sharing....
Christine, Yes, I've had many of those days ....I call them 'touched by an angel'.
Frank, Thank you for your gracious comment and outlook.
Kyle, Kindness does go a long way!
Tony, Excellent quote and one to always think about. Thanks.,
Wendy, How beautiful! Kindness=Love
Hi Brian, Definitely pausing before we speak helps greatly....you are certainly amongst the kindest men I know.
Jo-Anne ~ What a nice quote and it can really make a difference in your life if you try and treat everyone nicely and with respect. You are absolutely correct, it does not cost anything but sometimes it appear that courteousness has disappeared and this is very unfortunate. It would be nice if everyone treated each other they way they wanted to be treated. Kate
Jo-Anne, Thank you for a beautiful story. Sometimes in the business of our day-to-day lives, we tend to forget yet we shouldn't. It was a pleasure to read your story.
Hi Tanya, Your Mom sounds like a very wise woman. My Mom is from Montreal and she always said 'Don't judge a book by it's cover', which I suppose is very similar.
Integrity Mort., Thanks!
Andrew, How true!
Trisha, thanks for stopping by.
Sharon, Thank you for sharing your beautiful memory.
Dianne, thanks for the lovely poem!
Hi Carole, Finding time to blog is not always possible....lately I get up at 6 am or earlier so that I have time to write before my day begins. ((-; I hope you're feeling better.
Cynthia, Thanks so much....I've missed you too.
Jill, You're a very wise and considerate woman.... ((-;
Kate, yes, it would be a beautiful world. The golden rule holds true no matter the time or place.
Elyse, Thank you!