Kindness. It’s a wonderful gift to give …and receive. You don’t have to physically go out and buy this present, or wrap it in colourful paper and bows. You already have this perfect gift. Being courteous, thoughtful and appreciative, are positive, heart-and-mind qualities that you and I already possess. They’re ours to share freely with our family, friends and co-workers, as well as people working in our local post offices, supermarkets, and favourite cafés.
KINDNESS IS A FREE GIFT
Being a friendly, pleasant person costs nothing. Doing a kindness or good turn for someone without expecting anything in return, is a generosity of heart that can’t be bought. In fact, it’s impossible to put a price on kindness. So before you head out the door each day, why not take with you a spirit of caring and grace. Giving the gift of kindness is good for your health.
SIX TIPS FOR GIVING THE GIFT OF KINDNESS
1. Look for occasions to be a kind-hearted gift-giver – to express appreciation to others, to be encouraging or supportive. It’s such a treat for those you meet to be given respect and kindness – not because they’re nice to you, but because you enjoy being a nice person.
2. Help your children give the gift of kindness at home and school by being considerate and well-mannered. I’m so grateful that my mother taught me to say “thank you” to her, every time she gave me something or did something for me. It’s so natural now for me to be kind and thank everyone – the driver who stops for me at a crossing, the hospitality worker who makes, or brings me, my coffee.
3 Make the effort to share your kindness-gift at every opportunity. There are many instances with family, neighbours, co-workers or classmates where you can give them warm-hearted praise or special attention. Simple words of kindness grease the wheel of life making it more enjoyable for everyone.
4. When you leave home each day, take with you a gift-wrapped “heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Bible. Colossians 3:12
5. Be selfless, generous, kindly, forgiving. “If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p.9
6. If you’ve “had a kindness shown you,” pass it on. Be ready to give the gift of kindness, no matter what. You never know who it will bless. Your kind word or act could change someone’s entire day for the better. It’s why kindness, is good for your health.
This article was first published on my blog site spiritualityandhealthconnect.com. It is published on Motherpedia. It was published in the AUGUST 2018 edition of Around Point Cook and Around Altona Community newspapers in print and online via Issuu.

Hands up if you remember this 60’s pop-song by Paul Simon. “Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last”. To slow down right away and live a more meaningful life, is a message that still resonates today. Time flies by at a great rate, the traffic is hectic, everyone’s in a hurry to get somewhere, social media is constantly being checked, the family has to be here-or-there. Phew! If you want to prevent burn-out, stay safe while driving, and enjoy family life more, then it’s time to mentally slow down, be calm, ease up and remain cool. It’s do-able. You can slow down right away and find that it’s good for your health.
Enjoy life right now. It’s a simple message. An obvious one really. You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect at home or work before you allow yourself to enjoy life. It’s time right now to delight in every small moment – to stop and admire the flowers, laugh with one another, enjoy each other’s company. The reason for taking pleasure in what life has to offer, is that it’s uplifting, constructive and truly good for your health.
Put your hands together and celebrate achievement! Every achievement is worth celebrating. The achievement could be doing an outstanding job as a mother caring for the family, a long and happy marriage, a teen’s school graduation, a first pay cheque, doing extra-well at work, or running a successful
Sign up! Be a GREAT team player – one who is ALWAYS considerate, cooperative, constructive; who lives and works alongside others in harmony; and who in spite of differences strives for the common good of everyone. Being a great team player is to make a real contribution that’s not only good for your health, but is also beneficial to the wellbeing of others.