As Aibileen Clark in the movie, The Help, says to Mae Mobley, “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” This got me thinking, how many times do we practice these qualities?

I have a friend who’s retiring this week. Her company has disrespected and devalued her for the past year and a half. Though it was nearly time she sat back and relaxed, she wanted to leave on her terms and conditions. Knowingly or unknowingly, they have not treated her with the kindness, smartness, or importance she deserves! Now she might say it doesn’t matter; however, I contend it does! It takes so little on a daily basis for us to raise one another up, give us kudos for a job well done, and let us know we are valuable to the company and we have made a difference personally and professionally to them.

So, I have to ask you:
Are you doing your part to be kind to others?
Are you doing all you can to let others know they are important?

Each of us connects and operates in different manners. Yet, being kind, and letting others know they’re valuable and have made a difference in your life takes only a few moments. With everything that’s going on in our communities and on the global stage, a little kindness from each of us can go a long way toward promoting peace and stability.

Here are some gentle reminders that you may have forgotten:

• Send an email or card and say hi
  Send an email or card with an article inside saying, “Thank you”, or, “Thinking of you”
  Make or buy some cookies or flowers
  Always answer emails and texts immediately when they come in
  Praise them for a job well done (don’t be fake)
  Take something off their plate
  Let them know you care
  Stop and spend 5 minutes with them by phone or in person
  Go through your contacts and see who you haven’t connected with in a while
  Jot down their birthday, or special events in your calendar and send them a note or call them on that day
  Bring them a meal if they’re having a hard time                                                            Offer to take care of children or grandchildren so they can have a rest
  Walk their dog
  Shovel their sidewalks
  Clean their house
  Grocery shop for them
  Pray
  Smile
  Give a hug

We’re not here on earth to work 9 to 5. We’re here on this planet to love and be kind to one another. Your kindnesses will lift others up, give them hope, provide healing, and sustain them for another day.

Take a moment each day and practice kindness, for when you do, you’ll not only change someone else’s life, you will change the way you see and change the way you live.