As I write this, I have one of these days. I'm so excited as if I have a tornado under my skin, but so exhausted that it took me five minutes to get my fingers to type words.
I guess I'm not alone when it comes to feeling a lot of intense emotions lately, in a life in this highly uncertain world. To be honest, I always experience intense emotions, but today it felt like someone poured gas on the burning feelings in me.
Then I heard a small giggle a minute ago and turned to see my baby's huge grin two inches from my face. My friend had brought him in to raise my spirits because he knows how much this cherubic little face cheers me up. And has ever done it.
Oh, that face, the innocence, the joy, the unbridled excitement of seeing me no matter how much I feel like I'm sucking on life. It's pure bliss right there – and the kind of simple act of kindness that can make a big difference in my time.
Perhaps it is a "just for you" text with an image of something you would like if you were there. Or maybe it's a compliment to something that you thought everyone took for granted – like your omelets or your optimism or your strange sense of humor.
We all need a little pick-me-up from time to time, and even if it's not really needed, it's always appreciated. Because who doesn't love to feel loved? Who does not find it surprising to know that someone is thinking of them?
Though it's always a perfect time for kindness, it now feels even more reassuring when many of us itch for more human interaction and look for reasons to stay hopeful.
I am therefore particularly grateful to Brad Aronson, who kindly offered Tiny Buddha readers five free copies of his book HumanKind.
He only wrote this book to inspire kindness by telling stories about kindness – and he donates all of his earnings to the charitable Big Brothers Big Sisters.
It's a kind of uplifting book that makes you feel comfortable in life because it focuses on the best of humanity – including the proverbial village that came together to help Brad and his wife Mia fight leukemia .
Chapter by chapter, Brad introduces us to everyday heroes, people who use their talents and interests to make the world a better place, starting with their own sphere of influence.
And it's not just a story book; It also offers dozens of easy ways to make a difference to the people around you through simple words and actions.
It is encouraging. It’s inspiring. It is a light in the dark. Like a grinning little face on a particularly hard day.
If you appreciate a free copy of HumanKind, enter the giveaway by leaving a comment below and either posting an act of kindness that you have recently seen or the friendliest thing anyone has ever done for you.
You can enter PST until Sunday, May 3, midnight. I will update this post with the names of the winners on 4th
.
Stay hopeful, stay friendly, stay safe, my friends.
Send a lot of love from my pile of bricks to yours.
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