I have to admit that there are moments in life when I am amazed at the goodness of others. With so much hate and negativity in the world, every now and then, a spark of humanity and kindness is ignited.   Though this is a good thing, it also makes me sad. Why? Kindness should be practiced more often. That’s why.

Have people become lazy with showing kindness?  In the past, people were so connected because they were so dependent on one another, whereas now, we can reach the world, but don’t know our neighbour.

Teaching our five year old about kindness

Children learn by example and it is our hope that Little One understands the importance of making ethical decisions, being virtuous, and simply caring for others.

• You don’t need a reason to help others.
• “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde
• “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington
• Kindness is free, but worth so much more than money can ever buy.
• “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Theresa

Last week, upon hearing news of Typhoon Haiyan and seeing footage on TV of the damage that was done, I cried.  I really cried.  I was watching the news and sobbing.

My family in the Philippines were not hit by the typhoon, but seeing all those families who have lost everything (including loved ones) was so devastating.  I wept for people I did not know.

Then it was World Prematurity Awareness Day.  In November of 2008, we went through the scariest experience of our lives —  The early birth of our daughter.  What was supposed to be the most joyous of events in a couple’s life together turned out to be the most terrifying experience.  We support Prematurity Awareness and the hospital that saved our daughter’s life. We also offer fellow parents of preemies support.  We were blessed with a wonderful and comforting support system and being able to give back is the least we can do.

More tears.

With the holidays approaching, people remember to donate to their local food banks.  The sad thing is that many families are in need of assistance not only during the holiday season, but year-round.  We often forget about that.

I often wonder why it takes a natural disaster or some absolute tragedy for some to act in good will.  If there’s something that makes me sad, it’s that people seem to have forgotten the basic tenet of practicing kindness.  This is something my husband and I instill in our Little One.

Kindness Canada makes me feel human again

Kindness Canada is an example of how people promote kindness in the things they do.

Kindness Canada was created as a place for people across Canada to share their stories of kindness. Whether you have been on the receiving end of a good deed, have been the distributor of kindness, or just want to share what kindness means to you, we hope you will consider submitting your stories to us.

The ultimate goal is to share those stories in hopes of inspiring others to want to pay it forward in their daily lives. Kindness isn’t a new concept but we believe that the more we read about it, the more we want to be a part of it. We have a lot of fun planned for the next year, including kindness challenges, interviews and the opportunity to help those in need, so we hope you will stick around and help contribute to putting smiles on people’s faces!

My friend, Chris Read is a true testament to “practicing what you believe in”.  Back in May of 2013, my then four-year old daughter was airlifted from Manitoulin Island to CHEO in Ottawa.  Chris and some very amazing blogging friends got together to offer support for my family. I was touched. I could not believe the out-pour of generosity and thoughtfulness. I was totally not anticipating it.  We are forever thankful to our friends and loved ones who were there for us.  I was moved to tears. No, seriously. Chris may or may not have seen me do the ugly face cry.

Chris even visited Little One in the hospital, brought me an Iced Capp from Tim Horton’s, and he even drove us back to the hospital the day after Little One was released after her surgery (because she wasn’t getting better).  Oh, the kindness did not stop there.  Chris also knew Little One was a  big fan of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  He arranged for Belle to visit Little One! That is something none of us will ever forget.

Many people say that you reap what you sow and that kindness attracts kindness.  Even if this is true, it just feels good to do something kind for others.

Kindness Canada Ambassador!

I have just been included as a Kindness Canada Ambassador.  I am so excited to be part of such an amazing and inspiring initiative.  Kindness Canada has restored my belief that people do have others in mind and genuinely care about others.

Submit your Random Acts of Kindness here.  Share a kindness related story here.  Whether you’re on the receiving end or the one who is performing an act of kindness, please share your inspiring stories.  Connect on Twitter and Facebook.