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Thursday, February 4, 2016

Thursday Thoughts...

“Kindness is in our power even when fondness is not.” 

 Samuel Johnson

I sometimes stop and think about the qualities I appreciate the most in other people (and therefore I guess, hope to be able to emulate in myself).

The one that most often burbles to the top is generosity.  I think I just really love people who have generous spirits; and whose instinct, and way of being, is to give.

But I also value kindness in so many ways.  In recent times I have been the recipient of so many acts of kindness, both large and small, and not one has gone unnoticed, even in my grief-haze. Kindness is so valued and appreciated.

And so I am reminded that small acts of kindness by me, can be truly appreciated.

It might seems strange to turn a beautiful experience around by having this quote, but I'm not trying to say people have been kind because they are not fond of me! My mind has just wandered around the kindness I have experienced, and then flipped to what this quote was saying.

This quote from Samuel Johnson acts as a bit of a reminder for me about how kindness can and should be made available to all, and not withheld from anybody, no matter our feelings for them.

Sometimes I may not feel fond of a person for whatever reason, but I am reminded that I can still be kind to them, and I have absolutely no reason to be unkind. I think my experience of recent kindness has been so valued, I am encouraged to consider being kinder, even when I may not be fond...


From beautiful flowers; to food hampers; to messages of care and interweb hugs; to meals cooked and delivered; to help with washing up as families have gathered; to photographs and memories shared, I have been surrounded by kindness and I am grateful.

12 comments:

  1. I can't tell you what a profound impact that quote has had on me this morning Fiona. Sometimes the right words come at the right time and you beautiful post has been an act of kindness in itself. Thank you and wishing you well x

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    1. That's so special to hear Gina - we are grateful when the right words appear at the right time...go well.

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  2. Oh this is so true. There is no reason to be unkind. If someone is so unlikable or actually a harmful presence, my policy is to just steer clear best I can and not allow them into my life. But still, I will be as civil and generous as possible with anyone who crosses my path. For me this takes way less energy and just feels better than being unkind or ungiving. In recent times, I too have been on the receiving end of so much kindness in word and act, much of it from strangers who had nothing to gain or prove, just because it's what you do, how you take care of your fellow human beings. I am always both grateful and humbled by such occurrences, and for me too it makes me want to go right out there and do better at spreading more of the same. Thanks so much for this timely reminder! Hugs, G.

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    1. Being the recipient of kindness is such a good reminder isn't it? Like you I tend to avoid those I do not have good feelings for; but do always try to be decent if paths cross. Perhaps this quote asks for a push beyond polite to kind...not sure!

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  3. Fiona, I really needed your words this morning... Of all people, you deserve all the love that has come your way in this sad time. You do so much in the way of kindness and generosity, and it is a sign of the appreciation felt by everyone that this comes back to you. Samuel Johnson's quote is perfect. I do try to live by this, in part because this was my Dad's mantra, and because my kids and I have always believed that a gentle word is worth a dozen spoken in anger. Thank you Fiona xxx

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    1. Thanks Carol - It's lovely to know folk grow up surrounded by such positive thoughts and ways of being in the world. I must admit in recent weeks, small acts of kindness have nearly brought me undone - I am fine until somebody is kind and then I weep! Kindness is so very very special. Go well.

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  4. kindness as practice is something more of us should embrace. including me. a good reminder, fiona. and another big hug to you.

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    1. Thanks V - interweb hug received! I think I have to work on kindness in my thoughts a bit more - sometimes not so kind! Go well.

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  5. My dear Dad used to instill in us that if we could ever do someone a good turn or offer a kindness we should not think twice. I guess it's all about paying forward and I'm a great believer that what you give comes back to you a hundred times over. So, it's no surprise that those hugs are coming your way Fiona. As ye sow, so shall ye reap.

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    1. I like that notion that we should never think twice about kindness Lesley...and I do think the more kindness there is in the world a better pale it will be for sure. Go well.

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