May their memory be a blessing
kindness, encouragement and positivity
“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” ~ Unknown
This past week came with a heavenly birthday - my mother would have turned 97 years old.
With that birthday comes an anniversary - I began writing this newsletter on February 18, 2023.
I purposely started this writing adventure on my mother’s birthday.
Why? Well, it was a small, symbolic way to honor someone who was a life-long example of kindness, encouragement and positivity.
This is a space where I hope people find a combination of words and images that hopefully inspires them to see the beauty in kindness and create the desire to spread it as often as possible.
I have posted many essays that were inspired by special moments I have had with my mother. I focused my memories specifically in past issues, including A Mother’s Love and Love Made Visible.
She lived a full, purpose-driven life and there are so many things I miss about her every day, including our daily conversations.
On Facebook, I marked the occasion with a collage of photos and one of my friends pointed out the following, “Gosh, you look so much like your Mom. I know you miss her, but the rest of us see her in you all the time. Happy birthday to your Mom in heaven.”
Being compared to my mother is the ultimate compliment and I appreciate it so much…
When you lose someone of that caliber in your life, sometimes you seek within your own life, ways to honor and emulate who they were.
Let’s think about those qualities for a moment…in my mother’s case those were kindness, encouragement and positivity.
In a world where you are inundated with anger, grievances, cynicism and negativity, how can you make a difference and change the momentum to go in a more positive direction?
Here’s a few ideas that I learned from my mother...Treat everyone you meet with love, respect and kindness. Do the “little things” like sending cards, making phone calls and extending your love to everyone you meet along the way…friend and stranger alike…
Listen attentively to others when they share their stories and concerns with you and encourage them when they need it. Let people know how much they mean to you. Being seen, heard and accepted are essential for healthy relationships…Connections with others are so important…
The saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world…” This is something that requires purposeful focus, especially when our world seems to encourage the opposite.
So I hope you can help me to “be the change” as I move into the next year of writing my newsletter because kindness and positivity can make a real difference, even if it just affects one person at a time.
And when all is said and done, it is well worth the effort…
What do you think?
For information about why I started this newsletter, please go to the about section.
This week’s word is…
In honor of my dear friend and mentor, Sister Agnes, I am choosing to focus each week on one word.
This week’s word is Compassion.
“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." — Albert Schweitzer
What can we do to spread more compassion in our world?
Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
A retired teacher started volunteering to take care of cats at a sanctuary, but his mission quickly evolved to napping with them. Steve Hartman checks in seven years later about the viral moments have allowed them to help even more cats over the years.
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
What I am reading…
This week I read How We Grow Through What We Go Through by Christopher Willard.
Here’s the Amazon description, “In this book, you’ll discover the conditions and compassionate practices that make growth and resilience possible, including:
• How to regulate your nervous system by regulating your breath and body
• Trauma-informed self-compassion practices that make you more resilient to the world around you
• Skills to set boundaries to aid in your healing
• Dozens of other ways to turn your difficult experiences toward growth
Simple and to the point, each chapter offers practices, self-assessments, enlightening science facts, and advice for the real world―perfect for reading a page or two after an exhausting day or sharing with others when they need a lift.
No one gets a pass from life’s challenges. The good news is, we are hardwired to turn them into a source of strength. Turn to this book anytime you need to find out How We Grow Through What We Go Through.”
Mind/Body connections…
Lengthen the spine with this series of twists and stretches to improve balance and range of motion.
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in so many ways. Here’s Daniel O’Donnell singing, “Morning Has Broken” - Enjoy!
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….
The Kindness Boomerang newsletter is a 2025 recipient of the Sunshine Blogger Award.
So many good things to be the change. Thanks Sheila for sharing.
Thank you so much Sheila. I would say you are doing a wonderful job at emulating your mother's qualities and values, and in "being the change" you would like to see more of in the world. Your newsletter is always an inspiration. And, based on your recommendation, I just placed an order for Christopher Willard's book. Kindest regards! -Eric