"Take your time. I'm not in a rush." Just imagine saying that to an older person checking out ahead of you as they are rushing to find that one last coupon they know they brought with them but has somehow managed to disappear right now. This can also work for the person ahead of you that's trying to wrangle not only their purchases but a bunch of rambunctious children, as well. It's such a relief to know that the next person in line isn't standing there, glowering at you and tapping their impatient foot. That one little statement can give someone a 3-minute mini-vacation...not from work or their life, but from the stress of hurrying. And that can be even better.
How many times have you been eating lunch with friends when another's friend's name comes up in conversation? Everyone is bestowing them with kind words and admiration but they aren't there to hear them. What do you do? You go back to that absent friend and say this, "Three different sources have confirmed that not only are smart and funny, you're also kind to animals." Just imagine how hearing these words might make them feel. Try it sometime!
Again at the grocery store or other public places, when you see someone being kind to another, don't hesitate to go up to them and acknowledge what they did. "Pardon me, but I couldn't help noticing what you did just then. Please don't think me crazy, but I had to let you know that seeing it, has helped restore my faith in humanity." They'll walk with their feet ten feet off the ground for a week! And, I bet it encourages them to do other nice things. Maybe you, too?
And then there's this. The next time you encounter someone doing something simple in a new but unusual way, like making a sandwich or lacing their running shoes, you can say this, "You have a genius that is not understood by mere mortals." Let them know you think their new-fangled way of doing something is both cool and innovative.
Not everyone is blessed with a melodic voice. Frogs are a great example. Some of us croak in a lovely lilting way, while others of us can sound like fingernails on a chalkboard. The next time you hear someone singing or speaking who does have a nice voice, say something! Let them know. A simple "You have a lovely voice," will do just fine.
Finally, and this one is the absolute BEST (and most important) one. Don't forget to tell those you love, "You make me happy. You bring joy into my life." Frogs and humans too, I bet, often think these things but rarely do we say them out loud. And unless our loved ones are psychic, they'll never know how much we really care about them if we keep these precious thoughts to ourselves. If someone brings you joy, if someone makes you happy...PLEASE let them know. This goes for our animals, too. Animal friends makes humans happy all the time. So don't forget to tell them, "Good boy!" or give them a nice pet. Perhaps give them a treat for no reason other than you love them and want them to be as happy as they make you.
Showing kindness takes a small amount of effort and only a tiny bit of creativity. Every day we have countless ways we can show kindness to others. The above statements are only suggestions. I'm sure you can think up a bunch of great ones all on your own. Everybody wants others to be kind to them. And that can start with you. Kindness is one of those wonderful things that spread quickly. Go ahead and be a catalyst today!
I invite you back tomorrow for what will surely be another wonderful lesson from Dharma Frog. Until then, I wish you all
PEACE.