March Forward Today With Kindness
March 5, 2010, is the day our son Jonathan passed away. As a family, we like to honor him on March 5th by doing something nice for somebody else. Jonathan was always going out of his way to help others; he was very kind and had a heart of gold. As a family, one of the quick little songs we would sing at night after having scripture time was, “Kindness Begins with Me.” I think Jonathan and our other children internalized this message.
Kindness Begins with Me
I want to be kind to everyone,
For that is right, you see.
So I say to myself, “Remember this:
Kindness begins with me.”
Words and music: Clara W. McMaster
5 Fascinating Facts About Kindness
Kindness gets rid of stress: People who are naturally kind have 23% less cortisol, which is the stress hormone.
Being kind increases stamina: In a research study, 50% of the participants reported that they felt stronger and more energetic after helping people.
Being kind can reduce your blood pressure: Dr. David Hamilton claims that practicing acts of kindness helps release a hormone known as oxytocin, which protects the heart by reducing blood pressure.
Kindness stabilizes our mood: It stimulates the production of serotonin, which is basically a mood stabilizer.
Being kind makes us happy: Performing an act of kindness triggers elevated levels of dopamine in the brain and a natural high is produced, often referred to as ‘helper’s high.’
I thought it would be nice to have a “KINDNESS” day, week, or month for everyone to participate in. Looking online, I found there are two national and international organizations that exist already.
National: Random Acts of Kindness
This foundation originated in 1995 in Denver, Colorado. Kindness month is February. Kindness week is February 14-20. Kindness day is February 17.
We celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 14 to February 20 annually. It’s a celebration of all the ways we can become a positive influence in each other’s lives. Even one small act of kindness can mean a great deal to somebody. The world can be selfish and cruel sometimes and not everyone receives the same kind of support they need. In such a world, it is important for us to constantly be reminded to be kind to one another and to give others hope whenever we can. A small and random gesture of kindness can go a long way.
International: World Kindness Day
“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful
than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
World Kindness Day was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement with the purpose of promoting kindness around the world. World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13 as part of the Global Kindness Movement. This Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on one of the most important and unifying human principles - empathy, compassion and kindness. On a day dedicated to the positive potential of acts of kindness big and small, let us collectively try to promote and spread this crucial quality that brings people of all kinds together.
Be Kind to Everyone
One of my favorite little songs is, “Be Kind to Everyone” by Rocking Dan Teaching Man. I found this song by accident when I was searching for another song on Spotify. While the following YouTube video is designed for kids, the message is for all of us!
Put a Little Love in Your Heart
This memorable, upbeat song was co-written and sung by Jackie DeShannon in 1969. I was 17 at the time, so it has been a song I’ve been humming or singing to myself all my adult life. I appreciate the message of the entire song including the phrase, “kindness will be your guide.” This classic song became popular again through Amy Grant’s performances in 2011.
Amy Grant Releases Cover of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”
Known for her philanthropic work as much as for her music, and often commenting, “my heroes are people that help others,” the song is one Grant considers just as relevant today as it was when it was co-written by Jackie DeShannon in 1969. … Grant also shares with (Guidepost) readers her own guiding prayer each day of, “Lord lead me today to those I need, and to those who need me, and let some thing I do have eternal significance.”
Put a Little Love in Your Heart
Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it's getting late
Oh, please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
Another day goes by
Still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won't let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (and the world) will be a better place
All the world (and the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
You just wait (just wait) and see, wait and see
Take a good look around
And if you're looking down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide
Kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (and the world) will be a better place
And the world (and the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
You just wait (just wait) and see
People, now put a little love in your heart
Each and every day
Put a little love in your heart
There's no other way
Put a little love in your heart
It's up to you
Put a little love in your heart
C'mon and put a little love in your heart
You've got to put a little love in your heart
“March Forward Today with Kindness” is now my motto to remember to be kind every day of the year as I reflect on Jonathan’s life. He died by suicide because of mental illness, but he left a legacy of kindness. Please listen to our YouTube Lyric Video, “There’s a Reason to Live,” which Jonathan inspired.
The songs of “Kindness Begins with Me” and “Be Kind to Everyone” and "Put a Little Love in Your Heart” are messages of healing for the whole world to embrace!
And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake
hath forgiven you.
—Ephesians 4:32