[courtesy: medium.com]
We hear about kindness a lot. It’s important.
I find that so many people either take it for granted or don’t find value in it.
Were you a bit surprised at what I just wrote? I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you were. Since I can remember, kindness has always been at the forefront of how I view the world, or rather, how I wish to see the world.
At some junction, kindness appears to have taken second fiddle for those who see the world as a ‘what can I get’ as opposed to ‘how can I serve others’ mentality.
To me, this is so wrong. It literally makes no sense to me whatsoever. Sure we can come up with a million reasons why this has occurred over time. Whatever the reasons, I don’t subscribe to them.
Case in point: I was approaching the train station doors a few years ago (pre-pandemic). In my peripheral vision, I noticed that someone was right behind me. I held the door open for them but was gobsmacked to hear not an utterance of a thank you or even a resemblance of a smile.
Feeling angry about this rude person, I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “You’re welcome.”
His response was: “Just holding the door open doesn’t warrant a thank you.”
As I continued to make my way up to the train platform, this person had a need to add an extra bit of nonsense to his less-than-stellar interpersonal skills.
“I hope I didn’t ruin your day!” (said with words covered in sarcasm)
Turning again towards him, I said, “Oh, believe me, you sure didn’t!”
[courtesy: https://www.therandomvibez.com/%5D
But he did.
I let that rude guy’s words stay with me the entire day. I couldn’t shake it. However, I knew I had to get to the bottom of why it affected me so much.
It wasn’t until a couple of days later that I had an answer.
“Rude guy” showed up that day to remind me of WHY we need kindness in the world.
We need it because it matters.
We need it because a small act of kindness can make someone’s day.
We need it because it gives us hope when sometimes we otherwise feel hopeless.
We need it because it connects us with each other.
We need it because there is so much unkindness in the world.
We need it because it feels great to be kind.
And, we need it because it can change someone’s day/month/year/life.
I’m sending you tons of kindness because YOU MATTER!
The Chicago Files 
So true! And also very Biblical !
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Why thank you so much! Yes, it is! Cher xoxoxo
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Wow Cher, this guy sure did a turnabout! Why? Maybe it’s what you said that hit him hard. Your first two sentences are right on. This behaviour seems to be much more prevalent in larger cities, Las Vegas is no exception. Michigan folks are far friendlier than here. Have a great new week, Cher. ❤️
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Hi John! He was actually very sarcastic when he said it! My reply was sarcastic back which I do regret.
You are right, John! That’s why I gave you an honorary Canadian status years ago! Michigan and Canada! Yay! Thank you, my friend! You too! Cher xoxoxo
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I tend to kep to myself these days and rarely even speak with my neighbors… I am honored! ❤️🇨🇦🇺🇸
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I completely understand, John. Ah, thank you! You deserve it, my kind friend! Cher xoxoxo
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I’m a generous person and yes people take it for granted until it is no longer available to them. There are some who are genuinely grateful and some who can’t handle your kindness. I have always said goodness and kindness is long remembered after everything else is gone. Be well Cher and have a peaceful night.
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Thank you so much for your words, Joseph! I know you are a very generous person, and I agree, taking it for granted is something that people lose out on once it is no longer there for the taking, as it were.
Yes, I agree. I would love to think that goodness and kindness is long remembered after everything else is gone. I wish people would embrace it with much more appreciation.
Thank you, Joseph. You as well. Cher xoxoxo
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You should have told him to Park the snark.
Be kind! ❤
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Merci beaucoup, Maman Williams! That is stellar! May I use that, si vous plait? Cher xoxoxo
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Mais oui, mon amie. ❤
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xoxoxoxo
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p.s. it’s not your fault that you’re Canadian and your manners are showing lol
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That is 100% true, Maman Williams! LOL xoxoxo
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Bless you Cher for rising above the rude! Clearly, some people choose to feel differently about kindness. I am puzzled why people like rude guy think that way? Sadly, they choose to carry a negative view around like a black storm cloud. A lack of love in their lives perhaps? Keep being kind to others, you do make a difference in our world. Thank you, Cher!
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Ah, why thank you so much, my dear! They really do, don’t they? I was stunned when it happened. I think you are right.
It does make a difference, so we need to keep spreading it around, don’t we?
And you make a difference in our world, too! Thank you, my dear! Cher xoxoxo
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DITTO! 💞 xo
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Yeay! Thank you so much, dear Bette! Cher xoxoxo
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Wow! Rude dude!!!
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He sure was, Don! I wonder if he ever understood why I was so mad. One can hope! Thank you, Don! I hope all is well! Cher xoxoxo
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I love this Cher and it’s so very true. I often wonder where we went wrong and why kindness seems to be increasingly rare in our world. My dad always said “It costs nothing to be kind.” And he was right. Yet, some people are so stingy with their kindness, you’d think it was an expensive commodity.
You matter, too Cher! Very much. 💚💙💚
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I wonder that too, Michelle! Yes, your dad sure was right. They certainly act as if it costs them something more than just being a good person.
Well thank YOU so much, my dear! You literally just made my entire week! Right back at YOU!!!! Cher xoxoxo
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XOXOX
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In a lot of cultures a nod of the head can be a way of thanking someone but it sounds like he was an obnoxious American. I know what you mean about rude gestures ruining a day.
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Hi JT! Yes, I think that there are so many different ways of acknowledging kindness, aren’t there?
I try and not let rude gestures ruin my day like I did on that occasion. However, I must admit that sometimes I fail miserably at it! LOL
Cher xoxoxo
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Great reminders, Cher. Luckily, everyone isn’t quite that rude. But way too many people are, of course. Have a good week!
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Thank you so much, Becky! Yes, that is a lucky thing, isn’t it?
Thanks, Becky! I hope you have a good week too! Cher xoxoxo
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So True! I always think to myself honey vs. vinegar – spend my energies on the positive (exhausting with the negative/downer), be kind, be respectful, etc. I was taught manners and what I love most is that it makes everyone feel good and valued and respected as well as that they matter and are important. I also feel that we have to protect ourselves from rudeness and be aware of how we handle it and react to it (there is a choice there too). Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
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I could not agree with you more! I too was taught manners and I assumed everyone was, but I now know that is most definitely not the case.
We really do have to protect ourselves from rudeness, don’t we? Yes, it does make everyone feel good and valued and respected as you said.
So when we encounter the ‘rudies’ I guess we have to know that any kindness, even if it does not seem to be met with a positive return, doesn’t mean it isn’t doing a good thing in the world. The energy put out there is important, isn’t it?
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! Happy Day to you too! Thank you! Cher xoxoxo
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Ah, I love this, Cher! It is those rude guys that remind us why we need kindness in this world. And the more rude guys the more kindness we need to spread… actually right towards them. Defeat them with kindness💖
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Why thank you, dear Erika! You are so right! It is difficult at times though, isn’t it? I am reminded by your title – “Share Your Light” which is a guiding principle indeed.
Thank you, Erika! I hope all is well! Cher xoxoxo
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I agree, that’s all it needs. Even if it may not change everything but it doesn’t make things worse. And most of all, we still can look into the mirror with a good feeling.
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That is so true, Erika! That is extremely important, isn’t it? Thank you! Cher xoxoxo
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😊🤗💖
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xoxoxo
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Good manners are small kindnesses that oil the wheels of society. They are not insignificant, especially in crowded cities.
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I love it! Thank you so much! I think what you wrote should be on a huge poster or billboard! I really appreciate it! Cher xoxoxo
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‘Treat others how you would liken them to treat you’. Those were wise words from my Grandmother, which I have always stuck by, Cher. It’s sad to see how, over the last 30 or so years, how unkind the human race has become to each other. Many seem to think they are hard done by because of it, so they believe they should do nothing but look after themselves. Yet if they just smiled and said good morning to a few strangers every day, just think how much difference they could be making to somebodies life.
I see so much rudeness in the blogging world and on social media. Why can’t people be kind to each other instead of picking fights or being rude to others?
I’m sorry that rude man spoiled your day. But I know that it’ll never stop you from being kind.
Take care.
Hugs.
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Thank you so much, dear Hugh! Your grandmother was spot-on, wasn’t she?
Oh yes, I am gobsmacked when I see some of the rudeness that is going on in the blogging world and on social media.
This morning I saw a post on Facebook. Someone had shared what they thought was a spirit that showed up in a photo.
One of the commenters replied, “You have a good camera and that is the best shot you could get?” Wow, just….wow.
Ah, bless you, Hugh! Thank you so much! I think you and I always try and be kind whether it is reciprocated or not. Something not easy to do, but here’s hoping the other person somehow realizes the kindness.
Hope all is well, dear Hugh! Thank you!
Hugs,
Cher xoxoxo
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