Perk Project and Kindness

I am excited to join in and share with Jemma from At Home With Jemma and Stacey from Poofing the Pillows blog on their Perk Project.



They invited me to share my thoughts on kindness and how it effects my life.

Let me start by sharing this quote from the Dalai Lama.


Compassionate kindness is the most precious thing there is.  It is something that only we human beings can develop.  And if we have a good heart, a warm heart, warm feelings, we will be happy and satisfied ourselves, and others will experience a friendly and peaceful atmosphere.



This is a beautiful quote. 
  I feel too that kindness is one of the most precious gifts we can share with one another.  It costs nothing and is readily available at anytime for us to share.


I try each day to share a little kindness in some way.  Whether is is as simple as letting the person behind you in the grocery store line go before you because they only have one or two items and you have half a cart full.

Here is an example of a bigger act of kindness.

My husband and I shared kindness recently by adopting another rescue dog after the loss of our previous rescue dog to cancer.  

Adopting another pet is a huge responsibility and time consuming addition to life.  

I was not sure I wanted to take this on at this point in our lives.  

I am glad we did take the plunge again to adopt another sweet basset hound.  

We found that rescuing this sweet pet and giving her a better life gives our life meaning no matter what our age.

  Showing kindness to a sweet animal that has never experienced kindness or care makes your heart fill with joy.   

You are gifted their reaction to the true kindness shown.  It changes your life as well as theirs.

Peggy our new rescue.

I also like to do random acts of kindness throughout the year.  

Most of the time they cost nothing and come from my heart.

Sending a card to someone that will least expect it. Wishing them a good day and telling them you were thinking about them is a small gesture for me but a big uplifting kindness to them .



Random Acts of Kindness give so much to someone else but it also comes back to give you so much more.

The other day I was in line at Starbucks to get a warm Chai Tea.  When I placed my order I asked the person taking my order to please tell the man in the work truck in front of me that I was treating him to his beverage.  

It became contagious when I saw him hold up his cup to say thank you.   I could see the smile on his face from his side view mirror, it made me smile.   

At that moment as he drove away I felt good about myself, the day and even the future.



We all give of ourselves everyday in many ways. 

We naturally share comfort and care when things arise in our lives,  but sharing kindness daily is good for the soul.

Kindness shared is the best gift you can give to others and yourself.



I hope after reading this you will find a spot in your day to share a smile, give a hug or say some nice words to someone.  You will see the smile, the hug or the thank you given back will change their day and yours.

Thank you Jemma and Stacey for letting me share in the perk project.

I hope all of you are shown kindness today and then will share kindness with someone else.
Hugs,
Kris


                                     


39 comments

  1. Such a perfect post. You really do always show kindness in the way you respond to others and your comments to me on my blog are always so uplifting. Thank you.

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  2. Nothing can enrich your life more than the kindness you show to others. Thank you for all of your kind acts. xo Laura

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  3. Kris, thank you so much for sharing this. I can just imagine the smile on that man's face when he was surprised by your kind gesture. I know that you are always so sweet to everyone who blogs. We all adore you!

    Thanks so much for joining in today. :)

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  4. Great post Kris. I love doing Random acts of kindness. It makes my day to make someone else smile.

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  5. Your precious dog is a cutie, for sure! She looks right at home too! And I love those little acts of kindness like buying someone you don't know a cup of coffee! It sure makes the world a kinder more gentle place to live. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  6. Good Afternoon Kris,
    I have seen how big your heart is when I visit your blog! You are always sharing, giving, loving and setting an example to your family and friends on the power of kindness. You uplift me with your kind and caring words and I know that you do everyone that you visit. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this post with us all, it truly is a gift from your heart!
    xoxo
    Jemma

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  7. This is lovely.. and Peggy is such a sweet doggie..

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  8. You are a super kind person, Kris. I knew it from the moment I 'met' you here online. It just radiates from you and then it breeds. Your blog is a warm and wonderful place and the comments are always so sweet and fun to read. You have created a very welcoming, warm space on the internet and I know that your home and the life you lead are the same way...xo

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  9. This post makes me smile, Kris...I love random acts of kindness...they can make huge differences in someone's life. Your Peggy is a sweetheart!

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  10. I love your thoughts on kindness, Kris. I agree random acts of kindness can totally make someone's day. Even just giving a stranger a smile as you pass by them in a parking lot or in the grocery store can be the simplest, easiest act, but yet make a huge impact.

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  11. Kris, you blog always wraps me in warm happiness, but especially today. From my personal perspective I have gained much comfort from your words of response to my comments via email. Always asking how I am doing, as I have shared with you some highly personal topics of pain in my life. Sometimes, I don't respond to your messages, but I never the less feel comforted by your words...it is that I haven't had much positive to report on the life situations and I don't want to always be the Debbie downer. Although, I currently don't have a lot to feel true happiness in my life, it hasn't stopped me from being kind. Weekly, I find (without looking) a way to be kind to someone that needs that xtra bit in their life. Helping a disabled person in the grocery store, giving the few xtra bucks to the mom in front of me that starts to pull items back of the belt, giving a down on his luck guy $20 for a taxi to get home after he was discharged from the county hospital with only shoes and a hospital gown. I believe that these people are put in my path...or maybe I to assist when I can. You really don't have to look...you just have to keep your heart and your eyes open for opportunities. I makes me feel better about myself, when another is trying their best to bring me down and I can't do anything to control it. I always say, my response isn't about them, it is about my own heart and soul. I think I stumbled onto your blog several years ago in order to help me through my current struggles. I really can not be sad with seeing all your pretties and positive attitude and pure joy for life.

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    1. You are an angel. You have been through so much in your own life of late and have such a burden of loss but still find time to be encouraging and loving to others. This is what life is about. We are all put here to make a difference even in our darkest of times. You are a shining example of this. You do not have to respond to my emails they are just a kindness to show you that I am here and if you need me I am at the other end of the email. Sometimes it is good to have a friend that maybe is only at the other end of an email. This can make sharing your hardest most hurtful times with someone that is not family or friends. It is someone that is neutral and cannot be hurt or get angry with how you are expressing yourself. So you know like I have always told you I am here if you need to vent or share. That is my kindness I love to share with you. . Glad you enjoy my pretties. I wish you could come over and sit in my comfy chairs and share a cup of something warm and just feel at home. Hugs my friend.

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  12. It really doesn't take much, does it?

    It was barely just in the last year that I'd literally go home crying because of a consistent "bullying" situation occurring in the work place. After a few years of this and a chat with my husband about it, I finally realize what the solution is this problem. It's not going to be fixed with a reprimand from the top, it's not going to be fixed with me doling out the same unkind behavior. It will only be transformed over time, with kindness on MY PART. I may never even see the results of my decision, but at least I will be able to sleep at night knowing I did what I was called to do: to be the kindness I want to be given to me.

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    1. Oh Anita you get it. This is why you teachers are my hero's. These kids look up to you for guidance and look to you as mentors. I think positive behavior will lead to more positive behavior. Kindness shown is a perfect example. This really touched me Anita because you are exactly where you should be right now in life. These students are blessed to have a good role model in you. After all they are our future and we need to show them how much easier and more rewarding it is to be kind and caring over bullying and meanness. Thank you for being a teacher. Teachers do not get the credit they deserve.

      Love you,

      Kris

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  13. You are one of the kindest people I have ever not met, Kris. YOU were the very first person to reach out to me in the blog community, and I will never forget that. And your annual party with girlfriends, rooted in charitable gift-giving, is a real blessing in so many ways.

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  14. Wonderful post. I can tell you are a kind person just by reading your blog. Paying it forward and acts of kindness are so important.

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  15. Good Morning Kris
    I love this blog post* You are such sweetness to everyone around you. I love how you adopted your sweet Peggy Sue even though you were still grieving for Cooper. Your heart is as big as the Moon Kris. Have the best day ever*
    deezie

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  16. A wonderful post by a wonderful woman. You set a perfect example of kindness and generosity, Kris, and I'm so glad I've gotten to know you through blogging. You inspire me to follow your lead. Reading here about sending cards is a reminder to me to get back to doing that. I've gotten away from doing so, and I realize it's a simple way to display kindness and encourage another person's heart. God bless you, my friend. Thank you for sharing this. Hugs ~ Nancy

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  17. I will echo Miss Rita C's comment: "You are one of the kindest people I have not met." You cannot share what you do not possess i.e. kindness. Kris, you do have a heart of gold. The career you chose speaks to your kindness and compassion. I was so happy to hear that your daughter followed your footsteps and is working with gravely ill children. A smile goes a long way...it may just brighten a stranger's day. Riley and Jacob, the Chis, wanted to share their scrambled egg with Miss Peggy. They just knew she would love it! Have a lovely day. xoxo

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  18. Love this post! And yes, kindness doesn't have to cost a dime. Giving someone a compliment, or even a simple smile can do wonders. Adopting a pet is one of the biggest acts of kindness I know. The grateful faces of our rescue pets says it all. And the love they give us in return is the best. :) xoxo

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  19. Such a great post, Kris. Your blog and how you engage with us is an act of kindness because I always walk away feeling warmth in my heart and a smile on my face. You my dear have a huge heart!
    ♥♥♥ Sending hugs your way ♥♥♥

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  20. Don't you love Jemma and Stacey's PERK project? Like you, I've done the buy-a-coffee or pay for parking or send an anonymous gift to someone I know is strapped for cash and doesn't want to ask. And I'm the one who feels better for it. Three cheers on your new family member. "Used" pets are always the best, I think -- so grateful to be part of a family that loves them!

    Cheers and hugs from ~ jeanie at Marmelade Gypsy

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  21. I have always enjoyed doing kindnesses for others, often secretly, as the reward I felt in myself was wonderful. This past year after my debilitating injury, which I am recovered from, I was the recipient of many acts of kindness. It was surprising and touching to me. While I was recovering from surgery for 2 1/2 months in a rehab center, I never went a day without at least one visitor. They also brought me gifts, like treats, books, lotion, socks, etc. I was so touched. After returning home I was transported to appointments by friends who would wheel me in to see doctors (could not walk much or well or for long), take me to lunch, go buy me groceries, visit, call, send me cards...just make me fell cared for and not forgotten. One little kindness means so much!

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    1. This is so touching Rose and so deserving. I love that you shared this with us. This is a true kindness shared story.

      When you needed someone they were there for you and you did not have to ask for the help. That is really beautiful.

      Thank you sweet friend for sharing your story here. Made me smile and feel so good to read this.

      xoxo

      Kris

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  22. I’m all for an act of kindness unconditionally given. Even beautiful words to someone publicly that you can see is struggling. The other day, I was paying for an item that was around a dollar, I didn’t want to pull out that card and was counting change, well darn there was not enough change and the elderly lady behind me spoke out to the clerk “I’ve got that” I spoke oh thank you dearly, but I’ll just use my card. That act of offering kindness settled on my heart to then encourage a bit of paying it forward later that day. I think kindness goes a long way, and encourages others in ways we don’t always see. My daughter and I are always extending kindness and empathy to others, it’s a really good feeling right Kris?

    A beautiful post, love the quote.
    I left you a comment on you previous posting on your two chairs replacing the sofa, I am catching up here on my late visit.... darn that Instagram that monopolizes so much of our time...
    A beautiful blessed week ahead of you.
    Xx
    Dore

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  23. I agree with your words about kindness. I like the quote too
    Hugs

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  24. Such an uplifting post, Kris. Your caring and kindness always comes through in your comments to me, for one. It is truly a wonderful feeling to be able to know that someone cares enough and that care comes through even though you have never personally met. I try to do the same. It really took us by surprise one day while coming back home from the kids and we have to cross a toll bridge which costs $4.00. The man in the booth told us that the car in front of us had paid our toll. It came as such a surprise that we felt it more than if we had known it was coming. We, in turn paid then for the car behind us to pay it forward. A friendly wave from the people behind us was so special. We never could catch up to the ones who paid ours. That just makes you stop and think a little more..xxoJudy

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  25. Your suggestions for showing kindness are easy to do but bring joy all around! I too, will let the person behind me go so they don't have to wait on me and my full cart. Giving someone a compliment, holding the door opened, just small acts that can really brighten someone's day! We need more kindness in this world. Thanks for sharing!

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  26. What a warm reminder... I love being friendly to strangers. Seniors and moms especially. Times have changed and it's so nice when someone goes out of their way to be friendly. I know I sure appreciate it. :)

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  27. Hi Kris, Such a beautiful post for the perk project. Yes, kindness can take us a long way and like you said, costs nothing but the reward is great. I love the acts of kindness you shared and especially the new family member Peggy into your lives. She is a sweetheart for sure. Wishing you a beautiful new year my friend and thank you for stopping by and your kind comment. It is always a joy to see you. Sending much love your way.xo

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  28. ...and this is why I love you SOOOO much Kris!!!!!!!!!!!

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  29. Hi Kris, I enjoyed this so much. It is so true. I enjoyed your acts of kindness you shared and the encouragement to press on to be a light.
    xx oo
    Carla

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  30. This is such a beautiful post, Kris! I totally agree. Kindness often doesn't cost anything and still can make someone's day. It's really rewarding when you can put a smile on someone's face with a little gesture or gift. You're a very sweet person and I'm sure you've made all those people and of course Peggy happy with your acts of kindness.
    Hugs and love,
    Julia

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  31. Kris- You are one of the kindest people I know! You have often surprised me with a little unexpected kindness and I have so appreciated it. I tell my grands all the time to BE KIND-you never know what someone else is going through...and even if they act tough on the outside they could be crying on the inside. Kindness costs so little and goes so far.
    Love your sweet Peggy, too (even if you did name her after my husband's ex-wife)....lol xo Diana

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  32. This is such a beautiful post. My grandmother taught me over six decades ago to do at least one good deed every day - and I practice it to this day. I give compliments to strangers, hold doors open, let a rude driver squeeze in front of me on the road, offer assistance to friends and strangers. A smile or compliment to somebody goes a long way.

    Good for you for adopting sweet Peggy. I am a volunteer and foster dogs for a local rescue - most of which are pulled from kill facilities. It's hard work but so incredibly rewarding.

    I'm glad so many people read your blog. This post will help remind us all to help spread a kind word - needed now so much more than ever!!

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  33. Love all the Valentine Hearts, hearts are my favorite thing! lovey2@netptc.net

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  34. Kris, this post was written so authentically and I'm so glad I found it after my time away from blogging. Because I've experienced your kindness so personally. Your kindness came at a time when there had been so much sadness in our lives and to know that you cared was such a gift.

    Thank you for writing this, it inspires me and I know others are too.

    God bless you, sweet Kris,
    Dewena

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