Reflection and Remembrance
Today is the final day of the year. It is often a nostalgic time, a time of reflection and remembrance. It is perhaps one of
Confidence
In the past two days we discussed how a sense of community and its culture could influence kindness. It is valuable to be aware of
Culture
If community is the “what” that connects people, culture is the “how.” Culture is “the way of life” that is a defining aspect of a
Community
What comes to mind when you think of community? Do you imagine parks where children play, boisterous public gatherings and quiet neighborhood get-togethers? Do you
Our First Ritual of Kindness
I am pleased to share with you a concept called the “everyday ritual.” Most may associate a ritual as a ceremony, which is pious or
Gift Giving
Let’s build upon what we learned yesterday from the legend of Saint Nicholas and the idea of giving. I believe one of the most phenomenal
The Idea of Santa
How well can we know an idea? Today, Christmas Day is a celebration of ideas. Christmas is a celebration of togetherness, to be in revelry
A Good Night
Today is a sacred day. When many think of December 24th they think of Christmas Eve, one of the most observed celebrations in Christendom and
Kindness Defined
Yesterday I wrote… …Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, an awareness of the impact of your actions, and a desire to better yourself
First Day of Winter
Let’s start this journey of kindness on the first day of winter. Some may believe it odd to start such an exploration during what we
Elephant Legacy
An elephant calf followed her father down a dusty trail. The path had withering trees, and was overcast. Far behind and beyond the bend, their
Golden Fox
The hunter was bathed by moonlight as he stalked through the forest. His long breaths shook his slender frame, and his body, only covered by
Crocodile
A crocodile rolled and toiled in a brackish lake, clamping its jaws, and flapping its tail. The lake rippled and stirred and slapped onto the
Dare
The beach was calm and the night was cool. The waves ebbed against the moist sand, the crescent moon splashed dim light across the dark
Like Smoke
He hurried into the dim, cold lounge. His collared-shirt and pantsuit were pressed and his tie was tight around his neck. With reddened eyes he
Wrapping Paper
Family and friends visited him for dinner. They had hamburger meats and red-peppered potato salad, greens with goat-cheese and grapefruit-basil dressings, sautéed squash, marinated asparagus,
Face Value
I don’t say what I mean. It’s not that I react poorly in a moment of emotion, or blatantly lie, but I do indulge in
Mirrored
What do you see when you look into the mirror? I see someone of whom I am proud. Of what are you proud? I am
From
The droplet fell down his cheek. He didn’t realize the tear was his, or that he had shed it, until it fell to the windowpane
Last Meal
He arrived late to brunch. He was young, and well dressed. On the patio an orange awning shielded him from the sun. A table for
Fantastic
He woke alone at sunrise. The hot rays that popped through the window had snapped his eyes open and dragged him from his dream. He
Drawn
“What are you to be?” His thick accent was barely understandable. “A dancer,” she said. The park leaves hadn’t turned color yet. The afternoon was
First Speech
The champagne bubbled over the crystal brim and down its surface to the marble countertop. There was laughter and chatter in the spacious room. She
Nine Cents Worth
The afternoon sky was dark, and poured rain onto the city. Men in ridged suits and women in sharp dresses zipped to overhangs and awnings.
Cigars and Stars
“You’ve saved my life more times than I can remember.” The slender man sat in a chair and took a puff from his cigar. The