During this election year, it feels as though kindness is in minimum supply… and as it draws closer to Election Day, the need for kindness is even greater!!!

So, I brought along, or borrowed from, a few “friends” who believe(d) strongly in the need for kindness in the world, and who willingly and generously offered their opinions on the subject.

I believe that kindness is love in action, and that the words “kindness” and “love” can be used interchangeably.

I hope you enjoy the poem, and remember: Whatever the question, love is always the answer.

KINDNESS

It’s said that we think too much and feel too little.
Does thinking get in the way of being kind?
Not so, if one believes the words of some people
Whose kindness matches the wisdom of their mind.

ALBERT EINSTEIN, in sharing what gave him courage
To face life cheerfully (perhaps discovered in his youth)
Which lighted his way throughout his life,
Are the ideals of kindness… and beauty and truth.

BUDDHA: When words are both true and kind,
They can change the world (he does report).
Platitudes are not truth… they’re only words.
Without compassion and kindness they fall short.

Constant kindness can accomplish much.
ALBERT SCHWEITZER likens it to the sun melting the ice.
Misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility can evaporate.
With the rays of kindness, communication is nice.

Do your little bits of good from wherever you are.
Kindness comes in all sizes, large and small, it’s true.
Those little bits of good, when put together,
Overwhelm the world, according to DESMOND TUTU

ELISABETH KUBLER-ROSS says a person’s greatest need
Is real, unconditional love from others around.
A simple act of kindness towards people who need help
Will serve to restore them back onto level ground.

Human kindness, according to FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT,
Has never weakened the stamina of anyone, or
Softened the fiber of a free people.
Cruelty is not a sign of toughness anymore.

MAYA ANGELOU shared her wisdom regarding kindness:
People will forget what you said ( — even with zeal);
They will forget what you did ( — the actions you’ve taken);
But they will never forget how you made them feel.

The simple religion of the DALAI LAMA requires
No need for a temple or complicated philosophy.
Your own mind, you own heart, is the temple.
Simple kindness is your guidance, don’t you see?

Love and kindness are never wasted.
They make a big difference in everyone’s lives.
BARBARA DE ANGELIS says they bring two blessings:
To the one who receives them, and the one who gives.

Kindness is doing the very best you can,
From where you are (you need not move across town),
With what you have (it is enough).
In a few simple words, make kindness a noun.