Taking Kindness for Granted.

The whole point of this Kindness Challenge is to bring to light the thoughts and actions of being kind to others; having it be something you do automatically without being prompted or thinking, "What's in it for me."  And a lot of the times where kindness is taken for granted is right under our noses... in our own home.

Sure, your home is your castle and you look forward to get into the secure confines of the draw bridge and just relax and be comfortable.  And it is easy to unleash the trouble of the day on those we love most, knowing that they are going to love us anyway.  But even those who love you unconditionally, need to be loved and respected in return.

Something as simple as coming in the door and dropping your book bag, lunch bag, shoes... or whatever on the floor or couch instead of putting it where it belongs.  You are assuming that someone else is going to come along behind you and take care of.

Say you had a bad day at work and you come home and snap at your wife or children.  You don't mean anything by it, but you never apologize and you continue on with your foul attitude for the rest of the evening.  Your family members did nothing to contribute to your bad day... and yet, they are feeling the brunt of it.

Remember how we talked about simple acts of kindness being nothing more than kind words or small actions?  They don't always need to take place outside the home.  In fact, they should start in side the walls of your castle.  Tell your wife that she looks nice.  Tell your husband things you appreciate about him.  Help your mom fix dinner- without being threatened or conditioned.  Help your sibling pick up her toys.  Leave notes, bring home gifts, do a little extra.  The payoff is... amazing.  You will become closer and your bonds will be tighter and the household will be happier.  

Leave the negative things that happened in your day outside the front door and walk through that door with an attitude of love and gratitude.  

What kind things have you done for your family today?  What things can you do in the future?  How can you show more love to the people you live with?  Please share your comments below.

Compassion.  Sometimes that's all kindness is.  Maybe it's taking that little extra time explaining features to a new customer.  Maybe it's holding a hand and being quiet while she cries.  Maybe it's walking slowly behind a senior citizen not in any rush to get to where you're going.  

Thinking of others first.  Seeing that another person has value.  Letting another person, be exactly who they were meant to be, with your support, patience or encouragement.

Compassion.  Another way to show kindness without spending a dime.  Put yourself in someone else's shoes and act accordingly.  

Welcome to Day Two of the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!  Our first day got off to a pretty slow start but hopefully that will pick up.

I have to tell you that I was interviewed by David Breth a journalist for CNN and his article has gotten quite a bit of attention!  I am hopeful that it will help get the word out and we can spread some kindness all over the world.  Who doesn't need a little more love in their life?

Today's challenge: Give a random person a compliment.  No need to make it creepy, but watch their eyes light up at your praise. 

P.S. Check out the article on CNN!! (Still waiting to be vetted, but exciting all the same!)

Leave your posts in the comments below!  Let us know what you're out doing to show kindness to others!