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Positive Effects of Kindness

Transplanting Seedlings

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read858 views

It’s been a very busy weekend for us. We helped two neighbors get rid of weeds around their property. Although we are a little sore, it felt good and it brightened their day. We offer such physical labor once in a blue moon to neighbors who need it the most.

We were gifted a 3 year old, 8 and a half foot Elm Tree, which we transplanted on Saturday. The seed from the mother tree landed on my neighbor’s backyard, on the side of a sprinkler line and grew. We carefully dug it out and transplanted it in our backyard. We hope and pray that it survives and thrives.

Young Elm Tree and clusters of fruits (Samaras).

The weather has been wonderful since the beginning of the week and even though the ground is getting stiffer, it is still a good time to pull out those weeds before they start shooting their seeds (which remain viable for many years). It took me a few years of dedication and hard labor to eradicate those seeds and my yard is weed free today because I never gave those weeds a chance to sprout to begin with.

My Gaura plants as well as my Scotch and French Broom shrubs have spread their seeds all over my property. It’s insane, I could start a nursery with all the seedlings. Since it was a little gloomy in the morning, I spent over an hour digging out, transplanting and relocating the seedlings. I also transplanted a few Dwarf Cup Flower seedlings.

The Purple-Leaf Cherry Plum trees are now in full bloom. The Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry is starting to bud and flower.

Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry Blossoms.

I haven’t done much this Winter but read, drink tea and read some more. With the weather getting warmer, I am ready to redesign and expand parts of my backyard garden.

Happy gardening and Spring cleaning.

Kindness Goes a Long Way

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read666 views

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

The past couple of weeks have been quite a roller coaster for me with mix feelings. I reflected a lot about my life and the path I wanted to follow. I spent quite some time figuring out how to break a very unhealthy bond and set my mind free. As painful as it is to end a relationship, it is always the right thing to do. When you come to the realization that nothing you do or say will change a situation, then it is time you end the story, turn the page, move on and begin a new chapter in your Life. Second chances at life are rare. How do we account for wasted years?

They say that things have a funny way of working themselves out and it’s true. I was set free by the same individual whom I have been praying to distance myself from and I am very grateful for their obnoxious act which worked in my favor.  Thankfully for me, that is one less headache to worry about. I am free and I gained peace of mind.

Our Neighbors Gift Cards.
Outback Steakhouse Restaurant Gift Card

Our neighbors graced us with a set of gift cards for Outback Steakhouse and a beautiful heartfelt Thank You card in appreciation for all our help and unconditional love. They often refer to us as their God sent Angels and this time wasn’t any different. As I gently hugged the husband, I felt as though they were our God sent. On one hand I was dealing with an individual who went through their life causing division amongst us and spreading hatred. Here I was in the arms of a Man whom I have only known for the last seven years. A Man who thinks I am an amazing Spiritual being, who uplifts my Spirit and understands the true essence of living.

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
― Romans 16:17 (NIV)

Everything will be just fine. This, I know for sure.

Kindness for Longevity

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read722 views

I love my neighbors. They are all wonderful, especially the original ones. I am so grateful to live here and be surrounded by beautiful individuals who constantly surprise us with their generosity. The older couple living across from our home are a blessing and such a joy to know. They are available and when needed, quick to help. They are inspiring and when not physically present, encouraging and advising.

My neighbors are a beautiful couple in their late seventies. They look so much younger (at least twenty years younger) all thanks to the choices they made on a daily basis and which they are making still. One doesn’t have to go all out to make someone else happy. Little things, acts of love and kindness have a way of making the heart flutter and leap for joy. This morning as I opened the mail box to collect yesterday’s mail, I found a nicely sealed gift. At that particular moment, I felt so loved and appreciated. I smiled as I knew who put it there since it wasn’t the first time. For a year and a half now, they have randomly filled our mail box with Greeting Cards for all occasions, Collectors Calendars, gift wraps and bags, coupon booklets for Power Tools, rare Vintage pieces and not too long ago, a large Bats fabric favor bag for the kids to go trick or treating.

Image Source: Comments.FunMunch.com.
Image Source: Comments.FunMunch.com.

I know the positive effects of this morning will be passed along to someone else in the form of another act of kindness or simply a genuine smile. As I sit here typing, I am thinking about returning their kindness and I know exactly what to give them. Kindness is one of the best feel good remedies which pays itself over and over again.

The following are some effects of Kindness (learn about other positive effects here):

  • Makes us feel good
  • Helps us become a better person
  • Promotes a feeling of well-being
  • Promotes compassion
  • A sense of achievement and belonging
  • Softens the heart and keeps it healthy
  • Helps us see the World through new lenses
  • Gives us an opportunity to know others
  • Being Kind makes you happier, thus, increases your longevity
  • Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving.

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” – Mother Teresa

Genuine Kindness is free. Choose to be kind and bless someone’s day to start a chain of endless positive actions.