Life Vest Inside

The Daily Kindness Digest #1568

Kindness Quote

“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”

John F. Kennedy

Act of Kindness

Bring reusable bags with you to the grocery store. The less plastic the better! Let’s be a little kinder to our landfills.

Positive Affirmation

I do NOT quit! The moment I want to quit, is usually the moment before a miracle happens. I will not give up!

Kindness Media

In this presentation, we will hear how the transparency of one person in the eyes of society leads her to spread kindness in the world.

by LifeVestInside

The Daily Kindness Digest #1567

Kindness Quote

“Tolerance is the mindful capacity to love, respect, accept the differences that make people unique.”

Byron R. Pulsifer

Act of Kindness

Be kind to the Earth! Today when you see garbage on the street, instead of walking past it, throw it out. You just may inspire others to follow suit and think twice before littering.

Positive Affirmation

I let go of the past that I do not need and create the future that I want!

Kindness Media

May we never forget the undeniable connectedness of community and resilience shown during the challenging times.

by LifeVestInside

The Daily Kindness Digest #1566

Motivation Monday's

Life Vest Inside has had the very good fortune of finding writers willing to share their Kindness Stories with us. One of our special recurring writers is David Jablinowitz, Op-Ed Editor at Jerusalem Post, who is famous for his “bus stories.”

Spiky Kindness

A young Israeli in a bright red shirt, his carefully spiked and gelled hairdo and various facial piercings offering an image to the world, rushes to help an elderly woman who has fallen in the street. He slowly readjusts her shopping bag and her walker, and assists her to the middle of the sidewalk in front of his trendy hair salon. “Are you okay?” he asks. “Do you need something to drink?”

He stands outside with her for several minutes, until she is steady enough to move on. Even then, he holds vigil until she has traveled safely for another block. His parents can be very proud of his manners and his love for fellow human beings.

The streets of Jerusalem frequently teach me not to jump to conclusions, not to put people in boxes.

~ Ruti Eastman

Finding yourself inspired to share your kindness story? Please submit it HERE – you can share via text, audio or video. Our editor will look it over! You may see your writing in a future issue of The Daily Kind!

Kindness Quote

“If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Act of Kindness

Bring an extra apple or banana as you head out today. An opportunity will undoubtedly present itself to share your healthy treat with another!

Positive Affirmation

I am talented! I am gifted and have so many skills to share with the world!

Kindness Media

Rachel faces an occasion she was not prepared for. Her mother tries her best to help. Will it be enough? Watch to find out.

by LifeVestInside

The Kindness Flash #60

This month’s theme: TOLERANCE

Articles of the Month

Reflections on Tolerance – “Education is the key to tolerance.”

This is a quote I’ve long loved and find myself turning to more and more often. Each and every person in this world is unique in their own way. A simple glance at our fingers is a reminder that we each possess the ability to leave a mark on this world that is different from anyone else.

If each human being has a distinct fingerprint, it goes to say that we each have different ways of thinking, processing, connecting and experiencing the world.

Tolerance is more than putting up with things – it’s a moral virtue – When tolerance is placed within the moral domain relating to fairness, justice and respect and avoiding causing harm to others, it can only be viewed as a positive moral virtue.

Being tolerant – It isn’t simple to be a tolerant person. It is okay to stick to your own values; but it makes sense to evaluate your values, especially if they are having an effect on others.

“Tolerance is the mindful capacity to love, respect, and accept the differences that make people unique.”

Byron R. Pulsifer

“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.”

Robert Alan

“People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Nelson Mandela

Act of Kindness

When you don’t agree with another person’s opinion, focus on respecting their right to think for themselves and to believe as they choose. Just as we would never want that right taken away from us, we have a responsibility to extend that same courtesy to other people and treat others with respect, even when we disagree with them.

Question of the Month

How can we be tolerant of those who are intolerant of us? Share here or in the comments below.

Kindness Media

Photo of the Month

How does this photo represent tolerance? Share your thoughts.

Songs of the Month

A song about acceptance, tolerance, and celebrating differences.

This song is urging people to love one another, and questioning why so much hate exists in the world, this song remains relevant more than one decade later, a pertinent reminder that we should extend love to people of all races and religions.

This song about equality is an anthem that has inspired so many to fight for peace and love. Lennon sings about his belief that we are all one people and that we do not have to be divided by borders or religions.

Videos of the Month

Cole Blakeway, a messy ten-year-old, teaches us the value of celebrating differences as he describes his beautiful friendship with Steven, a 44-year-old man with Autism.

An inspiring video about love and tolerance

A deaf girl comes across a boy who is paralyzed from the waist-down, but neither of them know about each other’s differences.

Books of the Month

Far from the Tree – Laurie Calkhoven – Far from the Tree explores how people who love each other must struggle to accept each other—a theme in every family’s life.

Living The Five Skills of Tolerance – Scott Warrick – This book does not focus on what makes us all different. It focuses on what we all have in common and how we all need to treat each other on an individual basis as human beings. The Five Skills of Tolerance form the roadmap that helps US ALL evolve into 21st century human beings and build a better world.

The Psychology of Tolerance in Times of Uncertainty – Malgorzata Kossowska – This unique book lays out the motivational basis for tolerance, the most important underlying factor that shapes people’s social attitudes and determines our ability to get along with others.

One of These Is Not Like the Others – Barney Saltzberg – Even though one of these is not like the others, that’s just fine with these friends…because it’s how they rock and roll. Cute illustrations show friend groups with one different-looking friend.

We’re Different, We’re the Same – Bobbi Kates – Noses look different but they’re the same, too, because they breathe and sniff. Sesame Street characters show kids that no matter how things look on the outside, we’re also the same on the inside.

Just Like Brothers – Elizabeth Baguley – Lush illustrations and lyrical text tell the redemptive story of two different creatures who come together in friendship despite warnings from their parents. Because sometimes people judge negatively when someone is different.

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by LifeVestInside

Reflections on Tolerance

“Education is the key to tolerance.”

If each human being has a distinct fingerprint, it goes to say that we each have different ways of thinking, processing, connecting and experiencing the world.

The fact that we each literally leave a unique mark is only further proof that for the world to exist in its best form, it requires each of us to play our role. A clear reminder that “YES! you are significant. In fact you fill a space that no one else can fill.” Repeat that to yourself. What a powerful concept, what an empowering concept. But let us remember that in the same way as we are told these precious words, so is each and every person. It’s when we realize and internalize this thought that our respect, appreciation and love for others grows. “Yes, I am an important piece in this puzzle of life, but so is he. So is she.”

So why do I bring this up and how is it related to tolerance?

Well, I don’t know about you, but when I observe this vastly changing world I’m baffled to see that simply because two people shared different or even opposing opinions on a given topic, their differences have suddenly become reason to walk away, click the “unfriend” button and in some cases cut ties, shame or attack the other.

When thinking about what separates human beings from the animals, one thing comes to mind. Dialogue. Sure, animals can communicate with one another but they lack the ability to have true dialogue. To hear the thoughts of another wholeheartedly and then respond in turn and discover something in the process.

Dialogue, debate – these have actually been the key to progress over the centuries. The sharing and exchanging of ideas, thoughts, ideologies, points of view. After all, dialogue and debate lead to truth, understanding, acceptance and yes…tolerance. True – both parties may leave the table with their opinions unchanged. But dialogue was never about convincing another party of something. Dialogue was about discovering the viewpoint of another so that you can respect where they are coming from, even though you may not agree with their take.

If we don’t share our views openly in a respectful and embracing way then we simply make one side out to be “the other.” This is where danger lies. By defining someone as “the other” simply because they don’t conform to a popular opinion, one can be led to justify actions taken against that person in the name of what they hold to be true, good and kind. But goodness and kindness never take the form of aggression, scapegoating and shaming.

There is a reason why education is the key to tolerance. You see, when you take the time to actually get to know someone – to step into their shoes – you won’t magically understand them. But you most certainly will respect them and their path.

Until you take the time to truly see someone, they will always be “the other.”

So, take this opportunity to be mindful. When you find yourself at odds with someone or you find that you don’t agree with their opinion, take the time to learn about who they are, their story, their fingerprint. True – you may not agree, and that is completely fine! We were never meant to all be the same, in fact we were each created to be different, and it is the fact that we are each different that makes us all the same.

In a world that gravitates to being the same, Cole Blakeway reminds us that we are all different and that's AWESOME!

by LifeVestInside

The Daily Kindness Digest #1561

Motivation Monday's

Life Vest Inside has had the very good fortune of finding writers willing to share their Kindness Stories with us. One of our special recurring writers is David Jablinowitz, Op-Ed Editor at Jerusalem Post, who is famous for his “bus stories.”

Warmth of Kindness

This morning on the bus, a young boy is with his dad. The child complains that he’s cold.

Bus driver hears. Opens up a case and takes out a coat which has the Egged logo on the back.

“Here,” the driver says to the boy. “This is for you. It’ll keep you warm.”

The father jokes with the driver: “That’s very small for you,” he says.

“It’s not for me, of course; I got it for my son,” the driver replies, “but I can get another one; don’t worry.”

The father is grateful. The kid is thrilled.

“Sorry,” says the father. “My wife normally takes care of the children in the morning, but she was tired today, so I took charge. I should have realized how cold it was this morning.”