Today's topic is workspace but as I shared mine not long ago, I'm covering yesterday's #BEDN topic - Kindness - today.

I racked my brain for what to say and wondered 'when was the last time I did something kind' and do you know what, I couldn't think of a single thing, my mind just went completely blank. I can't say that this (lack of) thought made me feel good. And so I began to think about what kindness means. The dictionary definition is - the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

I think I'd thought of kindness as a big gesture, when in actual fact kindness can be shown in the smallest of ways. Simple acts like holding a door open for someone, smiling and being polite. Noticing that someone is having a rough day and making them a cuppa. Giving someone a hug. Simply saying something nice. These things are things that we all do every single day without even thinking about it. Imagine what we could do if we all made a conscious effort to 'be kind'?

So, when I thought again about any acts of kindness I'd shown recently I remembered Rupert, the dog that turned up on our doorstep in the early hours, lost, muddy and in need of a bed for the night. When my Sister-in-law lost her Father recently, I knew she wouldn't ask for help (although she is always the first to offer help when needed), so I told her that I would design and print the order of service for the funeral - it was something practical that I could do easily and one less thing for her to worry about. Now, I'm not listing these things to say 'look at me, I'm so kind', but to illustrate that we all probably share a lot of kindness without even realising it (as I said, I didn't remember any of these things when I first thought about it). I think it's in our nature to help one another and show kindness to those who need it.

I was so touched to read that over 200 strangers attended the funeral of RAF war veteran Harold Percival earlier this week, after his story went viral. This is an amazing example of the kindness of strangers. It's so sad that most of what we hear, see and read on a daily basis is doom and gloom so it is so nice to hear of something positive. There are some amazing, kind and generous people in the world. Just take a moment to think about your last act of kindness, I bet you don't have to think too far back.


Part of #BEDN hosted by Elizabeth.

Love