When Kindness Rules

Self-Control

Earlier this year in a post called Being Positive in a Negative Time, I wrote about trying to reframe my thinking from fear, negativity and borderline hopelessness to a more positive, creative and hopeful mindset. To do that, I announced an intention to take a Facebook diet. I had been addictively resharing negative stories, jumping on every “sky is falling” announcement about our country. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in a happy place where we are as a country under the current administration. But, I am trying to keep my thoughts and actions in better control. I don’t want to be adding to anyone else’s fears and negativity! That is not what I was born to do, that much I know.

Good Reading

I also wrote that I would be trying to immerse myself in good literature and to that end, I’d like to recommend the two reads in my post Perfect Tandem Read: Moonglow by Michael Chabon and The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal. In addition, I’ve recently started The Nix by Nathan Hill and good Lord, am I ever hooked! (Yes, female friends, next book up MUST be from a female author.) I won’t try to review The Nix at all yet, but let’s just say that I am learning so much about some fascinating characters and families. And what do you think, best name ever of a troubled boy, Bishop Fall?? Moonglow and The Hare did not have me in as much anticipation of getting back to the books. They were not bad, don’t mean that, but The Nix?? So far, on another level.

Good Viewing

And now, thanks to a post I saw on Facebook (yes, I’m back, with more self-control) from Alexandra Rosas, I have been turned on to the Kindness Diaries on Netflix. This is a must watch show. I know I’m a little late to the party in hearing about this one — and many of you may have already watched it. But if you’re new to it, like me, and you have the ability to watch Netflix somewhere, please do. The basic premise is this — Leon Logothetis, a Brit living in L.A. decides to, well, wait, let me show you what Broadway World said recently:

Who is Leon Logothetis and why does he have a Netflix show? What is his story and why is it significant? Logothetis had it allprestigious job, money, a home, a beautiful girlfriend and a friendly dog. But he traded it all in to live his dreams. His inner rebel, the part of him that yearns to follow his dreams, once again wanted to feel the magic of the human experience by connecting with people through the language of kindness. This is what prompted him to travel the world relying solely on the kindness and generosity of strangers. And now, he is giving back. “I have always had a passion for interacting with people,” says Logothetis. “I love the camaraderie of making new friends and helping those that are deserving, and I treasure the adventure of travel.”

“…connecting with people through the language of kindness.” Amen to that. Again and again and again!

I watch The Kindness Diaries when I’m unloading the dishwasher, washing dishes, folding laundry and suddenly these chores I’ve found deadly boring no longer are. And, yes, sometimes I just sit on my couch, look up occasionally at the March snowstorm painting my Wisconsin world white again, and immerse myself in the beauty of humans. Because yes, there are so many beautiful people out there.

If I had a child at home, of any age, I would make a time to watch this together. If I had a grandchild in my world, I would encourage them to watch it and if we couldn’t be together, we could watch an episode and then discuss. I will be asking my husband to watch an episode or two with me. We all can benefit from reminders of the importance of kindness. When we let kindness guide our thoughts and actions, we spread smiles and hope. I’m all for that.

Please, please, if you haven’t seen it and can, start watching The Kindness Diaries. I have no doubt it will uplift you and maybe you too will catch the kindness bug.

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When Kindness Rules was originally published in Pam Writes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.