Back in January (could that really be six months ago!?), I was all gung ho on participating in the One Little Word project.

“Kindness” was the word I had chosen.

Then I decided to take it a little “deeper” and changed my word to “Accept.” (but that is probably for another day…. another blog….)

I followed the project for a couple months, but for some reason, I just didn’t stick with it.  (I applaud a few friends who I know are sticking to their “reflections,” “choices,” and “moxie!”)

Well – Even though I changed my “one little word”…. and didn’t stick with the program, I am still reminded of my original and “gut instinct” word when I look at something I wrote on the chalkboard in my home office:

“A Hug is a Blanket of Kindness”

Do you ever stop and think how SIMPLE it is to make a difference in someone’s life?

An impact on the world?

Have you thought about how much a real, genuine, T I G H T, last-to-let-go hug means to someone?

I held a training session at work yesterday for one of our teams on one of my favorite topics:  Customer Service – and specifically – how a Complaint is a Gift!  No matter how many times I talk about it, or how many times I present the same topic, I get excited….   I get energized…  I get downright giddy about the endless opportunities at our fingertips and on the tip of our tongues – both personally and professionally – when we simply display kindness.

You see – customer service, handling complaints, and simple acts of kindness – are really such basic concepts.

Why do we try to complicate things so?

Why do we look for magic bullets?

Miracle creams?

Quick fixes?

What happened to the simple act of kindness?

The simple gesture of a genuine hug?

Do you let the world around you affect your day or do you make an impact on others?

I make it my daily goal, even if it is simply with the teenage boy or middle-aged woman working the cash register at the local grocery store, to share KINDNESS with everyone I interact with.

Do you let that “grouchy” checkout lady ruin your day or your shopping experience or your moment? Or do you make it your personal challenge, like I try to do, to make that person smile…? leave them with a positive, kind thought?

It’s kinda fun really.

It’s kinda eclectic.

Hmmm…  That is the name of the new stamp set I used from StampinUp to make this card:  Kinda eclectic

Can’t wait to decide who to send it to and share a little kindness.

Don’t underestimate the power of simple kindness, random acts of kindness, and the value of a TIGHT, last-to-let-go hug.

A little act of kindness goes a LONG way!

Cheers and Hugs,

Jodi

PS   For my stampin’ friends, this card was made using the new in colors, Kinda Eclectic stamp set, and Gorgeous Grunge Stamp set.