"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." Aesop

Sunday morning, I stopped by a Wal-mart for just 2 things- and I was in a hurry, as I was running a little late for choir rehearsal before church.  Upon getting out of my car, I saw a woman struggling with the bags in her cart, so I walked over to help her to empty the groceries into her car and to return the cart to the store. She was so appreciative, but it really was no trouble for me.  (I would gladly spend the few extra minutes to help someone, which in my mind, makes it OK to be a few minutes late for choir.)  She said, "Thank you so much! I see you are someone who pays it forward.  I like to do that when I can."  We chatted a few minutes, and then parted.

I guess she was right- I am someone who likes to "pay it forward."  I am appreciative of the gifts I have received, and I like to help others.  Being kind requires so little effort, and the rewards are so great.

My tiny gesture of kindness and our subsequent conversation started us both off to a good day, and this brief encounter made me think of the small kindnesses that people could do for others, if only they were paying attention!  Smiling at a stranger, holding a door open, using good manners, reaching a top shelf item for a short person, allowing someone with one item to go before you in the express aisle when you have 10 items, waving a driver to cross in front of your car . . . the list could just go on and on.  Sometimes, people are so caught up in their own thoughts, that they do not notice the seemingly insignificant struggles of others.  So, I guess I am reminding everyone- including myself- to be aware of others, and show kindness when and where you can.

If you are a teacher, you know the body language of your students quite well by this time of the school year. I remember being in the classroom and having a student walk in with slumped shoulders or teary eyes, or other body language that was not the norm.  I always tried to talk softly with those students before class began . . . sometimes students come to school with so much baggage from home, and kindness goes a long way in making them feel better about life, school, learning, and your class. 

Kindness matters, every single day.  It even matters to the person who acts the grumpiest, and especially to the one who is the least friendly.  I hope you will practice some kind gestures - pay it forward - and reap the intrinsic rewards of doing some good.  

I hope you have a week filled with kindness

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Many colleges have made the book required reading. 
Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 


Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com .  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!   Grady plush toys are ordered! 

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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