"Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception". - Buddha

Writing a weekly blog is not always easy.  I try to pay careful attention to others around me to find topics and inspiration, and I found both at church on Sunday in a sermon given by Del Treese.

Our church youth group traveled to Wisconsin for what was called "A Week of Hope."  The group of teens and adult chaperones was divided into smaller groups and given assignments to help in specific venues.  Some went to the local YMCA to be with small children, to play games with them, help them to learn some basic skills, and provide friendship.  Another group was assigned to be companions and engage with a group of adults and young adults with physical and mental challenges and disabilities. When the youth group came together at the end of each day, they shared stories of their experiences and what they learned. As I listened to Del Treese give this sermon, I thought about the trip title, "A Week of Hope,"  and I decided this: in reality, no one has to travel or be a part of a group to give hope.  Every person has the ability to give hope by showing kindness and support to others every day. Simple gestures of kindness toward others can have a major impact. 

Think about an unexpected kindness someone did for you.  How did you feel?  Isn't it a marvelous feeling to know that YOU are important to someone, and that someone is thinking of YOU?  Just imagine a world in which everyone is courteous of others!  That world would be so wonderful!  I am so glad that the young people in my church had positive experiences to share, and I hope they will continue their kindnesses beyond one week. I really like knowing that our young people are being groomed to be kind.

I confess that I look for opportunities to show kindness, like taking someone's cart back to the store when they are finished unloading groceries to their car, or giving a compliment to a stranger.  I like giving smiles, and I also enjoy receiving them in return.  Days spent showing kindness just make my heart feel lighter!  

I agree with Buddha - "Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception."  Do you agree?  If you haven't already done so, try sharing a smile or a random act of kindness. The results might surprise you.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

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 now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

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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