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Maria DiGiorgio is a lifelong New Yorker, who currently resides in Commack, with her family. She is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. She has a passion for interior decorating and loves to garden. She is an avid reader, and enjoys writing about life experiences and parenthood, as well as her personal observations about the world around us. |
| Have you ever thought about the impact one little act of kindness can have on another human being? A loving gesture, a word of encouragement, a gentle touch or a warm smile, are just some acts of kindness that we may be apt to give or fortunate enough to receive. As with all things, if we do not remain conscious of our thoughts and our actions, we may miss the golden opportunities that befall us, each and everyday. We can make a positive, meaningful and lasting impact in our own lives and the lives of others, simply by being kind. Kindness can mean the difference between feeling loved or unloved, acknowledged or ignored, validated or dismissed. One small act can make a person feel worthy and make us realize that we are responsible for caring for one another. Kindness doesn’t cost a penny nor take a lot of time to express. Extending ourselves may seem overwhelming in this highly demanding world we live in. We are being pulled in so many directions, and often struggle to address our own needs, let alone those of others. What we forget, is that in caring for one another, we receive an enormous gift of love, connection and purpose, in return! Kindness is contagious. It is reciprocal, in that it leaves the person who extends the gesture feeling just as wonderful as the person who receives it. When we experience kindness, we are more likely to “pay it forward.” The more we engage in acts of kindness, the more we seek to do so. It is a feel-good proposition that warms the hearts of all involved. Model kindness in your family, with your loved ones, in your workplace, in your community, and with fellow human beings you encounter in your life. Challenge yourself to do something thoughtful each day and remember to be kind to yourself, as we often leave ourselves out of the equation. We frequently confuse self-kindness with selfishness. The two are not the same. In order to be able to give freely, lovingly and consistently, you have to replenish your own spirit. Speak kindly, be patient, practice compassion, donate your time, services and/or finances to a worthy cause. Call that special someone, who may be in need of a little TLC, assist someone in doing something they may not be able to achieve on their own. Acknowledge, respect, empathize with, inquire about and make connections with those around you and you will find that kindness truly matters, deeply! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 