In January I was part of a Widow’s Retreat in Phoenix with 11 other women who had lost their husbands. It was started by Naomi Rhode as a way to help those who were grieving. On our first night we had a lovely Epiphany dinner at the Rhodes. Over the three days in Arizona, we shared, we studied, we prayed, we did a project to share the chapters of our lives, we ate, and we even went to the Escape Room for some fun! I am so blessed to be a part of such a special group!

On the business front, I spoke for Tidewell Hospice in February on “KINDNESS is Contagious – Be a Spreader.”  We sold a lot of books, and It was especially fun to sign a book for Dr. Dan Deems, my friend and the ENT who did my sinus surgery a number of years ago. We both serve on the Tidewell Hospice Foundation Board. In May I will be speaking to Women on Mission in Sarasota.  This summer I will attend the National Speakers Association conference in July in Austin and the Veteran Speakers Retreat in DC in August.  Although my speaking has slowed down, I am writing a new book on KINDNESS which seems to be what everyone needs right now.

Blessings,

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you have done to fill the world with kindness! As a new Director of Employee Engagement, I was looking at options for a new hire orientation program and found your “Johnny the Bagger®” video. I was truly moved beyond belief! I have always lived and coached that the three greatest gifts you can give yourself and others are to adopt an attitude of gratitude, be kind and lead with love. This video encompasses all of these qualities in a magical way. Thank you for all your life-changing work.” ~ Colleen Phillips

Kindness is a powerful force that can transform everyday moments into meaningful interactions, what I call a Human Level Connection. Creative ways to spread kindness often begin with small, intentional acts. Leaving handwritten notes of encouragement on coworkers’ desks or in public places can brighten someone’s day unexpectedly.

Another idea is to create a “kindness jar” at home or work, where people can add compliments or gratitude messages for others to read. One friend keeps little packets of chocolate chip cookies in her car to give out to the homeless or someone who looks sad. Another keeps a stack of dollar bills to give when she sees a needy person. Sometimes just a simple smile can change someone’s day.

Technology also offers opportunities. Sending a thoughtful text, sharing positive social media posts, or recording a short video message can reach people instantly. One can easily send electronic cards to surprise people on their birthdays. Organizing a community “pay it forward” day, where participants perform anonymous good deeds, builds a ripple effect of generosity.

Acts of kindness can also be experiential. Offer to teach a skill, cook a meal for a neighbor, or volunteer together with friends to do things like picking up trash on your block or visiting a retirement home. Even simple gestures like sincerely listening or giving genuine compliments foster connection. It tells people that you are really “seeing” them.

Ultimately, creativity in kindness lies in personalization. When acts are tailored to someone’s needs or interests, they feel more meaningful. For example, remember a hobby or collection a friend or co-worker has and when you read something related to it, send them a copy. Remember children’s names or the person’s favorite sports team and ask about them. That shows you care about that person’s whole life.

By weaving kindness into daily life in imaginative ways, we can create a culture where compassion grows naturally and spreads far beyond a single act. One of the ways I share with my audiences to remember to be kind is to put five pennies in your right pocket each morning, and every time you do something kind for someone during the day, move a penny to the other pocket. You do not go to bed at night until all five pennies are in the left pocket. You can even do this as a family and at dinnertime share what you did to move your pennies. Small, consistent efforts over time can inspire others to continue the cycle forward.

What can YOU do today to spread kindness wherever you may be?

For more inspiring articles, go to www.barbaraglanz.com/articles/

“Just caught your NSANT program from December 11. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful presentation. I had no idea there were so many steps to Adult Learning- that is a definite keeper! And now I have another reason to quell my ego = Edging God Out! Thanks loads.” ~ Harry Hall, NSA North Texas

“ Barbara, I wanted to let you know how much our nurses loved your presentation on “Creating a Culture of Kindness!” It was heartfelt, thoughtful, and so very appreciated. I cannot think you enough.”~ Megan VonHerbulis, Education Department, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Dave Grogan is a friend as well as a retired Nancy Captain. His decades of military experience allow him to present the veteran experience- and the lessons you can derive from it – in an authentic and credible way. Learning to Live From Those Willing to Die’s captivating stories about everyday American military heroes and the lessons you can learn from their lives provide the inspiration you need to make you, your relationships and your community stronger. And best of all, all the proceeds from the book will go to America’s Vet Dogs.

 “To read a new veteran’s story each month, go to Dave’s Blog webpage, davidegrogan.com/category/voices-veterans.”

“Barbara, I am so excited to share with you what we do with “Johnny the Bagger®.” In 2018 I left a VM on the number listed in my copy of “The Simple Truths of Service” because I wanted to buy a copy of the “Johnny the Bagger® video.” You called me the next day and I shared with you what we wanted to do with the video. We now show the Johnny video to every new employee, especially our new drivers. In the past 6 1/2 years I have shared our interaction in every orientation we have. People are amazed that it was YOU who called me and even more amazed when I show them the books you sent me with the kind words. It makes Johnny even more real to them. You and Johnny have truly touched hundreds of lives here.” ~ Chris St. John, Transland

PRICELESS GIFTS – Using What God’s Given You to Bless Others

Of all my books, this is one of my very favorites. It is all about GIVING and most of the hundreds of ideas cost no money. I wrote it during a very difficult time of my life when, at age 56, I had lost my father, my son, and my husband. Certainly not how you had planned your life to be! 

During that time, I realized I had a choice – to be BETTER or BITTER – so I CHOSE to focus on gratitude and all the caring things people had done for me. That led me to writing the book. I asked hundreds of people all over the world what someone had given them or done for them that meant a lot and then what THEY had done to care for others. 

With chapters such as “Treasure Gifts,” “Memorial Gifts,” “Anonymous Gifts,” “Labors of Love,” “The Gift of Words,” “Pass-It-Along Gifts,” “Humorous Gifts,” “Romantic Gifts,” and “Little Things Mean a Lot,”I have shared heartwarming examples of things people worldwide are doing to use their gifts to encourage others.

This book is really about many people who are choosing to give to others, making a conscious effort to make a difference in someone’s life. Through the stories of other’s giving, you will be inspired to find creative, intentional ways you, too, can surprise and delight the people around you. And, as a result, you not only will be having fun, but YOU will be making a positive difference in this world.

One side note – when I visited Ken and Margie Blanchard this fall in San Diego, Ken shared with me that Margie and her friends had been using Priceless Gifts in their Bible study, so I have also written an 8 week Bible study to go with the book. Please email me if you are interested in having this guide.

You can order the book at https://barbaraglanz.com/product/priceless-giftsusing-what-gods-given-you-to-bless-others/

Special discount price of only $15.00 plus FREE shipping

Click Here to order at SPECIAL PRICE

“Reading your newsletter today gave me pause. I imagine you must go to bed each night knowing your work and your very being in this world makes it a better place. To awaken today to clear blue skies, sunshine, and your newsletter….well, I can’t tell you how blessed I am to have ever crossed your path. I am glad you’re traveling lots, getting to see your family, and still finding time to inspire kindness and spread your contagious enthusiasm.” ~ Denise Plummer