(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

A random act of kindness is an inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world.

Kindness is a type of behavior marked by an act of generosity, consideration or concern for others without expecting anything in return.

Lately I have been thinking about what the word kindness really means because in the past few weeks so many people have shown me unbelievable kindness. It seems like our city has so many kind people that it is almost impossible for me to comprehend.

It is unbelievable the nice things they have said to me and have shown me acts of kindness which immediately tells me they are very kind and a nice person. I could better understand it if I knew the person but the majority comes from people I have never seen or met before.

For instance today I went to the grocery store and a man saw me having trouble taking the carts apart and gave me his cart. Following that I needed an item that was on the top shelf and being short I could not reach and a young lady without me asking told me she would get it down for me.

Later on I was buying a 30-bottle package of water and a store employee immediately came over and picked it up for me telling me that it was too heavy for me to be lifting.

Later in the day I went to get gas for my car and a young lady told me to stay in my car, that it was too hot to be out and she filled my tank with gas.

Small or large but all the little things like I just listed above highly impressed me because none of these people did I know.

Kindness seems to just come naturally with many people and the size of kindness, big or small, does not matter as long as you are considerate, kind, thoughtful and generous.

I personally always try to be thoughtful and show kindness to everyone and assist them whenever I am able and hope you all do the same.

As much as I like to receive acts of kindness, I also like to serve them as well.

So don’t forget and don’t ignore the old person that needs help, the poor person that can use some assistance, etc .

You can tell when a person is kind as soon as you see them, they have that special smile on their face, and at the same time some do surprise you by spreading warmth and joy to others. I will end up saying that kindness comes in different forms from a smile shared between strangers to a helping hand offered in times of need or a thoughtful gesture.

Each act of kindness has the power to make a difference in someone’s day, and uplift the human spirit. Don’t forget, kindness begins with ourselves, and then we share with others and create a more caring and inclusive world because kindness serves as a Beacon of Hope and unity.

Let’s all be kind to each other. Trust me, by spreading kindness it will make you feel good inside.

Till next week.

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TOMATO SALAD

1 clove garlic, mashed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup of lemon juice

2 cucumbers

3 tomatoes

1 small onion, chopped

1 teaspoon parsley, chopped

1/4 cup pimento stuffed olives, sliced (optional)

1/4 cup salad oil

1/2 cup chopped green pepper (optional)

Combine garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Cut cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-size pieces. Add to lemon juice mixture along with the rest of the ingredients, tossing gently. Chill 2 hours before serving.

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CRUNCHY VEGETABLE SALAD

1 head cauliflower

1 bunch of broccoli

3 carrots, sliced

3 green onions, chopped, (including tops )

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

1 package Good Seasons cheese garlic dressing

Cut broccoli and cauliflower flowerettes Into bite-size pieces, combine with carrots, onions, and celery. Blend last 3 ingredients and pour over vegetables. Toss until well coated. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Serves 10 to 12.

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PINEAPPLE CHEESE MOLD

1 envelope, unflavored gelatin

1 cup cold water

1(8 ounce) can crushed pineapple

3/4 cup of sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped

Dissolve gelatin in water. Boil pineapple, sugar, and lemon juice until sugar dissolves. Add gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Cool until partially set. Add cheese and whipped cream. Pour into oil mold and chill until set.