Kiki’s Corner: Try a little kindness
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At some point, all of us, or many of us, will need help from someone. We will need the help when we're happy or sad, healthy or sick, young or old. If you stop and think, I'm sure it happened to you in the past, and if not, it will in the future. I don't mean that in a negative way.
In my lifetime, I needed help so many different times. I'm thankful for my family and friends, that they're willing to be helpful, and I'm trying to do the same thing for others. It doesn't always take time or money to be helpful. Sometimes a few kind words, a little support or simple listening can mean a lot to someone.
Being helpful builds stronger relationships and brings more happiness into our own lives. I found out when we are helpful, we make people's lives a little easier and happier, but at the same time it makes us feel good because we know we're making a positive difference. At the same time, being helpful means doing kind things for others without expecting anything in return. It can be a big action like helping friends in a difficult time or a small action like holding a door for someone.
Another thing we need to take into consideration: I noticed with my own experience I see a difference in people the way I talk. Normally, when I say, "please," "Thank you" and "sorry," I can see a difference in how people react toward me. Good manners show that we care about others, and when we are polite, people feel happy and respected. We can show our good manners with our family, our friends, coworkers and in general with everyone. I laugh at times with my kids when I tell them, "Kill them with kindness," and they say, "Mom, I don't know how you do that," lol. I tell them you see all these people, you just don't know the problems they have and what's going on at their homes.
Manners also create a positive environment. Taking the time to listen to a person that has something to say to you makes them feel comfortable and valued. Let's not forget good manners are not just about words but also about our actions.
Life can be busy and sometimes stressful. Unfortunately, there will always be problems, but inner peace helps you stay calm and handle them better. Inner peace does not mean that life is perfect. It means you're strong enough to stay calm even when things are not easy and pray for a brighter tomorrow. If possible, stay away from negativity.
Our society will be so much better if we stay away from negativity. I know it's not always easy to do it. But instead, we should choose compassion, if we're just noticing someone's pain and caring enough to offer support. It teaches us to look beyond ourselves and understand that others may be facing struggles we cannot see.
Let's try ... a kind word, a helping hand or simply listening to someone can make a difficult moment easier. Instead of judging people for their mistakes or situations, we can choose to treat them with kindness and respect. That is a huge lesson for me as well. I realize that I don't smile as much as I used to. Unfortunately, life is full of surprises, good ones and bad ones. I wish they were all good ones, but sad to say they're not.
Many blessings to all!
Till next week.
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Crock Pot Roast Pork
1 3-4 lb pork roast
1 clove garlic, minced
1 chicken, bouillon cube
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup of water
1/2 cup soy sauce
Combine in crockpot and cook on low heat 10 to 12 hours. Turn once during cooking. Remove from crockpot and discard liquid. Shred the meat, add barbecue sauce and serve on buns.
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Chicken chip bake
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups diced celery
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup slivered almonds
2 tsp grated onion
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
2 oz. American cheese shredded (1/2 cup )
1 cup crushed potato chips
Combine all except for cheese and chips. Pile into 1 1/2 quart casserole. Sprinkle with cheese, then chips. Bake in the oven at 425 for 20 minutes or until heated through.
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Easy Texas two-step chicken picante
1 1/2 cups picante sauce
3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 cups hot cooked rice
Mix picante sauce and mustard. Place chicken in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour picante sauce mixture over chicken. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until chicken is done. Share with rice.