Kindness Starts With One^®

When I was younge,r I thought that kindness was an individualistic thing. I figured that I could just give what I thought others wanted and I would be handed a one-way ticket to Happyville. This thought process was drastically altered when I was diagnosed with clinical depression. It became obvious that what I needed, as everyone does, was the...

Realizing that we're two self-centered millennials, often focused on what’s ahead instead of what’s around us, we created a series of 12 steps as a way to become kinder, more empathetic people. Based on 12-step programs designed to change behaviors, we took a vow to complete this 12-month resolution last January, one step per month. We’ve also designed the...

Kindness is a practice.

About 6 years ago, I was on a plane next to a woman who was relentlessly energetic and fidgety. I was tired and wanted to take a nap. But before I could go into “ignore mode,” she tapped me on the shoulder to introduce herself.

“Hi, my name is Helga!”

We got...

I care about helping people in need. One simple way I think someone can add kindness to the world is by giving to the homeless or needy. When you do something like thi,s you get a tingly feeling. That's what I call “the kindness feeling”. The kindness feeling is my favorite feeling ever. I believe the world needs more kindness...

“Mrs. Willis, this is Mr. West from the school.  Do you have a minute to talk?”  Silence.

“Yes,” she finally replied quietly.

“I just called to tell you that Natasha had a great day at school today.”  More silence.

“Really?” she questioned.

So I went on.  “I can tell that Natasha is really proud of...

My name is John M. Sweeney. I’m the founder and Chief Kindness Officer of a worldwide social movement called Suspended Coffees. I’m a misfit, a Kindness Coach, I’m a storyteller and I’m a teacher of kindness. For me, kindness has not only changed my life, it's also saved it. Three years ago I was depressed, alone, thinking...

Mother Nature gives us a lot. Here are 4 fun ways to show appreciation for all she provides.

My daughter, Kathrine, lives in Hillsboro, Oregon. Her neighbor recently had a baby. Kathrine took Izzy (Isabella) into her home for a few days when the new mother and baby came home from the hospital. Kathrine and I also went shopping and bought some much needed items for the new baby: diapers, blankets, a towel and wash cloth set, and a...

When I was little, I lived with my mom and dad until the age of three. My parents' relationship dissolved, which left my sister and I living with my dad on the streets until I was 5 years old. At that time, my dad couldn't take care of us anymore and dropped off my sister and I at my Aunt...