Some know me as a person, and individual, mother, daughter, sibling, aunt, grandma to furbabies. The one thing that my mother showed me by being an example is to be kind. My parents taught me a lot of things, and many of those things were taught by example, which I did in return with my sons.
In a world that is full of hate, bigotry, wars, and violence, some have forgotten about what it means to be human. To be part of humanity.
I am an author of various genres, and I am a professional in the literary business (editor, book reviewer, podcast host, magazine owner, and author promoter) and in all of my jobs, I do what I can to help authors. I do my best to be kind, to all, and when I say it, I mean it. Yes, I could be a mean jerk, but I don't like it. I don't like the way anger turns me inside out. I do get angry, but only if someone is hurting someone I love or care about.
When my email signature says Be Kind. Be Safe. Be Well. I mean every single word.
As a woman, a disabled person, a boss, a coworker, I have been discriminated against. I have heard the hurtful words, and now, I hear them more often, when I'm just shopping, using my wheelchair. They either say something rude, about me being slow or being in their way. Or, no words, just hurry to get in front of me. Last Christmas eve, I went to the store, and pulled my chair near a wall, so I wouldn't be in anyone's way to look at my list, and a man burst around the corner, almost hitting me, and said "get the f**k out of my way." and I just looked up and said "Merry Christmas," and smiled behind my mask. He stared at me and didn't know what to say, so he hurried off.
We are supposed to be examples for the next generations to come. So, I'd like you all to do me a favor. Be kind, and when someone is kind to you, pay it forward.
I have also created myself some new shirts that say "Be Kind" on the front of them, and a couple have it on the back. I always wear black, but I thought I should add some color in my life. I am also offering you the opportunity to purchase similar shirts, tote bags, hoodies (and more items to come), with something so simple as Be Kind.
