There was a boy who found a turtle. He started to examine it but the turtle pulled in its head and closed its shell-like a vice. The boy was upset and he picked up a stick to try to pry it open.

The boy’s uncle saw all this and remarked, No, that’s not the way! In fact, you may kill the turtle, but you’ll not get it to open up with a stick.

The uncle took the turtle into the house and set it near the fireplace. It wasn’t but a few minutes until it began to get warm. Then the turtle pushed out its head, then stretched out its legs and began to crawl.

Turtles are like that, said the uncle and people, too. You can’t force them into anything. But if you first warm them up with some real kindness, more than likely, they will do what you want them to do.

Being kind not only has a direct effect on others, but it has a positive impact on ourselves as well. Everybody can use a little bit of kindness in their life. Kindness starts with us.

Of course, being kind is pretty self-explanatory, but there are a variety of ways that we can express it. Whether it is opening a door for someone or delivering a bouquet of flowers, kindness can have a greater impact than we think. It is one of the greatest attributes that someone can have. 

Being kind goes a long way. 

“Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” — Charles Glassman 

“The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.” — Sarah Fielding

“You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” — Pubilius Syrus

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” — Jackie Chan 

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” — Barbara De Angelis 

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain

Be someone’s sunshine, when their skies are grey.