"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." -- His Holiness The Dalai Lama

We have been up against a lot of unkind people, things and situations of late. I am starting this Saturday with a little meditation on kindness and it's cousin compassion.

I think it is time to throw some honey at it all. I have some South Carolina blood and it certainly could not hurt to pull out a few "Well bless your hearts" and "You don't say!" in response to all the negativity.

I think channeling my inner southern belle could be the answer I need. Sometimes you need to practice kindness, really practice it.

So I am going to spend this Saturday, actively practicing kindness. I will not speak negatively. I will re-frame my words. Instead of yelling at my kids for being rude, I will say things like: "Don't you mean to ask if I would please make you a peanut butter sandwich? Let's try that again!"

I will tie up loose ends. I will try to remember that just because I am overwhelmed I can't expect others to understand or even be helpful. All I can do is model it.

I will respond to the icky and nasty with the positive and reaffirming. At least for today.