Kindness Archives - Zero Dean

As one year ends and another begins…

February 23, 2025December 31, 2024 by Zero Dean

As one year ends and another begins, let us move forward with an open mind, an open heart, and enduring hope for the wondrous possibilities that lie before us.

But let us do so wisely and without blinders on.

Because although the year ahead may be great, it will not be without its challenges. We will be tested in ways we cannot foresee. But with every challenge comes an opportunity for us to demonstrate our strength, patience, tolerance, and resolve.

Every surprise that the coming year has in store for us is an opportunity to show that we’ve grown. That we’re stronger. And that we are ever bridging the gap between the person we are and the person we wish to be.

Let us remember that it is through the process of overcoming challenges that we develop strength. And that every time we face temptation, heartache, friction, or failure it is an opportunity for us to act in ways that we can be proud of.

No matter what life has in store for us, let this be a year of love, encouragement, and forgiveness — of others and ourselves.

Let it see us act bravely, boldly, and taking consistent action towards our goals. Let it see us correct our bad habits and add to our good ones — making us healthier, happier, and more capable of living the kind of life we desire. Let is see us push forward into the new year knowing that we are not only capable of handling every adversity that lies ahead, we can do so in a way that makes us better.

And because we know that life isn’t always easy, let us remember to not just be there for those that we know, but also for those that we don’t.

Happy New Year.

Sincerely,
Zero Dean

Originally published: Dec 29, 2016

Getting credit for good deeds

March 14, 2021 by Zero Dean

The fact is, a lot of people do a lot of good things that they don’t ever get credit for. That’s life. It happens to everyone.

Do good things anyway.

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Doing Good

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 by Zero Dean

Being a do-gooder does not mean you have to be some lame watered down version of yourself. It doesn’t mean you can’t have an edge or act boldly. And it doesn’t mean you have to do all the same conventional good things as everyone else.

People who want to donate to charity can do that. People who want to volunteer for causes or join groups can do that, too. And there’s nothing wrong with any of these things.

People who do these things are awesome. And the world can always use more people doing them. But there’s also nothing wrong with finding your own unique ways to make a positive difference. Making someone’s day better for having been a part of it, that’s what matters.

Making someone laugh or smile. Giving someone a funny story to tell. Providing encouragement when it’s needed. Appreciation. Gratitude. Friendship. And providing not just a voice to those who need it, but a listening ear as well. These things matter. And are as equally needed in the world.

Being a do-gooder is about having a positive impact on the world around you and making people feel good.

It doesn’t matter how you decide to do it, just do it.

And when you make a positive difference, you won’t just see it, you’ll feel it, too. Because one of the fastest ways to feel good about yourself is to be genuinely good for someone else.

And there’s nothing lame or uncool about that.

So do your good in your own way. You never know when whatever good you offer in whatever way you offer it, is exactly what someone needed.

Originally published on: Jul 20, 2014

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One of the least expensive, but most valuable gifts

January 1, 2021January 1, 2021 by Zero Dean

One of the least expensive, but most valuable gifts you can give anyone is genuine appreciation.

Always be mindful of opportunities to show appreciation to those you care about. You’ll never know how valuable your sincere appreciation can be until you take the time to express it.

In a world of critics…

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 by Zero Dean

It is entirely possible to help people without criticizing them or what they do. It is entirely possible to have a disagreement without being disrespectful. It is entirely possible to teach and guide people without abusing them.

There is no shortage of critics, haters, or people who complain about things that they don’t like. There is, however, a severe shortage of people actively encouraging what they do.

Encouraging what you’d like to see more of is a far more elegant and positive solution than constantly complaining about or criticizing things that you don’t.

If your method of “helping” people often involves making them feel bad, you may want to reconsider what it means to be helpful.

In a world of critics, be an encourager.

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Dear Self, I am working on being a better person

December 28, 2020 by Zero Dean

Dear Self,

I am working on being a better person.

Please let me be the type of person who I would respect & admire if I saw them in action. Let me greet each new day as another opportunity to get things right. Let me be open to thinking about things in ways I haven’t thought about them before. Let me find ways to make a positive difference in the world, no matter how small, and act upon them when I am able.

Let me be open to the challenge of change. Let me not shy away from things just because they are difficult. Let me face my fears and do things I would like to do even when they make me nervous. Let me be generous with what I have to give away. Let me remember to be grateful for every second that I get to make choices in my life and act upon them.

Let me make at least one person’s day brighter by having been a part of it. Let me accept my mistakes as learning experiences. Let me learn to love myself, flaws and all. Let me not care so much what others think. And let me be confident in my ability to succeed.

Thank you. — Me

Originally Published on: Jan 27, 2012

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Dear Universe, (in short, thank you).

Being genuinely friendly

December 13, 2020December 13, 2020 by Zero Dean

Being genuinely friendly to others is the best way to encourage others to be friendly — being unfriendly to those who don’t reciprocate your friendliness isn’t. You show people what you want to see more of by how you act.

If you want more kindness in the world, put some there.

A positive reflection

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Zero Dean

Strive to live in such a way that if someone introduces your name into a conversation, it’s for reasons that are a positive reflection of what you do or who you are — and not because you chose to act poorly or make a spectacle of yourself.

Lead by example.

Doing the right thing

December 27, 2020December 8, 2020 by Zero Dean

Doing the right thing means doing the right thing even when others don’t or won’t — and even if it’s hard.

*Hint: If it’s disrespectful, harmful, puts others at risk, or is done at other people’s expense, it’s likely not the right thing.

Be kind.

Can you recall…

October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by Zero Dean

Can you recall ever witnessing someone getting help or encouragement when they didn’t expect it? Can you picture the recipient’s response or imagine how it made them feel?

Pretty great, right?

You can be someone who gives help & encouragement to people who don’t expect it.

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