And other sayings….
The phrase, one good turn deserves another, is ancient. Used since the 1400s and found in a book in 1546 by John Heywood, it can also be attributed to Aesop in the 500s B.C., through one of his stories. I’ve found lately that by being a good person, trying to help those in need, and treating others like I want to be treated, goodness returns to me a thousand-fold.
When I compiled the anthology Picture Perfect Poetry in 2023-2024, I was met with graciousness and support of the Poetry Friday Community as well as other writing platforms. Mostly, I was graced by the patience of others in completing this labor of love.
Now, I try to pay back to the writing community. I recently reviewed Laura Purdie Salas’s new book Flurry, Float, and Fly. By posting my review, many have viewed this blog. I’m grateful for that. Today, Laura is hosting the Poetry Friday event. You can find the link to her blog and the group at the end of my post.
When I found an editor for the anthology, I broadened my network of those who know and love words. I was recently able to refer that editor to a friend/colleague who is also going to self-publish a book. I’m excited for her and look forward to potentially providing some support through an editorial referral.
What I am trying to say is what comes around, goes around. If you treat people with respect and kindness, they will likely treat you the same way. If you spout hatred and cynicism, you will receive that back. We would all do well to remember that, especially in today’s world.
Here is a look at kindness through a poet’s eyes:
Kindness
by Naomi Shihab Nye, 1995
Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth…..
Read the rest of this touching poem here.
It’s really a matter of Paying it Forward. You never know who or how the kindness you showed will be returned to you. All of my life, I’ve been a volunteer. I’ve taught for thousands of hours without being paid. I did it because the subject matter was important to me. And I love to teach!
Recently, I was asked to write about that teaching – what it contained and how I wove the emotion of awe into my lessons. I was pleased to be asked. At this point, I don’t know if my words will reach others through the publication for which I wrote the chapter, but I hope they do. If not, I’ll find some other way to inform others.
The point of my post today is that if you see someone in need, take action to help them. Be kind. Don’t judge. By offering food or shelter, a few coins, or something more significant, you are also extending a hand of hope. It’s worth it.
We all need to be the change we want to see in the world.
Lastly, some of you have been following my articles about our trip to Scotland. I am linking the most recent here – about Inverness. We had three nights in this small city and loved it. The article is shared with a friend link.
Sources:
The Apples in My Orchard 
Carol, I shared a Naomi Shihab Nye poem today too! Clearly great minds think alike. 🙂 Kindness is such an important theme. Thanks for your post.
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Yes, it is little kindnesses that make the world go ’round. Thanks, Carol.
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Timely reflective messages enclosed in your post, Carol. Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem delivers a gentle truth. Your reflections on teaching sing sweetly to me. Thanks for these gifts.
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Carol, the castle at nighttime photo is truyly amazing. You captured its beauty. As for your blog post, the topic of Paying Forward is a timely one. You certainly show us that kindness is important and what comes around, goes around is a by-product of caring and being kind. The world needs more of that.
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Carol, Our tour was barely in Inverness for 12 hours and most of them sleeping, so I will go back and soak in your photos. Kindness feels so lost these days in a wider world view, but my experience with my small communities, it’s alive and well. This PF community has kindness abundance.
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Yes, yes, YES to the power of kindness.
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I love Nye’s poem. Something about “you must lose things” — how we understand kindness when we are at our most vulnerable? Thank you for sharing this, Carol.
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Thank you for sharing Naomi’s wise words and yours. Kindness and generosity go hand in hand.
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Oh, that poem about kindness…it’s a good one. I hope you find a good home for your words. It’s tough, I think to write what your heart loves to write about but then to also find someone who will pay for the work of it. Just keep writing. I know it will work out!
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This is one of my favorite of Naomi Shihab Nye’s poems. On Friday, I didn’t get a PF post done, but I did participate in a webinar at which Nye was one of the presenters. It was marvelous to hear her talk about grief, poetry, and, yes, kindness.
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I’m glad to see another Naomi Shihab Nye poem in our Poetry Friday community. This post is so full of kindness and reminding us how much it’s needed in the world right now. I live by paying it forward as much as possible. Have a wonderful week.
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Hi Carol–just wondering if you’re hosting Poetry Friday today? xo
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Hi, Laura. Apparently, I am! I though I was early December but I’ll get a post up. Thank you so much!
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