Thank God it’s Monday, once again. I LOVE Mondays and look forward to every one of them, as they are my 52 Chances a year, in which I get to share Memories of My Mom. With this, I hope you have a happy Monday, too.
This is, among other things, Random Acts of Kindness Week. It’s always observed the week of February 17th, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Kindness is another one of those things that should be observed, practiced and given freely every day of every week of every year. By the way, World Kindness Week is observed in November.
Thanks to a rising “me-first” society, these days, people respond guardedly to acts of kindness – wondering, first, why you’re being nice and then what you want in return – as if there were some kind of ill intent motive behind it. The generational shift to social media domination and digital isolation are also attributed with the decline of being kind.
“IT’S NOT THAT there are really so many grumpy, complaining, critical folks in the world – it’s just that they get more publicity than the good, kind, quiet folks who outnumber them.” – Gloria Pitzer, Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipe Report (Secret Recipe Report, St. Clair, MI; Issue 84, December 1980; p. 3)
A small, ordinary act of kindness can create a large, extraordinary transformation. We can connect with anyone through kindheartedness. We can each make a difference – no matter how big or small. It all matters and it hardly takes any effort or time. Being kind doesn’t really cost anything more than that, yet it’s deemed a priceless commodity.
Social media platforms are so common these days, we have an enormous platform from which we can reach out to those who don’t see the real world beyond. We can use social media to promote making a positive difference in a seemingly negative world – rather than detaching from it. Challenges are very popular, thus, create a viral kindness challenge.
There was a time when random acts of kindness were just a normal part of everyday life. It was nothing to help a neighbor, read to a child, smile at a passerby, or spend a little time with a lonely soul.
Ordinary gestures of kindness, like saying “thank you”, “good job”, or “I appreciate you”, can positively change people’s day, as well as improve the mental and physical well-being of both you and them.
The Science Of Kindness, at RandomActsOfKindness.org, claims that offering and accepting kindness… “Fuels personal energy and self-esteem… Makes you happier… [Is] good for your heart… [And] helps you live longer…” Acts of kindness can help us feel valued, whether we’re the giver or the receiver.
Common ideas for acts of kindness that don’t cost anything more than a minute of your time include saying “hi” to others, giving a compliment, holding a door open for someone, letting somebody get in line ahead of you. Additionally, you can tell a simple “dad joke” to make someone laugh and lift their spirits or be a good listener to someone who needs to talk.
Like the gratitude app that has you stop for a minute every day to express gratitude for at least one thing – anything – you can easily stop for just a minute every day, to do something kind for someone, as well.
However, and most importantly, don’t forget to take a moment every now and then to be kind to yourself, too. We all need it and we can all use it, yet it’s never on our “to do” lists.
FROM MOM’S MEMORIES…
As seen in…
Gloria Pitzer’s Mixed Blessings – Recipes & Remedies (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; March 1984, p. 108)
CONSIDERATION
THE TIME TO CARE about people is long overdue! The resistance to such a notion is now so popular among the thought-provoking critics and the influential media, that it looks like an exercise in futility to even dream of seeing a turn-around in human behavior in our lifetime.
People of great religious convictions preach the need for caring, but they offend the non-religious, so their message goes unheeded. Religion is a personal and very private matter, and no one wishes to have theirs questioned nor examined and that is perfectly reasonable.
However, the matter of expressing ordinary concern, little considerations is not an invasion of privacy, but a natural disposition of which we’re all capable in spite of our cool, sophisticated efforts to make such behavior appear corny or ridiculous!…
In all of her books and newsletters – in between all of the recipes, jokes, and household tips – Mom always added her own editorials and food-for-thought about the importance of being kind to each other and making a positive difference in someone’s life. It was a daily goal of hers to make a positive difference.
Mom believed, “to make a difference, [we need to] be the difference”. “Making a difference” can mean a horde of various things to different people. Basically, it means doing something important that has a significantly positive impact and effect on people or situations. No matter how big or small, every little effort makes the world a better place.
Since I began this blog over seven years ago, I’ve heard from several of Mom’s former newsletter subscribers, who’ve come across my posts about her. They’ve all commented on what a wonderful difference her writings of encouragement made in their own lives.
MORE FROM MOM’S MEMORIES…
As seen in…
My Cup Runneth Over and I Can’t Find My Mop (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; Dec. 1989, p. 61)
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF GOOD
WHENEVER OUR BEST intentions are carried out for the good of all concerned, only good can result. How could good possibly produce something bad? It’s often just the still small voice of wisdom that turns us in the right direction.
When it does, how silly it is of us to give credit to coincidence or chance. The purpose of something good is, of course, to bless, to enrich and to comfort and why, then, does even knowing this makes so many folks feel uncomfortable?
Having more doesn’t necessarily make us better-off, and most people limit their definition of good to an increase in more THINGS. Sometimes the good is not material, nor the least bit tangible, but instead is a feeling – a comforting and reassuring confidence – that, yes, everything can be all right, after all!
“YOU MAY COOK LIKE a French chef, know exactly which vitamin or protein to supply in every meal you prepare – but what’s the use of it all if we miss what the world needs more than it does high fiber foods and more exercise… A hug… A few kind words… Freedom from frustration and worry… Somebody who cares about our feelings. It’s that very scarce commodity we call LOVE!” – Gloria Pitzer, “Putting Your Heart Into It”, Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipe Report (Secret Recipe Report, St. Clair, MI; Issue 86, February 1981; p. 1).
Well before the internet was common place, Mom used radio, TV, newspapers and magazines as her platforms to get the word out about her recipes and, in her interviews, she would also find an opportunity to promote “The Golden Rule” concept and the ripple effect it can make.
Kindness is contagious, having a positive effect to the “nth” degree, even from the smallest amount shown. It influences all those involved in constructive manners. So why isn’t it more prevalent in today’s world?
AGAIN, MORE FROM MOM’S MEMORIES…
As seen in…
Gloria Pitzer’s Mixed Blessings – Recipes & Remedies (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; March 1984, pp. 80-81)
CRITICISM
FORGIVING SOMEONE A small imperfection, a tiny flaw in their character, seems like logical advice to follow; but sometimes what is prescribed in theory, does not always work out in practice.
However, we owe it to ourselves – and to those with whom we must deal with each day – to at least TRY. The risk is always there that the logic of the heart will not work with everyone. But all of life is fraught with risks…
…I wonder about the flavor of our national humor anymore. The criticism we give to others in their absence, is always the easiest to express. But come face-to-face with the one year putting down, and I’ve noticed how the critique becomes softened with apologies.
Of course, I’m not crazy about criticism when I hope my good points will surely be noticed and appreciated by those I care to get along with, but in this crazy concept we laughingly referred to as ‘life’, all things are hardly ever equal!
We always expect more of others than we want them to expect of us. We’re more often, in our heart of hearts, the victim rather than the cause. We need more than wanting to be needed. We criticize more than we compliment.
We jump to conclusions when a particle of truth justifies our discontent with someone we have cared about because it is a bandage for our emotional wounds.
We avoid touching and hugging and pats on the back because we’re afraid of being accused that we’re gushy, or strange – or worse yet – that we might be rejected. We can’t take that risk.
Notice how some people become quite stiff when you reach out to hug them or touch them. They are almost plastic in their refusal to submit to your expression of warmth. And because we are afraid of how others will accept us, we build cocoons in which to reside emotionally rather than risk rejection or confront criticism.
What a shame! We’re missing so much! We entertain false pride at our table of regrets as if it were an honored guest. We could just as easily express genuine human kindness.
But somehow the impersonal dignity of the ‘Divine’ righteousness seems a fair and probably acceptable cop-out for being personally exempt from the involvement with others.
I remember the church in which I grew up and how the people there seem to pride themselves on their gracious dignity, their ability to be kind; but with guarded reservations for loving someone from a distance, which was believed to be closer to the Divine then loving them with human warmth.
I didn’t approve. But neither did I criticize the individuals – only the actions. Perhaps that is why I go out of my way to prove that being loving and being sincere is no less dignified than the way of the righteously religious individual who smiles with pinched lips, a thin and artificial smile. I give it my all!
Many people believe that ordinary acts of kindness have the potential to change peoples’ lives, world-wide. It’s an essential part of an evolving and growing culture and community, bridging the great divides of race, religion, gender, and even politics.
Kindness can bring multiple generations together and unify a variety of people. Post a social media kindness challenge to your friends and family, as well as to the “groups” to which you belong. It’s up to each of us. Make a difference by being the difference.
LAST THOUGHTS…
Thanks for visiting! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my memories of my mom, her memories, and other related things. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at therecipedetective@outlook.com. You can also find me on Facebook: @TheRecipeDetective.
IN CLOSING…
In honor of TODAY, being Presidents’ Day and National Almond Day; plus, since Almond Cake and Milk was one of President Lincoln’s favorite desserts, along with a Fruited Cream Dessert, here are Mom’s secret recipes for imitating them, as seen in her self-published newsletter, Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipe Report (Secret Recipe Report, St. Clair, MI; Issue 86, February 1981; p. 11). As always, I’m asking only for proper credit if you care to re-share them.
P.S. Food-for-thought until next Monday…
The month of February celebrates… National Fasting February, Black History Month, National Canned Food Month, National Creative Romance Month, National Great American Pies Month, National Bake for Family Fun Month, National Bird Feeding Month, National Cherry Month, National Grapefruit Month, National Hot Breakfast Month, National Library Lover’s Month, National Snack Food Month, and National Weddings Month, among other things.
The third week of February celebrates, among other things… Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week.
Today is also… National Do A Grouch a Favor Day.
Tomorrow is… National Cabbage Day. Plus, as the day before Ash Wednesday (for 2026), it’s also… Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Paczki Day, Fastnacht Day, and National Pancake Day (particularly at IHOP).
Wednesday, February 18th, is… National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day and National Drink Wine Day. [NOTE: It’s also…Ash Wednesday – Lent begins today and runs through Maundy Thursday, April 2nd (for 2026).]
Thursday, February 19th, is… National Chocolate Mint Day.
February 20th is… National Cherry Pie Day, National Love Your Pet Day, and National Muffin Day. Plus, as the third Friday in February (for 2026), it’s also… No One Eats Alone Day and National Caregivers Day.
Saturday, February 21st, is… National Grain-Free Day and National Sticky Bun Day.
Sunday, February 22nd, is… National California Day, National Cook a Sweet Potato Day, and National Margarita Day.
Have a great week!
…7 down, 45 to go!
