How do you define Kindness?

How do you define kindness? It’s a simple word but it could have different meanings for different individual cultures and different human life experiences. For me, kindness is showing concern for others. As a mother of three boys, I always remind my kids to be kind to others. For example, if you say hi to a person and he doesn’t say hi back, maybe that person was going through a rough time?

A friend of mine recently invited me to cover a book signing appearance for the authors of the new book series Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness. I usually cover pop culture events and I’m kind of picky about which ones I should cover. But with this book launching/signing I didn’t have any hesitation. I feel that in my little way I can help other human beings be inspired by promoting this book.

On March 5th, I went to the Random Acts of Kindness book launching at Barnes & Noble in Aliso Viejo, CA . After the authors introduced themselves, they started reading their stories. I must admit, I started getting misty eyed at what I was listening to. It wasn’t a sad or negative feeling but it was a feeling of mixed emotions (joy, realization and awwww moments). Mark Rickerby started the reading with his story entitled “Flower Children” followed by Kristen Mai Pham’s “The Walk Home” then Barbara Lodge’s “Security Matters.” After the readings, I noticed that these three authors have one common denominator. Each shares a personal cathartic experience.

I asked three authors about how it feels to be part of one of the most popular inspirational true stories about ordinary people’s lives – Chicken Soup for the Soul. Kristen Mai Pham said “It’s my first write-up for Chicken Soup for the Soul and so I am very excited to be part of the Chicken Soup family because I really enjoy reading uplifting inspirational stories. She added, “I want to be part of a brand that tries to inspire positive living.”

Author Kristen Mai Pham during the book signing of Random Acts of Kindness

Mark Rickerby replied “I’m always proud to be part of the light and inspirations that Chicken Soup for the Soul books bring to the world.”

Barbara Lodge mentioned “I am honored to have my voice be a part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Each story touches hearts, provides hope, and inspires us to be the best human beings we can be.”

(L-R)Kristen Mai Pham , Mark Rickerby and Barbara Lodge

If you want to be in a positive mode, I strongly recommend this book. Feeling a little blue? This book will give you hope and motivation. Feeling empty? This book will energize and inspire you. As a final thought, I learned that random acts of kindness in our everyday lives are rewarded in mysterious and unexpected ways. This edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul really helps us understand the power of kindness.