Here we are, almost through the end of the first month of a new year! It really is amazing how fast the time goes. Since we are still very early into 2026, I am trying to kick off the year on a positive note, but that is often easier said than done. Just this past weekend I reacted to a situation in a not very kind way. I definitely could have handled it a little better and I am having a hard time letting it go. The fact that it is lingering in my mind is a clear indication that my behavior was less than stellar. It’s like my mind is constantly reminding me of my actions as a bit of punishment, so that I don’t repeat the offense. I was reminded of the continuing message in my second book, Scatter Seeds of Kindness, so I decided to focus on that book and the title poem this week.
Last week I focused on my third book, Gather Seeds of Hope. The message throughout that book is to try to find hope wherever you can, even when things seem dim, and hold it deep in your heart to help carry you through the low times, but also keep enough on hand to share with those who are need of a little extra hope or encouragement. The blog post can be found here: https://thepracticalpoet.com/gather-seeds-of-hope-from-gather-seeds-of-hope/
Scatter Seeds of Kindness: Inspirational Poems and Short Stories about Life, Love, and the things that Shape Our Souls . . .is all about bringing out kindness whenever we can and spreading it around, as we never know what people are struggling with, either mentally or physically. I think it is important to note that almost everyone is fighting some kind of internal battle. It might not be a terminal illness, but most people do have some inner conflict or struggle that they are dealing with, or regrets about past mistakes or decisions. I wrote about the burden of regret in the poem Regret from Gather Seeds of Hope (https://thepracticalpoet.com/regret-from-gather-seeds-of-hope/). In a poem from Scatter Seeds of Kindness called “The Weight of Memories,” I discuss how memories are heavy and can weigh us down, but that we each need to decide just how long to carry them around before we release them into the world and remove the burden from ourselves (https://thepracticalpoet.com/the-weight-of-memories-from-scatter-seeds-of-kindness/).
Pain comes in many shapes and forms; sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, so it is good to give people some leeway and bring out the kindness whenever we can. I write this as a reminder to myself too, as I am not always kind when I should be, as mentioned above with my action this past weekend. I am also aware that I lose my patience in traffic and honk and swear at people more than I should. I turn away from people holding signs at intersections asking for assistance. I get irritated if someone cuts in line at the grocery store, or if I am waiting in a long line and a new register opens and someone new walks right on up. Sometimes I say something, but more often than not I let it fester inside of me and then I carry it into my day by being irritated and unkind to others. I sound like a bad person, and I know my thoughts and actions don’t always exemplify what I am encouraging here. But sometimes just being aware, and realizing that we are human and trying to do the best we can, is a step forward in the right direction.
I would love for you to check out the entire book at the Books tab above. If not, please check back to this blog because I post many poems here from Scatter Seeds of Kindness and my other books. I hope you find something in here that touches your heart and soul.
Scatter Seeds of Kindness
Scatter seeds of kindness
Wherever you may go.
Reach deep inside your heart
And scatter them to and fro.
Scatter seeds of kindness
And bring a few to share.
You never know when you’ll find the chance
To show someone you care.
Scatter seeds of kindness
And watch them as they bloom.
A little good can go a long way
To chase away the gloom.
Someone may be hurting
And you can plant the seed;
A kind word or a smile
May be exactly what they need.
Scatter seeds of kindness
And hope others do the same.
A candle loses nothing
When it shares its glowing flame.
Scatter seeds of kindness
Wherever you may go.
You never know what may take root
Or what magic they might grow.
Walk through a field of flowers
And scatter them with a shake.
You never know whose life you’ll touch
By the seeds left in your wake.
-K.A. Bloch-
