Because, Nice Does Matter.

I’ve been nominated for the “Nice Matters” award three times, and it’s been a delight each time. I can’t say enough about how sweet Deb, Angie and Esther were with their words, and how touched I was.

“This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass on to seven others whom you feel are deserving of this award”.

I’ve been kicking this around since I’ve been nominated, as I really do believe that one of our goals in life, indeed the lesson I say to my kids all the time is to be “kind, polite, and appropriate” which really sums up niceness to me. I strive to put those words into action, and am happy when those around me do it back to me.

Now, I was behind a car with a bumper sticker the other day that said “When Mama Ain’t Happy, Nobody’s Happy.” I know it’s not a new slogan, but it’s one that I inherently disagree with. While I don’t believe that you subsume yourself and your needs to those around you, I also don’t believe that anyone has the right to intentionally make others unhappy just because of the place they occupy in the family, or because they are having a bad day. Admittedly, it is a fine line, but one that I believe can and should be walked, and that our society runs better if we all do it.

It’s always hard to make nominations, as I don’t want to leave anyone out, or tag someone who doesn’t want to be tagged. And, honestly, if I read your blog, I think you are nice, you know? But seven people who I’d like to shout out to are:

The sweet Annie who has a son with the sweetest face, and is the mom to a new sweet Pearl (does that name rock or what?)
My friend and fellow Durannie (and book lover), Anita
Matushka Emma who literally embodies nice with her “commitment to loveliness”
Irina who was so sweet to give me a shout out on my birthday, just nine days after giving birth
Elizabeth, my Welsh friend who also gave me a sweet shout out, and once sent me an icon of St. Cedd, as well as being an awesome mom.
Elizabeth who always leaves a kind word on my blog, and has one of the sweetest cats going
And, my awesome friend Dawn who I will see in two days, and made my birthday special! Love the Paul!

And, speaking of nice, I get to wish my awesome mother a Happy Birthday! Many Years, mom, I love you!