My daughter, Jennifer, is graduating from High School on Friday. Yes, I will officially be an empty-nester with my older daughter, Rachel, being a year ahead of her. With this new beginning I have so many feelings swirling inside of me. Did I help prepare them them for their lives ahead? Is there more I could have or should have done? Did I help instill good values?

One value we talked about continuously over the years was how we should treat others and how others should treat us. We spoke about the impact of our actions and others' actions and then how it made all involved feel (whether good or bad). The answer was to follow the Golden Rule: Treat everyone the same way you would want to be treated. It sounds simple, but all of us have been guilty at one time or another of doing the exact opposite. Perhaps it was with a family member, a friend, an acquaintance or even a perfect stranger. Was it anger, ego, jealousy or did we not even realize we were guilty? Who knows. One thing I do know is that the Golden Rule can be generated by showing kindness to others.  Be forewarned that this can be contagious...and we should all do everything we can to spread it.

The best part about being kind is that often we get more out of it than the recipient. Think about it.  This kind of behavior can help others, make us feel great, and doesn't really cost anything. Why isn't everyone doing it? I think we would like to but we tend to get so wrapped up in our own worlds and just need to be reminded.

Check out this video presented by Life Vest Inside. This non-profit organization is a grassroots organization whose goal is to simply encourage the spreading of happiness through small acts of kindness. Please take a few short minutes to view this inspiring video. Remember that paying it forward with a simple smile, words of encouragement or act can inspire others to then create a ripple effect with unimaginable rewards for all of us. Be sure to "infect" someone today!

Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang - "One Day"