I missed writing and sending the last couple of newsletters. I admit to feeling a wee bit bad about it. For a couple of reasons. First, because I promised myself I'd do my best to be consistent and Second, I made a similar promise to you. Yet, Life has gotten in the way of that promise.
Current life situation includes my mother dying of lung cancer - diagnosed in May, said No to treatment, prognosis is 6 months to a year - and we're at the 6 month point. She's ... okay. It's hard to watch someone change from a vibrant, independent woman as she succumbs to the cancer. I am grateful, though, that I can spend time with her and that there are no loose ends between us.
So now it's Christmas time. Mom lives 2 hours north and celebrated with my brother and his family. While my husband and I decided to let them have their time together and we would spend our holiday here at home. We had a lovely dinner last night. I cooked filet mignon, mashed red potatoes with buttermilk, and lemon cake for dessert. Our plans for the Christmas Eve and Day include watching movies and relaxing.
And this brings me to - now. Just before writing this I was scrolling social media and I saw nothing of value. Nothing. It's Christmas time! Yet no one is sharing good thoughts or good stories. Ugh. So I did a quick search for stories about generosity. And I found many I could read. Many that reminded me of the times I was able to be "that" generous. Many that showed me unique ways people showed generosity. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share some of them with others. This is how I came to write today's newsletter...reading life-changing experiences based on an individual's generosity.
Here are 12 quick stories. A few involve me, a few don't. It's not important that you have the names or know which one's are my own. It is important to understand that in the world of kindness, we are all both students and teachers.
1. Gratitude at the Grocery Store
"I was just an ordinary cashier paying my way through college. One day, a kind-hearted customer heard about my struggles with tuition. The next week, she came in with a check covering half my semester's fees. I was stunned. Her generosity not only lifted a financial burden but also restored my faith in human kindness."
2. Unexpected Help
"As a single dad, life was a juggling act. Then, mysteriously, every Saturday, I'd wake up to a freshly mowed lawn. It turned out to be our elderly neighbor, who'd taken it upon himself to help. His simple gesture meant the world to me."
3. The Gift of Time
"Our boss was known for her strict rules. One day, she surprised us all. She gave each of us a paid day off to spend with family. It was her way of acknowledging our hard work, and it brought our team closer together."
4. Heartfelt Reunion
"I brought an old watch to a repair shop, not expecting much. The owner not only fixed it but also refused payment, saying it was a privilege to restore such a treasured item. It belonged to my late husband, and seeing it ticking again brought back a flood of memories."
5. School Surprise
"Our school was always short on resources. Then, one day, new books and supplies appeared in our classroom. We later found out it was our teacher who had made this anonymous donation. Her dedication went beyond teaching. She truly cared for us."
6. Lost and Found
"Losing my wallet was distressing. But when a teenage girl returned it intact, refusing a reward, it was a profound reminder that honesty and goodness still thrive in young hearts. I'll always be grateful for her integrity."
7. Winter Warmth
"The first winter after my husband's retirement was tough. Our furnace broke down. Then our neighbors came together, buying and installing a new furnace for us. It wasn't just the warmth of the heater, but their kindness that enveloped us."
8. The Healing Garden
"When my son was ill, the community turned an empty neighborhood lot into a beautiful garden. It became a place of peace for us. Watching him smile among the flowers was a balm to our hearts. That garden was more than a place to enjoy flowers, it was a gift of hope."
9. A Ride to Remember
"Heading to the hospital, I was anxious and alone. The taxi driver, sensing my distress, not only refused the fare but also handed me a small bouquet of wildflowers. His unexpected kindness was a ray of light in a dark moment."
10. Lunchbox Love Notes
"Grade school was tough. But every day, I found an encouraging note in my lunchbox. My 6th grade teacher, was behind it. Her words gave me strength and comfort during a time I felt most vulnerable."
11. Emergency Aid
"During a power outage in the middle of a biggest blizzard the area had seen in decades, the Todds opened their home to us. They provided warmth, food, and laughter. That night, snuggled in blankets and sleeping bags in front of a huge fireplace, their generosity forged a friendship that went beyond mere neighborly duty."
12. Art from the Heart
"Walking into the children's hospital was often a somber experience. But then, local artist Mr. Bennett donated his vibrant paintings. His artwork transformed the walls, bringing cheer and color to our days there. His talent was a true gift to us all."
May your Christmas holiday be filled with gratitude and joy.
==============================
A Marketing Tip
There's more to advertising online than social media.
Newsletters are hot. By hot I mean - burning fires of coal on top of lava hot. Virtually every market has a popular newsletter. Most are email. Many are physical mail. Some are both. Look for the newsletter in your market and buy ad space. It might be a small 'sponsored by' ad or it could be a featured article. Either way, your offer gets in the inbox of your market.
==============================
From the Research Files
aka random bits of info you may or may not be able to use in your life
The world’s oldest wooden wheel has been around for more than 5,000 years. It was found in 2002, approximately 12 miles south of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and is now housed in the city’s museum. Radiocarbon dating was used to determine the wheel’s age, which is somewhere between 5,100 and 5,350 years old.
==============================
Pun of the Day
Kindness is like a boomerang, it always comes back to you!
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
If you are at all informed /entertained /amused /educated by today’s edition of Burke’s Bits, here's where you can show your appreciation.
P.S. It’s nearing the end of 2023. I’ve been reviewing my business memberships and associations so I can decide which ones have served their purpose and which ones are worthy of my renewing.
One membership I am definitely renewing is with Titans Xcelerator Mastermind. It’s a group owned and led by Brian Kurtz, former Executive Vice President of Boardroom Inc. and Founder of Titans Marketing - a direct marketing education company. For nearly 40 years, he’s been fortunate to know and work with some of the greatest direct response marketers who ever lived. And he shares that knowledge with the business owners and copywriters in the mastermind.
It’s an affordable (incredibly affordable considering the value I get every week I’m on a call with him and the experts he brings in to share with us)…option for business owners and copywriters who are struggling to grow.
If you’re new to business - you need to be surrounded by business owners who can show you what you should do next.
If you’re struggling to get your business past a milestone - you need access to business owners who’ve taken their business to $1M/year in sales to $50M/year in sales.
If you’re ready to exit your business - you need to be around people who have exited and entered numerous businesses. Join us.
