Bill Tomoff - Guest Blogger and a Ripple of Kindness!

Hubby Bill has written a few books, though never published them. Anyone can write a book, story, or novella and privately publish (not for the public) using apps like Lulu. We are familiar enough with Lulu's easy-to-use platform, so Bill uses this one. If you have already written a book, poetry, or anything that would benefit from a book format (it's like your name is in lights on Broadway!), this is the way to go. I know several other writing friends who have used this method without traditional publishers or Amazon's KDP.

However, Bill is on a mission. He has been holed up, writing a whole bunch lately (he's killing it), with the hope of publishing his book, The Gentle Advantage, sometime in 2026. Bill is onto something in his personal and professional life: kindness and a gentle approach can be the magic in human relationships. You can definitely read more about Bill's ambition through social media (FB, IG, and LinkedIn under his name), and his blog: Bill Tomoff

But today, I wanted to kick off February with a compelling story that Bill recently wrote about that I think is just terrific. I hope my readers do too.

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Micro-Moments: A Little Library, A Ten-Dollar Bill, and a Phone Call

Inspired by Adam Grant's book "Give and Take," which discusses the power of 5-minute favors, I have intentionally lived the past 12 years (since reading the book in 2013) striving to live a kinder lifestyle through micro-moments of kindness. I also believe that "how" we carry ourselves in our lives can be kindness - a believer that "A gentle lifestyle is kindness." Also, I have no doubt that my tendencies were refined over the years of our family's challenges with our son, Ryan's, 5x cancer battles since 1996. We believe in post-traumatic growth, and our view toward kindness is part of our mission to pay forward what so many have bestowed upon us in our most difficult times. We feel a deep responsibility to honor those who have carried our family over the years.

I think a handwritten note of thanks and appreciation can lift others' spirits, and we never know the ripple of good that might ensue. Our daily lives can feel overwhelming with negativity if we get caught up in the mainstream news of the day. However, an attitude of gratitude, a prioritization of patience, and recognition of others' kindness contribute to improving the world for ourselves and others. We receive back what we put into the world. BELIEVE this.

Against this backdrop, a recent experience has lifted my spirits for the good that is all around us. If we slow down and notice. The cycle of events that connected leaves me in awe:

In a community "Little Library" box, Terri picked out the book "This Just Speaks to Me," by Hoda Kotb. When glancing through the book, I noted the layout was a brief reflection of "Words to Live By Every Day." A short daily reflection... a perfect addition to my morning reading routine, combined with The Daily Stoic book.

The reflection for January 8th started with Maya Angelou's quote, "When you learn, teach. When you get, give." Then, Kotb shared the story of The Tremont Goodie Shop (now named The Original Goodie Shop) in Upper Arlington, Ohio. The bakery was struggling to survive, relying solely on to-go orders. A longtime regular customer called to order his favorite donut and offered to pay $1,000. The owner, Emilie Smith, was overwhelmed with the customer's kindness.

The story was heartwarming to me and in line with my continual efforts regarding "Excellence and kindness. Live it. See it. Celebrate it." I sent a handwritten note to Emilie Smith, the bakery owner, thanking her for sharing that story with the world. I closed with "Kindness rules... and we need to celebrate this more loudly." I also enclosed ten dollars and asked that the bakery provide a random customer (or two) with free coffee and a donut. A micro-moment that I know can ripple the kindness forward.

About ten days later, I received a package from Emilie and The Original Goodie Shop, with a lovely handwritten note:

"Bill,

Knowing our story reached you and inspired such a thoughtful act of kindness meant so much.

It's enough [the ten dollars] for two people to have a coffee and a donut with change left over to help a kid after school.

Please enjoy our best-selling cinnamon sticks and a custard donut "kit" (The $1,000 donut).

Emilie"

The note made my day (#TMMD), and the kind thoughts shared with the gift of bakery samples were stunning! I understand why the cinnamon sticks are so popular - delicious!

The next day, I called the bakery and had a wonderful conversation with Emilie! In a brief few minutes, we shared about gratitude and the power of kindness. I will not forget this experience that began so randomly with reading Hoda Kotb's book. Slow down, be kind, notice the kindness, and celebrate kindness. Trust me, you will enhance your life and the lives of others.

Who will you celebrate today?

bSoleille!

Terri