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100 – Good

To me, the Christmas season is multi-layered. Religious to some, but secular to others. Not only do I believe in the religious side, I also appreciate those who accept the holiday as one of goodness. To me, Santa is the Spirit of Goodness that transcends all cultures. In that spirit, I say Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas … and welcome to beach walk number 100.

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I like walking on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

The opening and closing lines of my beach walks are always the same with “good” being one of the keywords. I’m not talking about the good-better-best system of rating products – and not about the economic commodity that one makes and others use. This walk is about the human quality of good – the goodness of people.

Good is a human quality not related to power and wealth – but about personal character. Good is something that everyone has within them. Yes, some display it more naturally, while others fight it.

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Good is kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, graciousness, compassion, loving, and courage. Good – the best and finest that humanity has to offer.

Good is possessing and displaying moral value from the heart to others. Values as righteous, upright, upstanding, ethical, high-minded, and principled – the characteristics of the respectful, well-behaved, obedient, dutiful, polite, courteous, moral, and righteous while doing so with integrity and virtue. Yes, that’s good.

Good people realize the goodness in others by giving them respect, politeness, care, compassion, and empathy.

Good is something we want, but must also give, trust, and believe. Good is a trait people treasure and validate. To the receiver, good is welcoming, pleasing, and appreciative. Good can also be a blessing in disguise. To the giver, good is rewarding and the right thing to do.

Good is a feeling one receives from an outside source; such as an unexpected letter from a friend of many years ago. That timely text one receives from the one they are thinking about at the moment – the unexpected help from a stranger.

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Good is a smile delivered to a stranger while walking the beach – or that unexpected pleasant conversion with an unknown fisherman.

Good shines as people come together to assist those in times of need. When a family loses their home to fire, the local community of goodness doesn’t hesitate to step forward to help. During Coronavirus times, locals supported many local businesses, neighbors checking on neighbors – let alone the good through the sense of duty by the medical professionals.

In times of large-scale national disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires, tsunamis, floods, and more, global goodness answers the call. Whether local or global, this is the good of the human spirit at work.

Good refers to the positive qualities in people and the roots of goodness that lie with each of us. Believing in the good of others is a mantra for some – and hopefully becomes a mantra for many more. To others, good is only a flickering light of hope.

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Good doesn’t require a common language because smiles, hand gestures, laughter, actions, dance, music, and food can deliver acceptance and respect across language barriers. Yes, goodness is global because it is a quality of humanity without geographic boundaries.

Even with all the bad news, I remain convinced that the majority of the world is good. Besides, disagreements between people don’t mean they aren’t good. Yes – regardless of culture, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, and power, the majority of the people are good. Of course, disagreeing with respect is a different topic.

These good thoughts not only cause me to smile on this day, but they also warm my heart. Good is all around those who take the time to notice – including here at the beach during snowbird season. Besides, I like walking on the beach because it is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

See what other bloggers have posted about good

Next Post: Time: Wednesday 29th December @ 1 AM (Eastern US)

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116 thoughts on “100 – Good”

    1. Marina,
      When I was doing some advance planning, the idea came to me that this was fitting for the day …. and Time to close out the year. Cheers to good friends, good health, and good days ahead. Yamas! …. and Merry Christmas to you and Oannes plus extra rubs for Hera.

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  6. I too believe there is much goodness out there to be found, shared, enjoyed…..I know people (sadly) who just can’t SEE the good and seem to take comfort in the negative. Even in tough times I always knew where to go to stay in the light of the good side. I hope the good in the world will shine brighter in the new year or should I just hope that those who don’t SEE it, finally open their eyes and move into the light. Merry Christmas to you and yours Frank and thanks for making us see the world around us in many different ways.

    Hugs, Pam

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    1. Pam,
      Thank you for the wonderful message. Yes – may more people see the light of goodness that humanity can be. Unforatunately, the drive for power and greed put the wrong people in power, which covers the good. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thanks for being a positive light! 🙂 …. Rubs to Teddy.

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  8. Like you, Frank, I believe that most people are good. There are so many easy ways of being good, kind and of making others feel good. I like that you point out how it works that way. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.

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  9. NBC Nightly News ends every broadcast with my favorite segment, “There’s Good News Tonight.” It’s always a heart-warming story to remind us that there is so much good in the world and that, as you say, most people are kind, generous, compassionate, gracious, loving, courageous and thoughtful.

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    1. Barbara,
      Cherrs to Lester Holt and NBC for that touch of goodness. You got me thinking that I may need to switch over to him! 🙂 I think many – maybe even most – of us will characterize people based on the news. I truly believe that most Afghani are good … most Chinese, too … and most Iraqi … even most Democrats and Republicans – and the list can go one. Cheers to goodness!

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      1. I switched to Lester Holt and NBC a few years ago because the broadcast has a calmer tone than many of the other networks. Less hype and fewer glaring graphics and gimmicks and jarring sound effects. I agree with you 100%. Most people in any nation are kind and helpful in spite of what their governments are saying and doing. Yes, cheers to the goodness we find in the world!

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  12. I agree that most people are fundamentally good. And that we should always strive to demonstrate the good in ourselves and appreciation for the good in others. What a wonderful world then!

    Have a Merry Christmas at the beach!

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  13. I’m convinced about the goodness of the world too, Frank. There are so many who are hurting–and so many who act out their pain in really awful ways–but the core is good. I am sure of it.

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    1. Kathy,
      A good core in the broken – well … I changed your words but think I have thought. And the broken with their pains, goodness comes to them through others in different ways. Some people simply have an extra special way of showing goodness. 🙂 Cheers to the good people of the world and to you for sharing your goodness.

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  15. So much Goodness within this post and within your heart dear Frank..
    And these words stood out for me
    “Good people realize the goodness in others by giving them respect, politeness, care, compassion, and empathy.”

    And that is all it takes.. Mutual respect and kindness, to treat others as we ourselves expect to be treated…

    Have a wonderful Christmas with your family Frank… Enjoy the Goodness of each day, and May we all of us find our hearts in 2022 to share with others ..
    Love and Blessings my friend

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    1. Sue,
      Welcome back to blogland – and doing so during the season of goodness is perfect timing!

      Thanks for sharing the part of this post to meant most to me. Even though it is different for everyone, I like knowing! I’m with you in that mutual respect and kindness goes a long way! In this season of goodness, best holiday wishes to you and your family. Enjoy the moment! …. and give a pat on the back to your ballroom dancing granddaughter.

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      1. If we do not have mutual respect, what do we have Frank… And thank you my Granddaughter got her Latin Dancing Star Two, Highly commended, Argentine Tango, First Gold Bar, Highly Commended, and Ballroom Dancing Star Two, Highly Commended.. to add to her many other bars and ribbons etc..
        Very proud Grandma… LOL.. ❤

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  16. Good. Such a simple word and yet it encompasses a myriad of emotions and actions. It is something we should all aspire to and yes to share it with each other. That is the epitome of human goodness. Take care my friend in this beloved season.

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    1. Pam,
      I’m with you … good is a simple word with a wide range of meanings. True enough that I Good v2 is already written – but I hope to save it for next year at this time. Aspiration and sharing as the epitome of human goodness … so beautifully written. Well done … and cheers to you during this season of goodness and thanks to you for the goodness you share.

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  17. Such a GOOD time of year, Frank, for posting about “good”! I, too, would like to believe most people are innately good (but, having covered countless court trials, I realize some are eaten up with evil). I’m convinced GOOD will one day prevail, however, and that makes me smile big time. Merry Christmas to you and yours, my friend!

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    1. Debbie,
      Thanks for the kind thoughts about this post. I imagine court isn’t one of those places that thrives on goodness. Then again, you probably realize more of the goodness that is there than the rest of us. Then again, that is a slice of society – not the whole. Goodness is innate, yet some people fight it. On the other hand, I truly believe the majority of the people in the world are good. After all, goodness doesn’t dominate the news or the courts. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  18. Such perfect timing for your inspiring post, Frank! Tis the season to spread goodness and love. In fact, goodness should be a year-round feeling. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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    1. Eugi,
      Thank you for the kind comment. In my past blogging life on an eclectic blog, I celebrated the holidays. Although my topics here are eclectic, I wanted to do something – and then I was this draft – BINGO! As a matter of fact, I have a second one about Good, which I may save for next year at this time. Meanwhile, I’m with you that goodness should be a year-round feeling. Maybe one of the purposes of this holiday season is to remind us of goodness. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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    1. Rebecca,
      Thanks for the kind words and support. I see a parallel between blogging and in-person life. That is, good people tend to hang around together. Both of us have blogged for many years, do you see that as true? Also, and to your point, much depends on the environment the host blogger creates. With that thought, thank you … and cheers to the goodness in the world. 🙂

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      1. Your bring hope and joy to our community, Frank. I agree wholeheartedly – good people create compassionate communities that remind us all that there is goodness in this world. All the very best of this special season to you and yours!

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  25. I like the idea you speak of that ‘Good’ comes naturally to some people, while others fight it. You’re so right that we all have good within us. Some people fight it by refusing to believe there is good in others, and some people only see the good in other people. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on good. What a timely post. Happy beach walking!

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    1. Lenora,
      Thanks for sharing a part of this walk that meant a lot to you. Although some people fight their inner good and good in others, I still believe the majority of people in our world are good. Unfortunately, exhibiting good doesn’t always happen. Thanks for walking along and sharing. Hope all is well with you in the UK. 🙂

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    1. Sylvia,
      I assume you have returned to the Sunshine State from a long trip, which I’m sure was wonderful. You have live on 3 continents and visited others – so I know you have encountered the good that is everywhere. We know there are bad apples in every basket, but they cannot overshadow the good. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Keep smiling!!!

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  27. Good and goodness are the blessings we have within us; ready to be cultivated and grown into love for others and a servant’s heart as well. Thanks for reminding us, that though there is much of the not so good, we need to keep our eyes on the good, else we might get bogged down. Faith for sure plays a big part in that too, at least I think so.

    Have a very Happy and Blessed Christmas, Frank!

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    1. Ingrid,
      Thank you for the beautiful, thoughtful, positive, and sincere comment. Everyone know there are plenty of dark clouds in the world today. Even with that, I still maintain the majority of the world is good. I like your thought about cultivating what is within each of us. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  29. Congratulation for the 100th post! I can!t believe how passed… This is wonderful post dear Frank, Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Love, nia

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  30. Number 100! How perfect just before Christmas.
    Good. It’s everywhere. All you have to do is look (as Jason Mraz says) And if you can’t find some. Make some!
    Merry Christmas to you an Mrs. Right Angle!

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    1. Dale,
      Not many noticed the milestone note, so thanks for acknowledging. As you know, this is the opposite approach than I took at aFa – where a salute was a post! No question – there is plenty of good out there – and the world can also handle more! Thanks for the Christmas greeting and Merry Christmas to yo and your sons.

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  32. You went yard with this Christmas post, Cincy. Because I think we forget what matters most this time of year, instead focusing on the need to be merry and bright, as if we can turn that kind of feeling on and off. But it’s not about putting up appearances. It IS about the good we can believe in though, and even when we’re not entirely feeling the good? We can still be the good. And we can be thankful for that.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours

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    1. Marc,
      Thanks for the kind words about this post. Interestingly, a Christmas post was never the intent. As a matter of fact, I’ve never tried to write a beach walk focusing on this holiday. However, my past on aFa always honored this holiday, and that’s where I came up with Santa being the Spirit of Goodness for everyone. I wanted to do something here, and then I spotted my draft titled Good. Bingo!!! Winner winner chicken dinner! Not only that, there is so much to say about Good, volume 2 is already drafted. So I should save it for next year.

      I came up with Santa as the Spirit of Goodness while thinking about Christmas from a religious and secular perspective. While we hear a segment of people saying “Put more Christ in Christmas”, I started thinking in the other direction – getting more people to embrace goodness. That’s an aspect of the season that is across humanity. Whereas Thanksgiving is about Thanks, Christmas is about Goodness. I’m not on a personal crusade, but this made sense to me. Enough of my drivel – Thanks for bringing goodness to me and others. Merry Christmas to you and your kids.

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      1. It just worked out that way, which makes it even more special as far as I am concerned, Cincy.

        I think you’re absolutely right about that, incorporating the good into the day and days of the season. Making it into some kind of religious activity is like churching . . and don’t get me started on how people forget those lessons come Monday. Goodness, doing good. This should matter as much as anything.

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  37. If ever there is a time to think about good and goodness Frank, this is it. It’s interesting that the troubles of the world seem to take a very short hiatus during the Christmas week, and that for the most part we all look forward with anticipation to the arrival of the new year. I too think the vast majority of people are good, but unfortunately those who are not seem to dominate the news that barks at us all day every day. It’s posts like this one that remind us of the inherent goodness of people regardless of the news focus. Thank you for the much appreciated reminder of the good that definitely outweighs the bad my friend. Happiest of holidays to you and yours.

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    1. Tina,
      Your kind words and poignant comments touch my heart. Thank you. I must say I chuckled at you describing the news as “bark” … Yes, funny – but very accurate – especially by the talking heads who people think are news but who are actually beaters of the drums in the echo chamber. To me, the December holiday season is very much about goodness – and also to me, goodness is very human and goes across all cultures. Maybe more people will see that as time marches on. Lastly, thanks for the goodness you share!

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