The NewYear Is Here
We see it coming. There’s always a countown as another year comes to an end. What’s the old saying dear reader? “Time Waits For No Man.” It doesn’t wait for any of us – man, woman or child.
2026 is here whether we’re ready or not. And hey, with a new year we have a chance to try something new. Don’t waste any time. Let’s take a new approach to the way we do things. What do you say? What if we start each day thinking about how we can be kind?
Have you ever done that?
Visitors often tell us they’d like to live in a place like our dear Shady Pines Story Town. 
They say it’s because our close knit community is dedicated to treating one another with kindness and caring.
We believe in conversation, not confrontation and that by working together we can overcome most challenges. Our neighbors respond to this in a good way and we think our kindness connection makes this small Southern town special.
The Usual Way
Let’s face it. Most of us begin each morning thinking about what we ‘Have to Do.” I bet you do, too.
No doubt you say to yourself, “I have to go to school.” You probably get told, “You have to make the bed and clean up your room.”
At mealtime, how many times have you heard, “You have to eat your vegetables?”
You get the idea.
But what if we flip that around? Why, you could re-write that old script in your head and fill it with more positive thoughts. Wouldn’t that feel better?
Let’s play Kindness Bingo
I bet you’re wondering, “How do I do that?” Sometimes the easiest way to change something is to make it fun. Then we’ll look forward to the day instead of dreading all the stuff we have to do.
The teachers at the Shady Pines Elementary School got together and came up with game.
They asked 7 yr old Ray Robinson to help them with it. 
He made it his class project. And you know if Ray is involved then his favorite four-legged pals can’t be far behind.
Yep, Boomerang the handsome Australian Shepherd dog, and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat are right there with him.
Between the teachers, Ray and other kids, and some parents they came up with something new to play.
How Do You Play?
The idea is that you find some little tokens to use. They could be something simple like buttons.
Every time you complete one of the ideas in the square you put your button on it.
When you complete all the tasks like, High Five Someone, you yell, BINGO!
Isn’t that fun?
Because it’s a game, you won’t even realize you’re training yourself to think kind thoughts and take action on them.
Starting A Good Habit
That’s the way we began making positive connections here in town.
One person did something kind and other people saw that and wanted to do the same sort of thing.
It’s contagious! Not like the flu or a cold but in a good way.
Even after the fireworks on New Year’s Eve have faded from view, your NEW Year in 2026 could be the very best yet. Do I hear BINGO?
Using Bingo to teach kindness to kids. Great idea
Finally got round to reading this post. Very good
We certainly could use all the kindness we can find
I would never have thought of using Bingo to teach kindness. But now it makes sense
Bingo is fun at any age and this message is so good
What a great idea! It takes no effort at all to play this Bingo. Happy New Year.
Thank you Barbara. Happy New Year!
What a fun way to encourage a change in behavior for the better
This Shady Pines post is starting my new year of right.
Well done !!!
A Happy & Healthy New Year !!!
Thank you Frank. Happy New Year to you, too!
So much of our life is influenced by our perspective. Thanks for giving us new ways to get through our day
Very well said Joanne. Thank you!
So much of our life is influenced by our perspective. As always, you have given us a new way to change our perspective to one of kindness and caring.
What a great idea BINGO for all ages,.starting with 5 or 6 yr olders
why not Learning kindness through
a game(bingo) Kids will love it Let them pick the bingo mover……a
button,. a penny, piece of macaroni
or even(for a treat)m&m.Super idea
So glad you liked the concept Jane. Thank you!
You always come up with a fun way to make an important point. Bravo 👏🏼
Thank you so much Nancy!
I really like this. Kindness Bingo. Great concept
Every time i read one of these Shady Pines posts I come away with a new perspective. Well done
So happy you feel that way. Thank you!
I love this idea! While going through a tough time, small acts of kindness from others really warm my heart!
Isn’t that the truth? Happy New Year Merridy!
We can choose to be positive, kind and thoughtful. Especially when it comes to things we may not relish doing, the simple fact that we can do them is a gift.
Well said Amy. Happy New Year!
I love it! Kindness bingo—what a great idea, especially with Boomerang and Halley playing along. It’s a creative way to reframe the “have to’s”.
Glad you liked it Sheri. Happy New Year!
Inspired as always. Always leave Shady Pines feeling happy.
That’s a good thing. Happy New Year Elaine!
A New Year’s surprise. Well done. Made me think
Very clever
What a great way to start the new year. All the best Shady Pines