A Little Goes a Long Way

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"You never go wrong by being kind." ~ Marilyn Lear

The world is facing immense challenges these days. Every time we turn on the TV, scroll through social media, or open a newspaper, we are confronted with sadness, turmoil, and mistreatment of others, glaring at us like neon signs.

It makes me ponder: where did we go wrong? Why do people feel it is acceptable to act in such inappropriate and heartbreaking ways towards each other?

​Now, more than ever, people need kindness. It is true that when it comes to kindness, a little really goes a long way.

Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana

Be a bucket filler

A big part of my job as an elementary teacher is teaching social skills, and focusing on modeling kindness and treating others with respect is always a priority in my classroom.

​This week, I enjoyed reading to my class, two delightful books about "bucket filling" by Carol McCloud. In these popular, award-winning children's books, it speaks of how everyone carries an invisible bucket. This invisible bucket is just waiting to be filled with acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures that fill not only a bucket but a person's love tanks. The books highlight simple, everyday things you can do to literally make someone's day. It is not rocket science; one small act of kindness can truly make a huge difference.

Feeling inspired by these books, a sweet student made me a bucket for my desk and took the initiative to fill it with paper clippings. When I asked what the clippings represented, she quickly replied, "LOVE."

This was very special, and not only was my craft bucket full, but my invisible one certainly was as well.

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Don't be a bucket dipper

Just as easily as we can fill someone's bucket, we can empty it by what is called "bucket dipping" in these books.

Bucket dipping includes the little or big things we do to bring someone down—hurtful comments, rude actions, a critical spirit, excluding others, gossiping, and ignoring someone's cry for help are all examples of bucket dipping. The world already has enough bucket dippers. We certainly do not need to join that team. Trust me, it is already very overcrowded.

As a Christ follower, when interacting with others, I often ask myself, "What would Jesus do if He were me right now?" I don't always get it right, but I strive to emulate Him more and more each day.

Jesus is and always will be the ultimate bucket filler. He fills my heart with so much joy. He provides me with everything I need, has washed away my sins, and is as close as the mention of His name.

In addition to this, I am honored that the God of the universe cares so deeply about me that He delights in providing me with blessing after blessing, daily filling my bucket to overflowing even when I don't deserve it.

Every time I read the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, I ask myself, have I?

It should be our goal to fill at least one bucket a day, minimum. I know it is mine.

So, honoring this commitment, I say to you, my internet family, I have such a grateful heart for you for following my blog and taking the time to read what I have to say. Without you, this blog would just be words on a page that no one read but me.

Every time you read, comment, and share my writing, my bucket literally overflows. The fact that you have embraced me and Little Lessons Learned by Dana means more than words can say.

So, what I am trying to say is a huge thank you for being a bucket filler for me.

You are such a wonderful blessing to me! God bless everyone!

Call to Action: 
Reflect upon the concept of bucket filling this week.

​Do a personal inventory and ask yourself, have I been filling buckets or dipping into them? If you honestly feel that the dipping activity has been more frequent, you are not alone. It happens to us all from time to time.

Make a commitment to be more cognizant of how your words and actions affect others in both positive and negative ways and make bucket filling a priority this week. You won't regret it.

As my mom said, "You never go wrong by being kind!"

​Until next time,
Dana

Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here.

Tags: bucket filling, bucket dipping, Have You Filled a Bucket Today, encourage one another, cheerleaders, Jesus the ultimate bucket filler, kindess, social emotional learning

Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi) ​

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. She wholeheartedly desires to "love God and love people." With a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement, Dana makes a positive impact wherever she goes. She lives in Ontario with her husband and two grown children.