Kindness is the real legacy (S4) S40 E3

Welcome to “Inspirations for Your Life”—the show where kindness, leadership, and lasting purpose light your path to a more meaningful journey. I’m John C. Morley, your Serial Entrepreneur, Engineer, Marketing Specialist, Video Producer, Podcast Host and Coach, and most importantly—a passionate advocate for kindness in business and in life. Today, let’s unlock why kindness is the true legacy that outlasts all achievements, and how you can start building that legacy, moment by moment.

[1️⃣] Kindness outlasts achievement—because long after the applause fades, people remember how you made them feel. A single genuine word or compassionate gesture can echo for years, shaping how others remember you and even how they treat others.

[2️⃣] Acts of kindness spark chain reactions that spread further than we ever realize. When you take the step to help, comfort, or encourage, you inspire the next person to do the same, creating a ripple of positivity that lifts entire communities.

[3️⃣] Offering genuine compliments isn’t just about flattery—it’s about recognizing the good in someone and helping them see it for themselves. That boost of confidence can light up someone’s day and fill a room with positivity.

[4️⃣] Lending a hand, even in small ways, is a gift money can’t buy. When you show up for someone, especially when you expect nothing in return, the connection you forge is real and lasting.

[5️⃣] Forgiveness is a kindness you give yourself. Letting go of grudges or old resentments frees your mind and heart, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—growth, peace, and forward motion.

[6️⃣] Kindness is the key that unlocks new friendships—even from the most unexpected sources. When you reach out first, you invite stories, laughter, and perspective you never would have found alone.

[7️⃣] Listening with patience is a profound act of respect and kindness. When people realize they’re truly heard, trust is built, and relationships deepen.

[8️⃣] Never underestimate the power of small gestures. A quick note, a supportive text, or holding the door can become a memory someone treasures for years to come.

[9️⃣] Kindness can heal hurts that words alone can’t touch. Your sincere care is the antidote to loneliness, heartbreak, and self-doubt—restoring hope for those who receive it.

[🔟] Sincere apologies are transformative. Admitting you’re wrong and asking for forgiveness shows humility and strength, turning conflict into connection and resentment into respect.

[1️⃣1️⃣] Helping others doesn't just benefit them—it boosts your own happiness and gratitude. The act of lifting someone up ends up lifting you, too.

[1️⃣2️⃣] Kindness bridges gaps between people from all walks of life. No matter our backgrounds, a warm welcome and a kind gesture make us equals and allies.

[1️⃣3️⃣] A smile is universal. It’s the simplest act of kindness, yet its positive energy breaks tension and opens doors to deeper relationship.

[1️⃣4️⃣] When you act with kindness, you leave a legacy that outlives you. People retell stories about those who made a difference in their lives for generations—this is how kindness becomes eternal.

[1️⃣5️⃣] Kindness is the fuel that powers teamwork and creativity. When everyone feels valued, great ideas take flight and trust becomes your competitive edge.

[1️⃣6️⃣] Checking in on others during hard times is more powerful than we often realize. One thoughtful gesture can change the course of someone’s day or even their life.

[1️⃣7️⃣] Being kind inspires bravery. When others see your example, they’re more willing to take that leap to spread good and support those around them.

[1️⃣8️⃣] Owning your mistakes is a kind act. Instead of guarding your ego, you’re showing that humility and growth matter more than being right.

[1️⃣9️⃣] Random kindness has magical effects. When you do something nice with no expectation, you catch people off guard—inspiring wonder and gratitude.

[2️⃣0️⃣] Sharing knowledge freely is a high form of kindness. When you openly teach and guide others, you amplify progress and growth for all.

[2️⃣1️⃣] Kindness makes spaces safe. When people know they’ll be supported rather than judged, they thrive and courageously share their best selves.

[2️⃣2️⃣] Giving credit is an easy and powerful kindness. Recognizing others for their hard work promotes a culture where everyone is inspired to contribute.

[2️⃣3️⃣] Sharing kindness online—yes, even in the digital world—turns social media from a place of comparison to a force for genuine connection and encouragement.

[2️⃣4️⃣] Kindness is infinite. The more you share, the more the world receives. Its value grows exponentially with every act.

[2️⃣5️⃣] Supporting others in reaching their goals is kindness in motion. When you help others rise, you invest in a future where success is shared and celebrated.

Episode Transcript

(00:25):
Well, hey guys, it is John Seymour here,
it's great to be with you.
It's September 30th, 2025, and it is great
to be with you.
This is actually the show for Monday, and
I'm going to explain why that happened in
just a moment.
But first of all, I want to welcome
you.
If you're new here, definitely welcome.
If you're coming back, well, welcome back to

(00:48):
Inspirations for Your Life, the ever popular motivational
podcast, TV show, and let's say YouTube show
that basically everyone is following to help them,
let's say, improve the quality of their lives.
So the master talk, gentlemen, for the week,

(01:10):
which you probably want to know, and it's
a really good one, and then that's going
to get me right into why I'm going
to be recording or doing broadcasting two shows
on one day, which today is Tuesday, September
30th.
And so I'll get to that in a
second, but what I want to share with
you is that the master topic, the master
topic of the week, cost of comfort versus
the power of awareness.

(01:32):
And today or tonight's granular topic is Kindness
is the Real Legacy, Series 4, Show 40,
Episode 3.
That's Kindness is the Real Legacy, Series 4,
Show 40, Episode 3.
That means the end of this year, we
will be in our year five and we'll
be on the air four years in a
row.
All right, so let's talk a little bit
about why I am, as you guys know,

(02:00):
we're using one now called OneStream Live.
And so to be quite honest with you,
we've been having issues with lots of these
platforms.
They've all been kind of flaky, to be
quite honest with you.
I've said to myself, you know, if we
don't find one pretty soon, we're probably going
to write our own platform.
Anyway, so OneStream Live has a major bug.

(02:21):
And so what this bug is, is that
when you set your audio for, let's say
for your studio that you have, well, they
don't hold that audio setting.
And so every time you go into OneStream
Live, sometimes it's late.
And if I don't go in and check,
there's nothing on here that tells me that

(02:42):
the audio is actually recording.
I mean, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing on here.
So, you know, that's a big problem, guys.
And I'm hoping that the folks at OneStream,
I have reached out to their tech support
just to let you guys know.
And unfortunately, I've been, let's say, faced with

(03:04):
people that either don't know the platform.
I won't say they're rude because they're not
rude, but they really don't know the platform.
And I think that's a, I think that's
a very, very, and hopefully
they will fix these things.

(03:30):
And I'll tell you that, you know, when
you call them and you reach out again,
they're very nice, they're very friendly, but they
don't really know their platform.
They're a group of people that are just
reading scripts, and I'll be quite honest.
So I'm a little bit unhappy with the
fact that I have to redo this again.
I didn't do it last night because it
was late.
But again, they should either have, they should

(03:53):
be able to keep the microphone setting so
that it's the same.
Now, I have professional microphones, regular microphones.
And so what happens is their system decides
to default to a virtual microphone that may
not be in use.
And so you don't know this because nowhere
in the show does it show you a
level unless I go into settings, then I

(04:13):
have to look at audio microphone and it
shows me the red line going up and
down.
So that's great.
As you know, I also have to look
at my left, which is the professional focus
right that I have.
And I always check that, right, that I
always check.
But that doesn't mean that sound is actually
being pushed out through the software.
So I want to let you guys know

(04:35):
that I've let them know about feedback.
I've given them suggestions.
I don't know what they're going to do.
Are we going to stay with one stream
live?
I don't know.
But I encourage you guys, if you're checking
out this platform for your own benefits, to
let them know that you're unhappy with this
option where they have to basically require you

(04:56):
to change the microphone.
I mean, that is just insane.
All right.
Enough about me talking about that.
Hey, guys.
So good morning, everyone.
It is early in the morning.
I have with me.
You'll see this.
Well, it doesn't look very colorful, but it
is a very healthy drink.
It's two tablespoons of molasses where I put
some instant hot, 195 degree water.
I melt it and then I mix it

(05:16):
up and then I put some water and
then I put some orange juice in it.
And very delicious.
It's very good for the body, too.
All right.
So again, welcome, everyone.
And don't forget to check out BelieveMeAchieved.com
for more of my amazing, of course, inspiring
creations.
And we will get the other show out
to you later today, which will be the
regular Tuesday show.

(05:38):
All right, guys.
So again, welcome.
Big welcome.
So check out BelieveMeAchieved.com that is after
the show.
Welcome to Inspirations for Your Life, the show
where kindness, leadership and lasting purpose light your
path to a more, well, meaningful journey.

(05:58):
Hey, everyone, I'm John Seymour, a serial entrepreneur,
also an engineer, marketing specialist, video producer, podcast
host, podcast coach and graduate student.
And most importantly, a passionate advocate for kindness

(06:19):
in business and in life.
Today, I'm helping you unlock why kindness is
the true legacy that outlasts all achievements and
how you can start building that legacy moment
by moment right this very minute.

(06:42):
All right, guys.
So number one is kindness outlasts achievement.
Because long after the applause fades, people remember
one thing, how you made them feel.
A single genuine word or compass of your
own gestures can echo for years, shaping how

(07:07):
others remember you and even how they treat
others.
Acts of kindness, number two, will always spark
a chain set of reactions that will spread
further than we ever imagined possible.
When you take the step to help comfort

(07:28):
or encourage, you inspire the next person to
do the same, creating a ripple of positivity
that lifts entire communities.
And the best of all, it's free.
Number three, guys, offering genuine compliments isn't just
about flattery.

(07:49):
It's about recognizing the good in someone and
helping them see it for themselves.
That boost of confidence can, well, light up
someone's day and even fill a room with
the most positivity you could ever imagine.

(08:10):
Number four, guys, lending a hand, even in
small ways.
It's a gift, but it's not money.
And money can't buy everything, especially not the
moments when you show up for someone, especially

(08:31):
when you expect nothing in return.
The connection you forge is real and lasting.
Number five, guys, forgiveness is a kindness you
give yourself, letting go of grudges or old
resentments.

(08:51):
And it frees your mind and your heart,
allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
What is that?
Growth, peace and forward motion in your life.
Number six, kindness is the key that unlocks
new friendships, even from the most unexpected sources.

(09:15):
When you reach out first, you invite stories,
laughter and give perspective that you never would
have found or had the opportunity to encounter.
Number seven, guys, I think is a very
important one, and that is choosing to listen

(09:35):
with patience as it's profound in showing the
art of respect and kindness.
When people realize they're truly heard, trust is
built and relationships, well, they deepen.
Number eight, never underestimate the power of small

(10:00):
gestures.
A quick note, a supportive text or holding
the door can become, well, a memory someone
will treasure for a lifetime to come.
Number nine, kindness can heal or hurts that
words alone can't find the way to.

(10:21):
You see, your sincere care is the antidote
to loneliness, heartbreak and self-doubt and restoring
hope for those who will, let's say, receive
it.
That's the key in life.
Number 10, guys, sincere apologies are transformative.

(10:43):
Admitting you're wrong and asking for forgiveness shows
humility and strength, turning conflict into connection and
resentment and respect.
I remember when I was younger, I always
want to be right.
I still want to be right, but I
admit today that if I'm wrong and I

(11:04):
take complete responsibility if I am wrong, always
love to be right.
But if I'm wrong, I admit it and
I apologize.
A lot of people can't do that, and
I think that's a key of growing up.
Number 11, helping others doesn't just benefit them.
It boosts your own happiness and gratitude.

(11:26):
You see, the act of lifting someone up
ends up lifting you too.
It's like a boomerang.
See, whatever we send out in the universe
comes back to us, not immediately, but it
does come back.
It could be an hour later, a day
later, a week later, a month later.
A quarter later, a year later or years
later.
Number 12, kindness bridges gaps between people from,

(11:52):
well, all walks of life.
I think that's a very important thing to
understand, guys.
Very important thing.
No matter our battles, a warm welcome and
a kind gesture make us equals and allies.
Try it sometime.
Give someone a smile and you'll probably get

(12:14):
one back.
Number 13, a smile is universal, as I
said.
It's the simplest act of kindness, yet its
positive energy breaks tension and, well, the doors
to deeper relationships.
Number 14, guys.
Number 14 is all about this, and that

(12:37):
is when you choose to act with kindness,
you leave a legacy that outlives you.
People retell stories about those who made a
difference in their lives for generations.
This is how kindness becomes eternal and spreads.

(13:00):
Number 15, kindness is the fuel that powers
teamwork and creativity.
Yeah, it's kind of this inner fuel, right?
Like a superpower.
When everyone feels valued, great ideas take flight

(13:21):
and trust becomes your competitive edge.
Number 16, guys.
Checking in on others during hard times is
more powerful than we often realized.
One thoughtful gesture can change the course of

(13:45):
someone's day or even their life.
I have a quick story I want to
share about this.
So it was about a year or two
ago, and right around the holiday times, they
post this, and it kind of gets recirculated
every year.
So there's a kid who was working in
Starbucks, and there are other people on his
shift, and the kid was taking care of

(14:06):
an older gentleman.
And the guy was very rude and nasty
to him, so much to the point that
he pretty much had to walk away because
he was almost in tears.
In fact, he was in tears.
And another kid stepped in to help with

(14:27):
the order, but the guy was making everything
so impossible.
I mean, he had to be right, but
he was actually wrong.
He was a complete jerk.
So the kid kind of went over to
the side, and as soon as he basically
left the store, which was a minute or
two later, he came out.
He just literally scrunched down behind the, you
know, the coffee machine, and he started crying.

(14:55):
And within a minute, this other guy came
over to him, and he knelt down, and
then he sat on the floor, and he
put his arm around this kid's shoulder and
his neck, and he just looked in his
eyes, and he said, look, he's like, I

(15:16):
get it, buddy.
He's like, that guy was a complete jerk.
I'm so sorry he made you feel that
way.
And his crying sobered down a little bit,
but that moment was not one that many
people probably want to live.

(15:37):
Being in the food and hospitality industry, I
know what it's like when people are rude
to you, and I also know that I
always want to be nice to everyone, especially
those in the hospitality and the food industry.
Just because you're leaving somebody a tip or
you're paying their wages doesn't mean that you
have the right to be nasty to anybody.

(15:58):
That goes in any profession.
I don't care whether it's technology, whether it's,
you know, a food, whether it's some other
type of construction or anything.
I once had a client one time.
They owe us some money.
And, you know, he wrote the check.

(16:20):
And it was delayed.
And I asked him for the check.
Delayed, not just a week, delayed like maybe
over 30 or 45 days.
So I explained to him how, you know,
it's important that we get paid so we
can keep our prices low and also so
we can pay our bills.
He was an attorney.
He took the check literally that he had

(16:41):
and he just flung it at me and
he flung it at me and it went
on the floor.
And I just looked at him and I
said, could you pick that up, please?
He came over, he picked it up.
I said, would you hand it to me,

(17:01):
please?
And he says, you got your money.
I said, yes, I do, sir.
Thank you very much.
And I just want to let you know
that this is going to be our last
day servicing you.
You see, we get the privilege to choose
who we want to work for and those
that are rude to either myself or my

(17:23):
staff, we have a zero tolerance for no
discrimination of race, religion, sexual orientation, creed, color.
And the attitude that you put forth today.
I don't ever want or my team to
ever experience again.
So we're terminating your account officially today.
Thank you for all the years you've worked

(17:43):
with us.
And then they try to apologize.
But you know what?
It's too late.
That kid with the barista, I know that
if I was there and I was working
there, I probably would have done the same
thing, knelt down, you know, and I think
he even got him a coffee or a
drink to kind of, you know, subside him
a little bit.

(18:03):
And I know that I probably would have
said something like, you know, there's going to
be jerks out there and that guy was
completely wrong.
And I know we have to do our
job, if we don't, we can get fired.
But that was downright rude.
And then I might have said something like,

(18:24):
hey, you know, we should probably catch a
bite after after after our shift, if you're
interested.
To me, building that friendship, even though he
might be a year or two older, younger
than me, isn't just about.
Getting another friend, but about showing somebody compassion,
because, you see, that kid was about ready

(18:45):
to give up.
He was ready to just pack it in.
Now, what does that mean?
Does that mean he was going to end
it all?
I think it just meant he was going
to end his job.
I don't think he was he enjoyed his
life.
He had a very good, you know, sports,
let's say social career in his in his
school, but he was just ready to give

(19:09):
up on people.
And that's just a horrible thing.
So I reach out and I say kudos
to that guy that helped at Starbucks and
to the fact that if I was in
the same shoes, I would have done that.
And if I was in the other shoes,
I would have hope that somebody would have
done that to me.
So I want to say kudos out to
you and to taking the chance to help

(19:33):
that kid because of you.
He now has a future that he's very
happy with.
So remember, be compassionate with people.
Number 17, guys, being kind inspires bravery.
When others see your example, they're more willing
to take that leap to spread the good

(19:55):
and support those around them like that kid
at the barista.
I bet if that happened again, somebody else
would jump in now.
Number 18, owning your mistakes is a kind
act.
Instead of guarding your ego, you're showing that
humility and growth matter more than, well, being

(20:19):
right all the time.
Number 19, random kindness has magical effects when
you do something nice with no expectation.
You catch people off guard, inspiring wonder and
gratitude.
Number 20, sharing knowledge freely is a high

(20:43):
form of kindness when you openly teach and
guide others.
You amplify progress and growth for all.
Number 21, kindness makes spaces safe.
When people know they'll be supported rather than

(21:07):
judged, they thrive instead of just surviving and
courageously share their best selves.
I think sometimes we're afraid to show who
we are because we don't want to be
judged.
We don't want to be chastised.
How many times has that happened to you?
Maybe in grammar school or high school, right?
You're afraid of showing your true self because,

(21:29):
well, you didn't have any friends and you're
afraid that if you did that, you might
lose the potential of gaining any and maybe
the one or two that you had might
leave you.
But those weren't really friends.
Those are people that were just doing what
the crowd does.
And following bandwagon.
And that's no way for anyone to live.

(21:49):
Number 22, guys, giving credit is an easy
and a powerful kindness.
Recognizing others for their hard work promotes a
culture where everyone is inspired to contribute all
the time.
Number 23, sharing kindness online, even in the

(22:13):
digital world.
Turns social media from a place of comparison
to a force for genuine connection and encouragement.
So a lot of times we're online, right?
And everyone's always so busy.
But can you just take a minute to
maybe thank a creator for what they did

(22:35):
or thank somebody if you like their post?
You know, it won't cost you anything and
it's going to make that person feel so
good and have an amazing day.
And it's going to reverberate back to you.
Remember, whatever you send out comes back, guys.
I mean, use this analogy here in town.
I say my driveway's on fire and I'm
being proverbial here, but let's say my driver's
on fire.

(22:56):
And this lady, I'm just going to call
her Mary and Mary's there and she sees
my driveway and fires.
Oh, John, I said, oh, I'm fine.
I just I could need some help.
Oh, John, I'd love to help.
You know, I've got to take Joey to,
let's say, karate practice.
I've got to take Mark to softball and
I got to take Megan to dance class.

(23:16):
Got to get going.
You know, call 911.
Our town's really good with that.
I'm sure they'll do good.
But make sure you message me on Facebook.
Toodles.
That person really was just not interested in
helping you.
They were too busy in their own life.
I see this every day.
They make such a big fuss about everything,
right, but when it comes time for them

(23:38):
to do something, they do it.
I've learned in life, you do the things
you want to do and have the life
you want to have.
OK, you don't need to rub that in
people's faces, but you need to treat people
with respect and kindness.
And I just see so many people out

(23:58):
there that do that.
When somebody does that to me, I politely
say to them like now somebody did that
to me with the driver thing.
I was like, I understand you're busy.
You go.
Don't worry about me.
And I wouldn't even message her back.
And when I came to me and say,
hey, John, you know what happened?
I'm fine.

(24:19):
But to be honest with you, I don't
have time for people that can't spend a
moment for me when their own lives are
more important than when I'm having a crisis.
And that sounds rude, but that's the real
truth.
And so many people online are all wrapped
up in themselves that they won't take two
seconds to like a video to share it.
Why?

(24:40):
Because they're too absorbed in themselves.
I hope that hits home with a lot
of you.
And if you're creating social media, I know
that you definitely want that path.
I know that if you're watching other people's
social media, I love it when people share
like or put a comment.
But be sincere.
Don't comment with deception.
Like I post tech videos and like, oh,

(25:00):
well, such and such helped me.
And I report and I'm like, you know,
spam, deceptive behavior.
Don't do that.
That's not kindness.
That's abusing people.
You might figure it's not.
It is.
It's digitally abusing people.
We have to stop that.
Number 24, kindness is infinite.
The more you share, the more the world

(25:21):
receives.
It values growth exponentially with every act.
So when you spend the time on your
dime, you know, it doesn't cost you that
it makes people feel good.
Number 25, supporting others in reaching their goals
is kindness in motion.

(25:42):
When you choose to help others rise, you
invest in a future where success is shared
and celebrated.
Number 26, make it a habit to surround
yourself with the kind of people that exhibit
kindness.
Lifting each other up will multiply the impact

(26:04):
of your own good works, making a legacy
much larger than yourself.
If you find the people around you don't
have a positive energy, it might be time
to pick some new people to hang around
because you become what you think about and
you actually attract the energy to which you

(26:27):
are near.
Number 27, kindness is unforgettable.
It's the indelible mark you leave in every
life you touch.
When all else fades, it is kindness that
will be your true legacy and companion through
your life.
I know that you're probably saying, John, I'm

(26:47):
so busy.
I get this to do, but take a
minute.
Just take a minute, take a breath, enjoy
life, say thank you to somebody, hold the
door open for somebody today, give somebody a
smile.
If you can, get them a cup of
coffee from your office.
Maybe it's a free cup of coffee or
whatever.
You know, maybe it's taking one of your

(27:07):
colleagues, hey, you know, you want to join
me?
We can go to lunch and you guys
can, you know, split lunch.
It doesn't have to be all on you.
So, you know, I think when we start
to exhibit kind behavior, kind behavior will start
percolating more up in our life.
See, whatever we focus on will become more.
I want to thank you so much, ladies
and gentlemen, for joining me today here tonight.

(27:30):
John C.
Morley, your serial entrepreneur on the Inspirations for
Your Life podcast.
Together, let's build a world where kindness is
the standard and legacy you leave behind.
I want to thank everyone, but I also
want to hopefully inspire the people at One

(27:51):
Stream Live, the different founders to urgently take
my comments today.
It's very rare that I put a criticism
in a video about a service, but I
mean it.
The fact that I had to go through
extra work just because you can't take the
effort to make sure your software preserves the

(28:12):
microphone settings that I have.
That's unprofessional.
That's poor.
And I don't know if I'm going to
stay with you.
We're going to have to see.
You keep saying you're going to get better.
We'll have to see.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me know your thoughts.
I'm curious what you think.
Let me know if you want One Stream
Live to fix this.
I know I do.
I think the more people that see this
and that tell them might actually get them
to take some action.

(28:33):
Let's be kind on our dime and pass
it along.
Everyone have a great day because kindness is
infectiously positive.