Too often kindness is relegated to a random act performed only when we’re feeling good. But an even greater kindness (to ourselves and others) occurs when we reach out even when we aren't feeling entirely whole. It’s not easy, and no one is perfect. But we’ve decided it’s not impossible to brighten the world one smile, one kind word, one blog post at a time. To that end, a few of us writers have established The Kindness Project, starting with a series of inspirational posts. We post the second Wednesday of every month.
Wow, I can't believe it's already been another month! We have some exciting new stuff coming up with The Kindness Project, and I can't wait to share it all with you! The response to this movement has been amazing, and every month more and more people want to join us. That's what this is all about. Spreading kindness, spreading awareness, helping us to make concerted efforts to do good. Just like Carol posted about (and even got some ink for!): DO GOOD ANYWAY.
You want to know the honest truth? A lot of the time people don't reciprocate kindness. But you know what? That's okay. DO GOOD ANYWAY. Because you never know the long term effects your kindness might have. Maybe not the first time, or second time, or fiftieth time. But someday, somehow, maybe it will cause a change. And if not, you changed yourself, and really, that's the most important thing of all.
Another hard truth? It's difficult to be kind to everyone. We all know that person--the one who is amazingly sweet and wonderful to some people, and as mean as all get out to others. I don't want to be that person. I want to be that other person we all know--the one who is kind to everyone. The person that no one can think of anything bad to say (except for, "seriously, she can't really be that wonderful, can she??" haha). This is a tall order for me. I'm far from being that second person. But hopefully with each passing day, week, month, I am getting closer to person #2 and less like person #1.
Something that helps me is to try and live my life with this thought in mind:
That is powerful. Because the honest truth is that you never know. You never know how much time there is. This life is so uncertain and I never want to suffer from the pain of regret. So regardless of who you are or how you've treated me or whether you like me or hate me, I'm going to do my darndest to find the good in you. To treat you with kindness. TO DO GOOD ANYWAY.
See what everyone else is posting about today:
16 comments:
Awesome post! That's my goal too. :D
That is such a great point. Even if someone doesn't reciprocate, or isn't interested in your kindness, it still does help you.
Such a great message! I think we all struggle to be THAT person, but it's in the trying that we find ourselves and discover the best people we can be. It's rewarding in and of itself.
I was meditating on that principle when I was writing my post as well: kindness isn't just reciprocating a good deed done to you, though it could be...it's about creating that spark in the first place, and hopefully that spark can create a lasting flame.
I was meditating on that principle when I was writing my post as well: kindness isn't just reciprocating a good deed done to you, though it could be...it's about creating that spark in the first place, and hopefully that spark can create a lasting flame.
How funny - that is my message today too (although I waffled on far too much and you said it succinctly). But those three words sum it up "Do Good Anyway". Love it.
Great post. We have to remember that not everyone (in fact most people) won't "do good anyway," and that's okay. We still have to follow our own paths and where we feel led. The great thing about doing good anyway is that we choose to, not because of payment or an expected reward.
"do good anyway" FTW! I really like this idea-- about treating everyone as if it was your or their last day on earth. Can you imagine if even a smidgen of the world lived this way?
Exactly! We never know and life is too short and too precious to spend it any other way. Well said!
What a great post! I love that quote. Such a great thing to think about. Well, not the death part, but the reason for it. I think you are that person. You've always been kind to me ;o)
I agree, Carol has the BEST tattoo!!
Yeah, it's frustrating to be kind to someone only to have them not return it. Your motto's a strong one and a good one! I like it!
and weren't we discussing having all TKP members get DGA tats when they join? LOL! J/k I love that saying. :o) <3
Yes, yes and yes! To be the person that no one can think of anything to say bad about. What a great goal! Love it!
Being kind when you do want to, don't feel like it, don't think the other person deserves it. That's a goal that when reached, it could change the world.
Awesome post with spot on words of advice! Thanks for encouraging us to be kind and do good anyway:)
This is awesome. I hadn't heard of this project. I found you from Kathryn Purdie's blog.
I want to be that person who is kinder. Thank you for the inspiration
What a great idea! I wish I could be that nice person, but my inner monster comes out way too much. ;)
You are just incredible. The things you do for people and the attitude that you have in life. I admire you.
Post a Comment