overdue update...

I have a bit of a confession.  I've been missing in action from this blog for many reasons.  Are they excuses, maybe... but I'm only human.

Work has been absolute insanity lately, and things outside of that... not much better.  To be completely honest, there was a short period where I think I even lost a bit of faith in this project.  I'm not sure if it is because of the lack of response, or lack of encouragement I feel like I've been giving people... or the fact that I hope to inspire, but will never know if I have... but there was a dark, dark period where I had to wonder "What's the point?"

And then I started hearing all these stories on Facebook or the radio about people leaving ridiculously large tips, or even one guy returning money to a blind man who had dropped it without realizing, and so on... and then I felt inspired again.  I felt a bit intimidated, as though maybe I wasn't doing enough, so I've been trying to focus on the little things and regroup.  I've been making an extra effort to be sure to open doors and remember to say "please and thank you" (honestly this seems so insignificant, but if you ever stop to think about just how few people actually do this... you would realize how much of an impact it CAN have).

I've also been trying to practice my patience.  Now, some people may not see this as an act of kindness, but when I think of all the people in the past that I've lost my temper on or been (visibly) impatient with, I know that a little patience goes a long way.  This applies to coworkers, family (even though it's really, really hard sometimes) friends, and even pets.  Honestly! People (and pets) can tell when you are impatient/frustrated/annoyed, and that can ruin their day so easily... and it only takes a few mental notes to just "check yourself" and move on.

Lastly, I've been working on a plan.  A plan for how I can do more without burning myself out, how I can participate and share kindness, how I can spread happiness and love... but I'm still trying to think of a way.

I would really love any ideas you might have, so if you're reading this... please share!

Until next time (which hopefully will be sooner, rather than later) I'm just some girl... trying to balance life and kindness... hoping that you'll help!

xoxo JSG

Be kind to yourself, and others...

I would be so much better at updating this blog if I were able to do it from my work computer... however the site just doesn't seem to like me and I'm only able to do so from my iPhone, so I apologize for the typos and any auto-corrections I may have missed!

 

Despite the inconvenience, that's not really a reason to neglect such an important project for so long, so I'd like to reassure you that I'm simply working on another task.  Some of you may not think that it counts, but to me in order to be kind you must be kind first to yourself.  Over the course of the last few years, I'm not sure when really, I've let myself go and lost track of what is important and who I am.  This last week has left me examining my heart and mind to focus on myself.  I've been spending a lot of time being kind to my body (exercising and making better lifestyle/eating choices), being kind to my mind (reading and catching up on my online program), and being kind to my soul (this one has been trickiest as I'm at a bit of a crossroads with my beliefs and faith, but I'm working on it).

 

A friend of mine introduced me to "The Secret" and it's completely changed my way of thinking.  I've been told that I seem more positive and hopeful, and that I'm generally more pleasant to be around.  Honestly, if you haven't heard of it... look it up right now, it will blow you away and change your life.  I'm taking time to be thankful for everything I have, and not look to what I don't, and I'm trying to be more appreciative of those around me (regardless of how frustrating they can be sometimes).  I think that being kind to yourself is a great step to being kind towards others, because when you are in a better mood... really it's just so much nicer for everyone!

 

That being said, I have also been paying close attention to the little things.  I was raised to be polite and helpful to others, and just assumed that everyone else was raised the same way.  To me, holding a door open or saying thank you, were all common things.  I did not think that picking up and returning a hat that someone dropped, or letting someone cut in front of you, were a big deal... but over this last little while, I've seen that it is!  You'd be surprised how thankful a person can be if they leave behind a hat (this happened to me on the weekend), and you grab it and go after them.  Literally, the man was only about 8 feet away, but he was appreciative as though I had gone a mile.  Even the appreciation people have for you simply returning a grocery cart (I honestly thought everyone did this)... the smallest things can make such a big difference, regardless of how second nature it is! 

 

I've since decided that I will not be making a list of 25 acts of kindness to complete, because that indicates that at some point, I'll be finished.  Instead, I want to make a conscious effort to live a life being kind to others, and sharing what I know and have learned about gratitude, kindness, and the good that we can put out into the world.  It doesn't take a lot to help turn someone's day around, all it takes is one extra thought... so I vow to think before acting, and to do good where I can, and to continue to live the way I was raised- not taking anything for granted, and helping others when I can.

 

Some of you are probably thinking "well I already do that, so I'm doing my part" and sure, that's great... but imagine doing just a little bit more, or even just doing it consciously? Think of the difference you can make and then put it into action.

 

I'm just some girl, hoping we can all be a bit more thoughtful and kind... consciously.

 

xox JSG