The Kindness Flash #52
This month’s theme: HUMILITY
Thoughts from Our Founder
Reflections by Orly Wahba – When I think of humility the first image that comes to mind is a puzzle. Think about a 1,000 piece puzzle. If even just one piece were missing, it’s unlikely that you would frame the puzzle and hang it up on your wall proudly. After all, it would be incomplete. Read More >>
Life Vest Inside Video of the Month – This month’s NEW video release, our Dance for Kindness 2020 Virtual dance, happens to be a perfect tie in to humility. Humility means remembering where you come from and recognizing the beauty even in the seemingly simple.
2020 marked our 9th annual Dance for Kindness. We came off of events in over 50 countries with thousands upon thousands of participants. And then suddenly, NOTHING. We were no longer allowed to gather and connect physically. The WOW factor of the event was gone, but what remained was the authentic connection, the people. We realized that we don’t need shining lights to make an impact, we just need one another. And so we asked people from around the world to join us virtually, so share themselves with us. What came about was nothing short of beautifully humble and inspiring.
I hope you enjoy!
Articles of the Month
How Humility Will Make You the Greatest Person Ever – The key to humility is seeing life as a journey towards cultivating those qualities that bring out the best in ourselves and others and make this world a better place.
The Importance of Humility – Humility is not something we can just achieve; it is so much more than that. We need humility to become better people. Therefore, humility is a construct of human behavior.
What is Humbleness – This past month, one of our amazing YouTube subscribers, Paul Dean Charlton II, reached out with words of kindness and shared a bit about his own journey to spread kindness and goodness into the world through poetry. He shared a couple of his poems with me and we got to talking. I then shared that each month we put out a newsletter focused on a different theme and this month’s theme is focused on humility. Paul emailed me one of his poems and I felt compelled to share it with all of you!
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
C. S. Lewis
“No matter how high up you get, never forget where you came from.”
Beeru Singh
Act of Kindness
Cultivate humility. Take the time to think about one of your accomplishments or achievements (it can be as big or small as you want). Write down that achievement front and center on a piece of paper. Below it, begin listing all of those who were part of helping you reach that achievement. Whether it was something they taught you, their support or encouragement, challenging you, or being a listening ear. Practicing humility means taking the time to acknowledge that we got to where we are not simply based on our efforts, but also because of the kindness, support, guidance and sometimes the tough love of others.
Question of the Month
How do you remind yourself each day of your place in the world and remain humble, while still pursuing excellence? Share here or in the comments below.
Kindness Media
Photo of the Month
What does this picture make you feel and why? Share your thoughts.
Songs of the Month
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re going, don’t forget to turn back around. And help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind.
Videos of the Month
How do we find fulfillment in a world that’s constantly changing? Raymond Tang struggled with this question until he came across the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Tao Te Ching. In it, he found a passage comparing goodness to water, an idea he’s now applying to his everyday life.
Books of the Month
Be a Mensch: Unleash Your Power to Be Kind and Help Others – Elisa Udaskin – A collection of humorous stories and practical advice—sprinkled with a healthy dose of Yiddish humor—Be a Mensch shows how to incorporate kindness into your daily life and to help others through difficult situations. It challenges you to get off your tuches and get involved. By living as a mensch, you will not only help others but improve your own life too.
Humble & Kind – Tim McGraw – Inspired by McGraw’s own life experience as his eldest child embarked on her college career, every parent and graduate can relate to Humble and Kind ; with tender clarity, the words reinforce lessons for mindful, compassionate living.
True Humility: Finding Peace and Balance in Today’s Modern Society – Gavin Seah – Gavin was a victim of self-focused behaviours, as he looked for happiness in the wrong areas. Battling with a past soiled by bullying, racism, and ostracisation, he opens up vulnerably with personal stories, enthralling encounters, and shares practical tips on how you can reclaim your peace and balance through the practice of True Humility.
Humble Pie – Jennifer Donnelly – Theo is known for being thoughtless, proud, arrogant, and downright selfish, and he usually gets away with it. But one day, his grandmother decides to bake a giant dessert in the hopes that a slice of humble pie will curb his appetite for misbehavior.
King Hugo’s Huge Ego – Chris Van Dusen – A small king with a pride problem learns an important lesson when a sorceress in disguise causes Hugo’s head to literally swell up. As his head grows larger and larger, Hugo must decide if he will continue to operate with an attitude of superiority or if he will choose a different path and bring his head down to size.
The Tower: A Story of Humility – Richard Paul Evans – This is a story of a man who wants to become great, which means he must have everyone look up to him. He believes to do so, he needs to be higher than everyone so that he can look down on them and they can marvel as they stare up at him.
Reflections on Humility
When I think of humility the first image that comes to mind is a puzzle. Think about a 1,000 piece puzzle. If even just one piece were missing, it’s unlikely that you would frame the puzzle and hang it up on your wall proudly. After all, it would be incomplete. We are all a piece of the puzzle. Each one of us – different shapes, different colors, but each of us the same size. We all have something unique to bring into this world and each of our pieces is essential for the puzzle to be complete. No piece boasts that they are bigger than the others. Puzzle pieces recognize that for the picture to be complete, each piece has its designated spot with something to add to the overall picture. This is the essence of humility. The recognition that every person in this world has their place and is unique . The moment we recognize this, unkindness fades away and we can finally embrace people for who they are as opposed to who we want them to be.
We may not understand the puzzle of life or how certain pieces fit in, but that’s simply because the puzzle is ever growing and we don’t have the foresight to see the final picture. But rest assured, each person has their place. Our job is to respect each piece for what it adds to the final picture.
So search inside of yourself and recognize that the person staring back at you in the mirror is worth betting on. Once you do, betting on others is simple because you will finally have the vision to see beyond the one piece and see that there is a greater picture at play here.
Live your piece of the puzzle as best you can. You just may inspire others to follow suit.
~Orly Wahba
What is Humbleness
This past month, one of our amazing YouTube subscribers, Paul Dean Charlton II, reached out with words of kindness and shared a bit about his own journey to spread kindness and goodness into the world through poetry. He shared a couple of his poems with me and we got to talking. I then shared that each month we put out a newsletter focused on a different theme and this month’s theme is focused on humility. Paul emailed me one of his poems and I felt compelled to share it with all of you!
We each have our talents and it’s important that we use our talents to share goodness with the world. I’m so happy Paul emailed me. If you have something you would like to share with the Life Vest Inside community, I’d be honored to hear from you!
What is Humbleness
After an offer, a request was made,
I speak of humbleness often,
For it is needed to have your own damages truly soften,
So to shade your demons in the light,
I’ll write to share what I can on humbleness in might,
Trust I’m bumbling through life if I come into your sight,
See I’ve struggled long and juggled a lot of damage,
But, thankfully, I’ve gained my ways to manage,
That damage I call the cold,
That comes from ways in you, old,
That seem to be apart of what you cannot shake, your mold,
That gets you to ignore Golden Hearted pleas, aka what you’re told.
See, love, kindness, and humbleness go hand in hand,
And it’s what makes the best part of us, better women and men,
Don’t you understand,
Ripples of kindness is the devil’s own self violence,
So when you see someone struggle, don’t be unseen or a user of that thing, silence.
But I haven’t actually written was humbleness is,
Humbleness is bumbling through life and admitting it,
It’s seeing your damages but understanding another sees you as lit,
It’s ludicrous thoughts like giving away your trust with a most prized possession,
It’s being kind, in each and every action around an election,
It’s being there, with a heart on your sleeves and doing your good deeds,
Not to speak on them, except to inspire others to fly higher,
It is to choose to lose sight of yourself,
While so many can be seen keeping their heart on their shelf,
It’s being the one to heed,
When words spoken show someone struggling to juggle their copin,
It’s leaving less hearts hopin’ to be less broken.
What is humbleness?
I don’t think I truly know, yet,
But I’m out here trying to find it, bet.
–
The Daily Kindness Digest #1294
Kindness Quote
“I bring you the gift of these four words: I believe in you.”
Blaise Pascal
Act of Kindness
Send an encouraging email to a family member or friend who is embarking on a new endeavor in their lives.
Positive Affirmation
Today I choose to be a light to others who need it most. When I see someone feeling down, I will smile and try to influence them in a positive way.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1293
Kindness Quote
“The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes of his time each day.”
O. A. Battista
Act of Kindness
Know of something your child, parent, roommate, spouse, or friend has been wanting for a long time? Leave it wrapped up on their bed for them to find.
Positive Affirmation
Today I love everyone and everything I come in contact with. The more love I give, the more love I receive!
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1292
Kindness Quote
“Strive to be the person you needed when you were younger.”
Dr. Laura Miranda
Act of Kindness
Lend someone money in a dignified manner. We’ve all been down on our luck. Let’s remember, we are here to see each other through.
Positive Affirmation
Today I am open to lending a hand in any way I can. We are here to see each other through.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1291
Kindness Quote
“Love yourself first, and everything else will fall into line.”
Lucille Ball
Act of Kindness
Take a little extra time to make yourself feel special today. Doll yourself up, make your favorite breakfast, wear your favorite shoes, the list is endless!
Positive Affirmation
Today I love myself more than yesterday. To love others fully, I must first love myself.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1290
Kindness Quote
“A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men.”
Willy Wonka
Act of Kindness
Laughter is the best mood enhancer. Send a funny picture, video, or article to someone.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will focus on the funny stuff! After all, laughter is the best medicine!
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1289
Kindness Quote
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Mother Teresa
Act of Kindness
See a meter that’s about to expire? Surprise the driver and slip in another quarter.
Positive Affirmation
Today I am ME. I will not be shy to spread my knowledge and joy with the rest of the world!
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1288
Kindness Quote
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Act of Kindness
Drop off dinner or groceries to an elderly friend, neighbor, or relative who can’t get out much. You may be the only human contact they have that day.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will think of others more than I think of myself. I put my problems out of my mind, and think of how I can help others get through theirs.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1287
Kindness Quote
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
John Andrew Holmes
Act of Kindness
Take the time to visit someone who didn’t show up to school today because they were sick. Or make copies of the notes they missed for when they return. No one likes to feel out of the loop.
Positive Affirmation
Today I’m super helpful! I have the power to make a positive difference in someone’s life.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1286
Kindness Quote
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Act of Kindness
Pay a visit to an animal shelter.
Positive Affirmation
Today I am thankful for my loyal pets because they bring a lot of joy to my life. It is my pleasure to be a loving pet owner. Their well-being is a wonderful responsibility that benefits me as well.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1285
Kindness Quote
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
Mark Twain
Act of Kindness
Be honest.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will be honest with myself as well as with others. If I disagree with something, I will voice my opinion in the most mature and respectable way possible. Honesty is always the best policy.
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1284
Kindness Quote
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
John Wooden
Act of Kindness
Character speaks volumes about a person. Be especially mindful of your ethics, even in what may be constituted as small and insignificant matters.
Positive Affirmation
Today I recognize that I am a special INDIVIDUAL! I have characteristics that make me different from everyone else and that’s what makes me GREAT!
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1283
Kindness Quote
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Walt Disney
Act of Kindness
Open your heart and mind to the world. Take a risk and try something new. Scary? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will let go of my worries and remember to make the best of every moment! Take risks! Smile! Life is great!
Kindness Media
The Daily Kindness Digest #1282
Kindness Quote
“You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.”
Harvey S. Firestone
Act of Kindness
Kick-start someone’s day. Send them a good-morning text when you wake up.
Positive Affirmation
Today I’m going to put my best effort into everything I do.