The Daily Kindness Digest #436

Kindness Quote

“Life is truly a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see and be.”

Trudy Symeonakis Vesotsky

Act of Kindness

Leave a thank you card for your local mail carrier. Every day there are at least a couple people we come into contact with, but don’t necessarily acknowledge because they have become so much a part of our everyday routine. Let’s take the time to let them know we see them!

Positive Affirmation

Today I change the world one relationship at a time. I recognize my value and therefore recognize the value in others.

Kindness Media


The Kindness Flash #20

The Kindness Flash #20

vest-separator

This month's theme: IMPERFECTION - a fault, blemish, or undesirable feature; the state of being faulty or incomplete.

everyday kindness

Everyday Kindness: An Unexpected Compliment

Walking down a Target aisle with her toddler, Ann was in her relaxed, happy place. She had no idea how she appeared to those around her until she was stopped by someone who gave her a compliment that she never forgot!

Edited By Soumya John • Read More >>


Everyday Kindness: Piercing Through The Cloud Of Confusion

After she ended her relationship and quit her job, Melissa decided to travel across the world, out of her comfort zone, to find happiness. But she was plagued by inner voices of doubt, confusion and anxiety about her bold decision. When she felt like she was about to lose her sanity, a friend of hers made a gesture that Melissa believes was a bright ray of light which saved her from darkness.

Edited By Soumya John • Read More >>


good-newsArticle of the Month

4 Ways To Embrace Imperfection, Nicole Franco - Tiny Buddha

Most of us at one time or another are painfully aware of what we consider our shortcomings. Parents can be especially vulnerable to this when they see that totally dependant bundle of joy. Here’s a few tips everyone can put to use, whether a parent or not.


kindness-quote-of-the-monthKindness Quote

"Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we're all in this together."
~ Brené Brown

act-of-kindness-of-the-monthAct of Kindness

Nothing is ever completely good or bad; totally perfect or imperfect. Challenge yourself to find a benefit of that one thing you have trouble accepting. You can change your perception to see that it’s not quite so bad having it after all.

question-of-the-monthQuestion of the Month

How do you think about your own “imperfections”? Do you embrace them or hide them, try to change them? Share with us in the comments.

kindness-media-of-the-monthKindness Media

lvi-hr

[one_third last="no"]

photo-of-the-month

PHOTO

of the Month

[/one_third]
[two_third last="yes"]

photo-of-the-month-november-17
Why do you think this picture represents imperfection? SHARE your thoughts!

 
[/two_third]


[one_third last="no"]

song-of-the-month

SONG

of the Month

[/one_third]
[two_third last="yes"]

Do you like you? You don't have to try so hard. You don't have to, give it all away. You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up. You don't have to change a single thing.

 
[/two_third]


[one_third last="no"]

video-of-the-month

VIDEO

of the Month

[/one_third]
[two_third last="yes"]

It's a classic story: boy receives dog in a cardboard box, dog has to win over boy's affection, dog is adorable, etc. You know how it goes… or do you…

 
[/two_third]


[one_third last="no"]

talk-of-the-month

TALK

of the Month

[/one_third]
[two_third last="yes"]

Painter Alyssa Monks finds beauty and inspiration in the unknown, the unpredictable and even the awful. In a poetic, intimate talk, she describes the interaction of life, paint and canvas through her development as an artist, and as a human.

 
[/two_third]


book-of-the-monthBook of the Month

[one_third last="no"]

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

[/one_third]
[two_third last="yes"]

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living—a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.to Washington State. Looking for a space to begin your renewal? This book has it!

[/two_third]


Subscribe to The Kindness Flash | Archives


Everyday Kindness: Piercing Through The Cloud Of Confusion

blog-avatar

Melissa Maldonado

Berlin, Germany

 

Piercing Through The Cloud Of Confusion

quote-openIn an age when social media is so often used to disseminate insults and disparaging commentary, my friend took to her keyboard and pulled me out of my darkness by shining her beaming joyful light!quote-close

Melissa had just quit her job, ended her relationship and settled on taking a possibly permanent break from the country that had been her home for the past 15 years. Her family were thousands of miles away and she was choosing to leave her friends behind as well.

When all the pieces of the life puzzle get tossed about, it is terrifying. Uncertainty is a fog that seeps into your thoughts leaving you with confused, muddled, skeptical doubt that continuously threatens to rob you of your perseverance, at best, and your sanity, at worst.

There were may days Melissa spent questioning her choices. And the closer she got to her departure date, the louder and more persistent the voice in her head became. It told her that stepping outside the bubble of her life to find true happiness and purpose was nonsense. The voice began to consume her, telling her that she was naive and inadequate.

But all it takes is one bright ray of sunshine to pierce the cloud. For her, it came in the form of an unusual friendship. A girl she met about 10 years ago. They only saw each other in person for a few days when they worked together but remained in contact via e-mail and then through social media. Melissa had told her friend about her plans and fears. About her choices, the trip and her future.

She probably looked startled because he looked away and said, “I just thought you should know. I guess that was weird.” He started to walk away.

And this beautiful soul, who I have not seen in ten years, decided to lift me up by dedicating her Facebook status to me. This was her status:

“Just wanted to give a shout out to a fellow New Yorker, dancer, creative thinker, traveler, writer, photographer, and so many endless other qualities and talents, that's taking on a walking trip in Spain for a few months starting in May. That trek, that reason, that upheaval, you know that this will change you in many ways, but it will also solidify you, nurture and cradle you. I am bowing to that spirit within you that carries out the ideas it sets out to. Thank you for the inspiration. It's always noticed and ever remembered. Be safe! And conquer your fears. What is a life without inspiration and friends that inspire you? I say it's no life at all. Thank you and I and everyone that will like this post will wish you a great journey.”

- Edited by Soumya John

<< Back to Everyday Kindness


Everyday Kindness: An Unexpected Compliment

blog-avatar

Ann Rosen

Westfield, USA

 

An Unexpected Compliment

quote-openSomehow someone thought I was beautiful just as I was, in the middle of Target!quote-close

Ann clearly remembers the moment that she decided to make a conscious effort to share compliments, positive thoughts and kind words as they occurred to her.

She was in the pharmacy section of Target, pushing her youngest daughter, Tatum, in a cart loaded with flip-flops, diapers and Band-Aids adorned with cartoon characters. She had my face pressed up close to her daughter’s as they sang “You are My Sunshine” to each other. They both had big smiles.

It was otherwise just another weekday morning of running errands and Ann was wearing a nightgown she had mistaken for a summer frock. It was an oppressively hot, thick summer day that made her want to wear something that felt like nothing. Tatum liked to pick out her own outfits, so she rocked a dainty floral pattern of one color scheme with a loud plaid of an entirely different one. Her wispy pigtails were beginning to go a summer blonde and her sandaled feet swung happily from the cart.

A man walking by them smiled at Ann as he told her, “You are beautiful.”

She probably looked startled because he looked away and said, “I just thought you should know. I guess that was weird.” He started to walk away.

“Thank you,” she said, starting after him. “I’m sorry. I just wasn’t expecting that.”

He smiled and said, “It’s true.”

It was a strange feeling to receive a compliment like that in the middle of a regular day. Ann didn’t feel particularly beautiful. In fact, she thought she was downright bedraggled, trolling around without a stitch of makeup in flip flops and, unbeknownst to her, pajamas. She was a mom, still working on the baby weight, checking little things off my list and living life. The idea of being beautiful at such a moment was mystifying to her. She had to stop and process it. And that is exactly why that compliment had been so special.

As they returned to singing our song, his words rang through her mind like a lovely bell. It occurred to her then that what she felt most in the moment that this stranger had chosen to highlight was “happy”. She had been truly in the moment, connecting with my little girl. She wondered whether a person really could radiate the beauty of a moment.

Since then, Ann decided that everyone can radiate beauty and tries to acknowledge and appreciate it. At the very least, it gives energy to things she wants to see more of in this world. And it feels good to notice.

- Edited by Soumya John

<< Back to Everyday Kindness


The Daily Kindness Digest #435

Kindness Quote

“You never know the value of a moment until it is just a memory.”

Dr. Seuss

Act of Kindness

Pause. Reflect. And rejoice in the moments and the people that have brought you to where you are. Reach out to one of those people and let them know that they are a significant part of your journey.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am grateful. Grateful I have made it this far. Grateful for the people, however few they may be, that believe in me, that trust me and that love me for no reason but to simply love.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #434

Kindness Quote

“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.”

Carol Burnett

Act of Kindness

Reconnect with your hopes and dreams. We are never too old to stop dreaming. Write down your dream and list some of the smaller steps that will lead you to eventually achieving them. The smaller the steps, the better.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am a dreamer. I see the dream and the pathway to get there because I have what it takes and it’s time I take ownership of that.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #433

Kindness Quote

“A fellow who does things that count, doesn’t usually stop to count them.”

Albert Einstein

Act of Kindness

Keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and engage the world in kindness. Walk by a hospital every day on your way to work? Pay a visit and perhaps drop of a bouquet of flowers to someone that may not have many visitors. Keep your experience just between you and that person.

Positive Affirmation

Today I see past the end of my nose. I recognize that there are those out there who have it harder than I do, regardless of how difficult my life may be right now. There is always something I can give to others and by so doing I give far more to myself.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #432

Kindness Quote

“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

William Shakespeare

Act of Kindness

Take on a small act of kindness that you will repeatedly look to perform throughout the day. Holding the door open, smiling, saying thank you, looking at people in the eye. Whatever it may be, embody that action today in every way possible.

Positive Affirmation

Today I LIVE kindly. It’s not about the action, it’s about the awareness and mindfulness of the countless opportune times to engage the world in love and kindness.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #431

Kindness Quote

“The bad news is, time flies. The good news is, you are the pilot!”

Michael Altshuler

Act of Kindness

Take even one step closer to pursuing a dream that you’ve been keeping at bay. It’s time to answer the call. Forget the fear, give in!

Positive Affirmation

Today I ACT! There’s no day but today and I will make the most of every moment.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #430

Kindness Quote

“Tomorrow isn’t promised, all we have is today.”

Sylvia Solomon

Act of Kindness

Pick up the phone, swallow your pride and call someone that you’ve been meaning to ask forgiveness from. Let’s put our ego aside to not only mend relationships but mend a piece of our heart.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am brave. I do what needs to be done because each day is a gift and you never know when that gift can be taken away.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #429

Kindness Quote

“The best way to knock the chip off your neighbor’s shoulder is to pat him on the back.”

Anonymous

Act of Kindness

Give someone who may come off as stand offish a 6 second hug. Not just a hug that comes from the arms, but one that comes from the heart. Human connection can melt away years of pent up pain and disappointment.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am loving. To those who love me and to those who may come off as hating me. I will continue to remember that hurt people, hurt people. Time to shower this world with LOVE!

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #428

Kindness Quote

“Strive to be the person you needed when you were younger.”

Dr Laura Miranda

Act of Kindness

Reach out and offer advice or mentorship to someone within your community that can use a guiding hand. We owe it to ourselves to give to others what we had hoped others would give to us.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am insightful. I see more than what a person shows on the outside, I see what they are longing for on the inside and offer to be a sounding board.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #427

Kindness Quote

“I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.”

Dr. Jonas Salk

Act of Kindness

Gather coats and scarves that are in good condition, but you no longer use and donate them. Perhaps involve some friends and invite them to join you as you bring both physical and emotional warmth to those without.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am patient. I may not understand why things take longer than expected, but I recognize that the act of waiting does wonders for my character.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #426

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

Be authentic in words, deeds, and actions as you engage with others today. The best person to strive to be is ourselves but it’s oftentimes the hardest person to be. Talk from your heart without constantly trying to impress others, when engaging in an act of kindness do it with a smile and your best intentions.

Positive Affirmation

Today I am honorable. I choose what’s right rather than what’s easy.

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #425

Kindness Quote

“Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are.”

Anonymous

Act of Kindness

Give someone you don’t know the benefit of the doubt. It’s easy to judge. Strength comes from stepping into the shoes of another.

Positive Affirmation

Today I devote less time to fixing the past and put effort into starting over and creating something better!

Kindness Media


The Daily Kindness Digest #424

Kindness Quote

“It is lovely, when I forget all birthdays, including my own, to find that somebody remembers me.”

Ellen Glasgow

Act of Kindness

Surprise someone with an unexpected birthday gift. Take a look at who’s birthday is coming up on your Facebook feed, whether it’s someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile or someone you speak to every day. Let’s celebrate people!

Positive Affirmation

Today I embody the word FUN in every aspect. I enjoy the small moments of beauty within the day and the people that make up my world.

Kindness Media


Join the Kindness Revolution

Help build a kinder world.

1. Support with a monthly donation

Help inspire, empower and educate our youth to become kind leaders of tomorrow.

2. Join Our Community


© 2022 | 2101 Ocean Pkwy Brooklyn, NY 11223 | Life Vest Inside is a US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 27-3828685 • Privacy Policy