A few months ago, I shared some exciting news: I have partnered with What Matters Most, a new show created to inspire you to live a life of passion, fulfillment and happiness. Now, I'm so pleased to announce that his partnership has blossomed-- and you can now find your favorite posts from My Peace(full) Little Life as audio/video meditations on the What Matters Most Soulful Sunday site!
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What do you think of these meditations? Do you have a favorite? I hope you'll agree that they capture the message of our posts! As always, please check back for new posts here on My Peace(full) Little Lifeā¦ and don't forget to check out all of our Soulful Sunday collaborations on What Matters Most!
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While studying for a Masters in Psychology in India, Nivendra started writing letters of love and hope to leave in random places for strangers to find. After partnering with some friends at letter writing gatherings, the Letter Earthlings Facebook page was created. Whenever someone is in need of a letter of love and support, they can visit Letter Earthlings and submit a request. Soon, a little dose of TLC arrives. We've had more than 150 common letter requests come our way this year, and besides these common requests, the coordinators in each country get their own requests internally as well. We get letter requests from all corners of the world on our Facebook page and then we have these requests available at our gatherings every month and letters are written for those requests. The letters are then collected by the coordinators and posted to the intended recipients as a gift. The entire project is generosity funded, which means, we do not raise funds and it thrives on volunteerism. This is what makes it beautiful and special." So how does it work? This year in Sri Lanka, Nivendra has already hosted ten letter writing gatherings-- and now communities of letter writers have sprung up in Dubai, Bangalore, Sydney and Singapore! Group events have taken place in Qatar and Chennai as well, and a new group is expected soon in Saudi Arabia. Talk about the power of one person's idea to take off and change the world-- literally! What most touched me about this group is the way these kind souls have touched lives. Nivendra told me of a woman who had a serious accident and needed some encouragement and motivation... of a husband who requested letters of support for his wife who was suffering from post-partum depression... of a medical student who was stressed with the demands of coursework and was thinking about giving up. In each of these cases, the simple act of receiving a bundle of supportive notes helped change these peoples' outlooks. We bear witness to human lives while we write letters. We bear witness to suffering, but also to great strength and resilience. Hence it is not merely an exercise of writing letters and posting them, it is so much more meaningful. ' Letter Earthlings' is a space where we can tap into our reservoirs of love and kindness and give without strings attached. Empathy and support are demonstrated through the letters our community members write each month,and the one of the important factors that sustains the project is the lives that are being touched by each letter written." Are you ready to get involved? Visit the Letter Earthlings Facebook page to request letters for someone who could use a little lift. Ready to start your own letter writing gathering? Letter Earthlings will provide support to help you get started! Or, do you have your own idea to spread inspiration and kindness but you're unsure of how to get started? Check out this great advice from Nivendra! I brought Letter Earthlings to life, simply through the power of community and maybe social media. Social media is a valuable tool to use to get ideas to germinate and take shape. I founded Letter Earthlings, but I don't call it mine, because it belongs everywhere, to everyone. It is an Eco-system of kindness. It always helps to dream and to dream big, when you want to give life to your ideas. If you have a clear intention, then the rest evolves organically. The intention matters." NOW COME ON, DISH! What is your intention? How do you spread the spirit of community where you live? Has a stranger ever touched your life with kindness? I hope you'll share your stories of kindness!
But-- to live a full and peaceful life, I believe the key is using YOURSELF for good. We each have the potential to bring about positive change in the world. But positivity must-- absolutely must-- begin from within. Once, when I was facing a difficult time, my dad called one morning and asked me, "Have you smiled at yourself today?" I was perplexed. I had just waken up and hadn't even left my apartment yet. "No, I just woke up," I replied. "Go and find a mirror. Look at yourself. And smile for 10 seconds straight," my dad directed. "I'll wait." Begrudgingly, I trudged to the bathroom and smiled at my reflection. "Are you smiling?" my dad asked. "Yes," I responded. "This is stupid." "Isn't this fun?" my dad asked. "Smile another 10 for good measure!" I giggled. It was a silly idea, but after a while, smiling at myself really did make me feel genuinely happy. It was just as if another person were smiling at me and wishing me well. My dad encouraged me to do this every morning to start the day off on the right foot. Even now, when I wake up 'on the wrong side of the bed,' so to speak, I make an effort to smile at myself in the mirror. It was only recently that I realized we should treat ourselves even better. Why stop with a smile? Each day, at least once, we should take a moment to thank ourselves for something. Are you having a particularly good hair day? Do your eyes have unique flecks of yellow in them? Are you thankful for your strong legs that allow you to go about your business each day? Did you do something productive the day before that you'd like to thank your brain for? Whatever it is, take a moment to-- out loud-- thank yourself. You'd be surprised at what an impact it makes. When someone else offers you a compliment, it raises your spirits. When you compliment yourself, it improves your self-worth, helping you remember to be kind to yourself and all the wonderful things your body, mind and spirit allow you to do each day. Armed with that self-appreciation, you can take on the world. And you can conquer the day with kindness! FRIENDS! I've got some exciting news to share! I have recently partnered with What Matters Most, a new show created to inspire you to live a life of passion, fulfillment and happiness. Check back soon for some exciting news about this partnership-- including links to audio meditations of select blog posts from My Peace(full) Little Life!
I asked my new friend Carina from Sao Paolo if I could share her story, to show the many ways that simply starting a conversation with someone can change your life, the life of someone else, AND can inspire both of you to start a domino effect of goodness, compassion and kindness! Carina shared that she likes to leave little bags of chocolate on her neighbors' doorknobs to help bring a smile to their faces. I inquired about what led her to start this and how it has impacted her life. It turns out, this little act of kindness is only one of many significant acts she performs on a daily basis. I live a life based on kindness. You know that whole 'be the change you want to see in the world' idea? I truly believe it and follow it. I started leaving the chocolate bags on my neighbors' doors just to wish them a nice day... just to make them smile!" Carina said that because this act of kindness is reflected in the way she lives her daily life, some of her neighbors have correctly guessed that she was the one responsible for their sweet gift… and have started leaving chocolate bags hanging on HER door sometimes! Talk about karma coming back in a wonderful way! But here's where I was really touched. Carina also shared some of the other ways she spreads kindness in quiet ways… I knew I had to share these, because they are simple, heartwarming and significant ways all of us can help improve the lives of others! I also started 'losing books' around the city on purpose. I write a note on it, saying hello to the person who finds it and telling them to take it, read it if they want and then lose it again, so other people can read it. So I leave these books at cafes, on the bus, the subway, restaurants, etc. I thought it was a nice idea to encourage the habit of reading. Plus it spreads some kindness and fun around." All thanks to a simple 'hello,' look at all the wonderful new idea I have gained for my to do list and the great new perspective I have acquired! I also gained a new connection with a person with a heart of gold. Carina is an animal lover-- she and her partner adopted the oldest cat at their local shelter-- a 13-year old female that no one wanted because of her age and related health issues. They also act as 'godmothers' for a young girl at a kids' shelter, where they provide for her English classes, music classes and more-- while enjoying weekends, holidays and vacations with her.
Changing someone's life sounds like such a big task. But with the power of a simple 'hello,' you never know what you will accomplish! I gained new ideas for random acts of kindness, I made a new friend, and I look forward to seeing where my chain of 'hellos' will lead me next. Who will YOU say hello to today? It may change a life!
who puts this out every day!"
From around the world, encouraging feedback started rolling in, in response to the photo. "I hope I see something like this when I go to work," one wrote. "It makes me smile, too!" "What a great idea! I wish all businesses would do something similar," another suggested. One that stood out to me: "I would stop and write a thank you note to whoever puts the sign out each day. I do this for houses that are decorated extra special at Christmas time, too!" Naturally, can you guess what I did the following morning? I stopped by the sign again, this time armed with a hand-written card to say thank you. Addressed to "The person who puts this sign out each morning," I expressed the way this person's simple act of kindness has touched my life and has helped remind me to spread positivity each day. I taped it to the side of the sign. As I walked back to my car, I was in for a shock. An older man now stood in a nearby parking lot, "Leaving a note?" he asked. "Oh! Yes. Sorry. Are you the one who puts this sign out each day?" I inquired. "I am." "I just wanted to say thank you," I said. "I drive past it everyday on my way to work, and it always makes me smile!" "That's what it's there for," he replied. I explained my involvement with the Kindness Ambassadors group and how everyone was so inspired by his sign. He grinned from ear to ear. "I'm Karin, by the way," I added. "Mr. Burns," he replied. "I'm all about the positive lifestyle. I wanted to send the message 'live everyday to its fullest,' but I run a funeral home, so I have to be careful!" As we talked, he said, "You know, I've been wanting to change up the sign every now and then— put a new message out there. If you have any ideas, let me know and I will put them up there!" I was thrilled. I frequently write about how doing something kind for someone else can make you feel good— and here, again, was proof. I made a new friend and helped bring a smile to his day. But a great opportunity also arose! So, friends, thanks to your interest— someone in Syracuse, New York is looking for new inspiring messages to place on his sign. Please comment with your suggestions! I'll compile a list and send them his way on behalf of all who get involved. These inspiring sayings will be seen by countless people as they go about their lives. What an impact! Mr. Burns said that he was going to wait and have his son check the sign today so he could discover the note. As I walked back to my car, he called out, "Glad to have met you. The Good Lord brought us together here today." "Yes, he did," I said with a smile. And I truly believe it.
I say this with some authority because a short while ago, I went through a major home de-clutter that somehow managed to turn me into somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to possessions. Let me tell you-- there is something so freeing about not having shelves full of knick knacks to dust every week, drawers of DVDs to sift through on a weekend and multiple closets full of clothes (most of which are rarely worn) to keep track of! There is something to this idea-- a clear space allows for a clear mind. I recently stumbled across a great piece in the Washington Post that introduced the "Buy Nothing" movement. Surely we're all familiar with yard sales, thrift stores and donating to charity. Most of us have, at some point, cleaned out the old to make room for the new. But now, the Buy Nothing movement aims to help someone else discover their much-needed treasure in your hand-me-downs. Part of the idea behind a gift economy, after all, is paring your possessions to the bare necessities. Several people described the lifestyle they were going for as 'minimalist,' or at least as minimal as you can get in the nation of Wal-Mart and Costco." - Washington Post The idea is simple. As a gesture of goodwill and good karma, offer your items that are no longer needed-- for free-- to strangers. It's like a yard sale, without any price tags. How refreshing is that?
"Buy Nothing" groups are popping up all over, and I can't wait to find one and share some of my gently used treasures. I hope you'll join me! Now, COME ON, DISH! Have you ever attended a "Buy Nothing" event? Will you host one and soak up the good karma? I can't wait to hear!
looking for a positivity video. I stumbled across Life Vest Inside's "Kindness Boomerang" video, which I included in a post, and of course, I was thrilled to discover the group's Kindness Ambassadors Facebook group. In the often negativity-filled Internet, would you believe that there exists a Facebook group of more than 1,000 people from all around the WORLD who support each other, spread kindness and encourage positivity? As a naturally shy individual, I was hesitant about this group. I wasn't sure how to connect with such a large group of people, and many of them seemed to be friendly on a personal level-- how would I integrate myself? Long story short-- I really didn't have to. Shortly after joining the group, I received a private message from Rosie-- a Welcome Counselor. Since then, Rosie has sent me messages of positivity, telling me to have a good day, asking how things are going and more. I have had friend requests from members, I have received support when I have shared positive stories I've come across-- and, most importantly, I have been welcomed into a TRUE culture of kindness. The Kindness Ambassadors are known as "a support system of people who truly care." They are, in short, a family. Each week, members receive a "kindness task" to complete. Ranging "paying it forward" to sharing a song that has touched them and more, these tasks are meant to connect Kindness Ambassadors to other people who are working in their own special way to make the world a better place. This group is life changing. Surrounding yourself with positive people who are doing positive things changes your ENTIRE outlook-- and gives you TONS of ideas of how you can make the world better, one small deed at a time. But don't just take my word for it! Rosie (CA), the Welcome Counselor I mentioned before, shares why she loves being part of the positivity that is the LVI Kindness Ambassadors group: I saw the Kindness Boomerang video more than a year ago and looked up Life Vest Inside as a result. After a while, I decided to join the Kindness Ambassadors. At first I just read the posts and then I began commenting on them. I realized what an amazing, positive and supportive group it was then. Since it was such a large group, I wanted people to feel comfortable and welcomed. The amount of people that were posting or commenting on a regular basis was pretty small at that time, so I asked if I could send members a private welcome in the hopes of more people becoming active. Jeff (FL) serves as the Mayor of the Kindness Ambassadors (what a fun title, right?). He has worked to help grow membership and activity within the Kindness Ambassador group. He explains how the group has helped change his outlook on life: About 12 years ago I was a very unhappy person, which is to say I was miserable. I could find a cloud for every silver lining. I remember being in my bathroom one day, looking in the mirror, and complaining about something. I stopped and looked at myself and asked 'Why are you so miserable? Why are you so unhappy? And why am I allowing this in my life?” That was the start of my transformation so to speak. I worked with a friend who is a therapist, and over the course of a year I completely changed my life. Pablo (Valencia, Spain) manages the Kindness Ambassador global map, as well as a list of relaxing music suggested by group members. He said the Kindness Ambassador group has allowed him to share these ideas he has had for a long time-- in a professional and positive way! His ideas have helped members from around the world connect in new ways. A long time ago, I saw the boomerang video and I shared it on my personal Facebook page where I share all this kind of material, videos and pictures with positive messages and thoughts. I loved that video and I began to look for the creators. I didn't know who or what Life Vest Inside was, so I found the open group. I loved all the material, so I sent my information to join the LVI Kindness Ambassador Group, and that's it! Here I am, really happy to belong this wonderful group, meet people and work on these projects!" Feeling inspired (I know you must be!)? Join us, and become a Kindness Ambassador yourself! Then, I hope you'll come back here and share how joining LVI has influenced your life! I can't wait to hear!
In 2014, teenagers donated 802,488 pairs of jeans to homeless youth, through DoSomething.org's Teans for Jeans campaign. More than 4.3 million pairs have been donated since the program's inception in 2008!
Jeans are collected at Aeropostale stores and then gifted to local shelters for distribution. Do you have a pair of jeans you'd be willing to part with to help a homeless youth? Visit Teens for Jeans to find out how you can participate!
Naturally, my heartstrings were tugged. I asked Tina about SuperThank. Turns out, she volunteered with the organization when they were in the planning stages and has friends who are still actively involved. Cue a request from me to pester them for more information! I learned a lot: for example, did you know that expressing gratitude will make you 5 times happier than winning the lottery? Yes, this is a real statistic from the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center! (Sidenote: you can read more about the center here!) For more details, I turned to Michelle Jones, a cofounder of SuperThank and a professor of organizational behavior and leadership, among other things. In other words, she is someone who has a passion for inspiring positive action! Michelle was kind enough to take a few minutes to share with me how SuperThank aims to spark gratitude on a LARGE scale. Started in 2013, the organization is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation with the State of Oregon, and their 501(c)(3) application is currently under review. While currently based in Portland, Oregon, SuperThank organizers are already planning to expand to other cities nationwide! So what do they do? Michelle says the most successful endeavors thus far have been live storytelling events-- where attendees are encouraged to tell a personal story of a person, group or company that has positively impacted their lives. These storytelling events are recorded and then turned into radio shows, which you can listen to on the SuperThank website. In just the past year, SuperThank has hosted several live storytelling events and radio episodes based on them. Click here to take a listen-- and prepare to be inspired to say "thank you" to someone in your life! Now COME ON, DISH! How do you show gratitude to people who have positively contributed to your life? Has someone ever touched your heart by saying an unexpected 'thank you?' I'd love to hear!
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Feeling Inspired?So often, we get caught up in the daily grind and forget about the small ways we can make a BIG impact in someone else's life. Check out these small ways you can help make a difference. Instant karma? Check! Archives
June 2016
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