90 Days of Kindness Challenge :: Days Four through Eight

 

On 19 July 2010, I officially started the "90 Days of Kindness Challenge," hosted by Laura over at the wonderful blog, Along for the Ride.

I find myself joining this challenge, since I tend to look for what's wrong with the world, whether than what's right with it. 

I assess my personal life and think of ten things that are not going well, while simultaneously ignoring the ten things that are going fantastically awesome!!! (It takes a lot of energy out of me, I must say...)

My goal for this challenge is to actively recognize three things each day, no matter how small or trivial, that exude kindness.

How will I accomplish this goal?? Glad you asked!!!

• Right here on my blog, I will recognize three kind things that I encounter each day.
• These proofs of kindness could be anything, from a kind word I hear at home from my children or husband to something amazingly kind that I encounter on the blogosphere or web.  These kindness encounters could be a picture, word, or deed.

I am so excited about this challenge!! I am definitely looking forward to the benefits of opening my eyes to everything that is kind!!!

.: I am behind on my "Kindness Challenge" postings (due to a HUGE blogging event on my other blog and weekend travelling), so I am posting days four through eight today ... making a grand total of 15 kindness encounters!!! :.

Mary Elizabeth's Days Four through Eight Kindness Encounters:

1. This book that I am currently reading for review: 
2. A gentle touch on the hand from my husband during our l-o-n-g car trip this weekend.
3. Spending time with my husband's grandmother this weekend, who is very ill with cancer.
4. Watching my older children play with their beloved baby sister, Naomi.
5. Just talking and being heard.
6. Listening to Elijah, my 6-year-old son, talk enthusiastically about his interest in volcanoes! You simply cannot find enthusiasm akin to that of a child!!!
7. Hugs from a dear, dear aunt.  I sure needed them!
8. This book my children checked out from the library: 
9. Sleeping in on Sunday morning, thanks to my husband.
10. Watching my husband hold his grandmother's hand.
11. Reading kind comments from all of you about this challenge.  Thank you!
12. Gently holding my 2-year-old son while he threw a tantrum. 
13. Gazing at nature during the car trip this weekend.
14. Packing a picnic lunch for my family today.
15. This quote from the incredible Mahatma Gandhi:

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

90 Days of Kindness Challenge :: Day One

  

Today, I officially start Day One of the "90 Days of Kindness Challenge," hosted by Laura over at the wonderful blog, Along for the Ride.

I find myself joining this challenge, since I tend to look for what's wrong with the world, whether than what's right with it. 

I assess my personal life and think of ten things that are not going well, while simutaneously ignoring the ten things that are going fantasically awesome!!! (It takes a lot of energy out of me, I must say...)

My goal for this challenge is to actively recognize three things each day, no matter how small or trivial, that exude kindness.

How will I accomplish this goal?? Glad you asked!!!

• Right here on my blog, I will recognize three kind things that I encounter each day.
• These proofs of kindness could be anything, from a kind word I hear at home from my children or husband to something amazingly kind that I encounter on the blogosphere or web.  These kindness encounters could be a picture, word, or deed.

I am so excited about this challenge and looking forward to reaping the benefits of opening my eyes to everything that is kind!!!

What better time to start than right now???!!!

Mary Elizabeth's Day One Kindness Encounters:

1. My son, Elijah, tenderly gazed at me this morning and said with a smile, "Mama, you're beautiful!".
2. My husband called me this morning from work to tell me how much he enjoyed a conversation we had last night.
3. The opportunity of this challenge!

** This post is part of "Meet and Greet Monday," hosted by Southern Reflections!!! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Kindness

I wanted to pass on an awesome blog that I follow weekly - Mission Amy K.R..  Please take a few minutes to check out Amy's You Tube posting on kindness.  You'll be glad you did.  It brought tears to my eyes.

I started following Amy's blog after reading her book on motherhood, The Mother's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What Being a Mom Has Taught Me About Resiliency, Guilt, Acceptance, and Love (Guides to the Meaning of Life).  I could hardly put it down! It was full of laughter, wisdom, and acceptance.

Amy has also written many other books, including journals and children's books.  A few are listed below (and, yes, they are as cute as they look!).  Check them out!!!

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." 

 - Anne Frank

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

For the comments section - What ways do you extend kindness to your family day-to-day?