This month for me is all about being mindful. But I’ve realised there’s room in my heart for more. So when I read about Niki’s Kindness Challenge I knew they went hand in hand.
Since starting my blog last year I’ve received invitations to many challenges and many generous awards. Some I’ve accepted, many I’ve let linger, not because I wasn’t appreciative or interested (far from it) but because my life has felt overwhelmed and I’ve simply chosen to follow my heart with this blog and do my own thing.
But this challenge feels right for me. I feel as though I’m evolving on some level. I sense a change, a shift in my life and direction and both these challenges seem to fit right in.
So for the next month not only am I going to try and be more mindful of each moment – to stay in the present and worry less – but I will also actively try and incorporate kindness.
To seek out opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others, helping someone who needs it, listening more attentively, reaching out, giving my time, paying it forward.
I’m also going to be kinder to myself. If I’m going to be a better person – the best wife, mother, sister and friend that I can be to others – I first have to be kind and look after myself. This past year’s been hard. And I’ve neglected myself. I’m hoping that will change
I hope that some of you might join me on this challenge. There can never be too much kindness in this world. Let’s start a ripple effect and see what it leads. Head on over to Niki’s beautiful blog, The Richness of a Simple Life and find out more about the challenge.
Peace, love and light to you all. Here’s to a kinder month ahead. May we all inject a bit more kindness into this world so that some of the gray clouds might disappear.
I’m a firm believer in “what goes around comes around”. May you have a restful and rejuvenating month, Miriam.
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Thanks Carol, I appreciate that. xo
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What a beautiful post Miriam. I think you’ll find week 1 particularly interesting as we start the challenge with self-kindness. I think all too often we associate kindness with things we do for others, which is part of it, but we have to also be kind to ourselves. I’m looking forward to seeing you grow during this journey. What a great month that lies ahead!
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Thanks Niki. I think as mothers we often put ourselves way down the list when it comes to being kind to ourselves but I’ve realised I’m not much good to anyone if I don’t look after myself. Looking forward to the month ahead. xo
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It’s true, when I think about this topic, it always reminds me of the safety demonstration before a flight. They tell you to ensure your mask is on properly and functioning before securing anyone else’s because you can’t function without yours first… as moms we often tend to everyone else before ourselves.
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So true, a great analogy.
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I am happy to know you will be worry less, Miriam 🙂
Yes, first of all and above all you have to care about you, my dear friend. If you want to help others, first you have to help yourself. So, be happy and share your happiness with us, Miriam ❤
xoxo
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I’ll do my best! 🙂
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I think there are many Paths that lead to the same place. It’s up to each of us what path to take, and the first step is being open enough to see it.
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True. Open, willing and flexible.
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A wonderful post, Miri, and such a lovely challenge. I am debating about joining, time or lack of is my biggest problem right now! I know your posts will be inspiring and I’m looking forward to reading. xxoo
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Thanks Diane, if nothing else it will make me look at life in a much more mindful and purpose filled way. It should be an interesting month.
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Looking forward to it 🙂
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Woohoo Miriam!!! So excited to read your posts 🙂
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And likewise yours! 🙂
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I love this challenge Miriam! I try so hard to instill kindness as well. I’m amazed by how a simple compliment to a stranger makes a huge difference on both involved. You and are sound so alike. I wish we were closer as I know we would enjoy each other’s company. So through your words on this blog we will instill kindness and gratitude for each other!
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What a beautiful comment Nicole. Yes, I agree, we do sound very similar. I love how your posts always resonate with kindness and inspiration, whether for people and/or nature. Look forward to more of that as the months unfold and we get to know each other even more. xo
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🙂 if I ever make it back to Australia I will have to meet you!
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I would love that. ♥
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Great challenge Miriam! May your quest be fruitful, and I am sure you will achieve more inner-peace and contentment. Kuddos to you! 🙂
Miri💋
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Warm thanks from one Miri to another. xo
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Great thoughts. Being mindful is so important.
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Absolutely.
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I’m in!
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Fantastic!
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I went to her site and signed up!
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Awesome.
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I look forward to your posts for the challenge. (Well, I look forward to ask your posts!) Why is it so much easier to be kind to others than to ourselves? I am this way, too.
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Yeah, seems a common thing to be kinder to others than ourselves, doesn’t it? Maybe we can change that. 🙂
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I don’t know how it is for others, but part of it for me is feeling guilty when I do things for me — Feeling like I should be doing things for my family instead. I think my brain thinks doing things for myself is selfish!
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Tell your brain to stop it then! We have to be nicer to ourselves. I’m a fine one to talk but I’m really determined this month to try and shift the focus a bit … here’s hoping.
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We often forget to not only ‘sprinkle’ kindness to those around us, but also give kindness to ourselves. Thanks for the beautiful and heartfelt post. I’m happy for you and your endeavor of kindness.
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Thanks so much for dropping by and your lovely comment.
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What a lovely meaningful challenge. I’d definitely like to try this one too.
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Oh I hope you do Chez. There can never be too much kindness in this world.
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Kindness never goes astray. Recently I have done a few acts of kindness to strangers (nothing major) and I can not believe how appreciative they were.
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Isn’t it just the best feeling in the world. And it really doesn’t matter how big or small the deed. Good for you Anne. 🙂
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you understand life beautifully, you are great person. Keep writing beautiful posts.
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Thank you so much.
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I’m participating in this challenge too!
I’m so looking forward to reading your posts on this 🙂
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Likewise! 🙂
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Miriam, such a serene post, beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder – I try to be kind to others always however, in the midst of a lot of difficulties, I realise I’m forgetting to be good to myself, letting worry eat away at me. This made me pause, re-eavluate. To mindfulness and kindness to all, including oneself. Warmest wishes.
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Hi Annika, I think we’re all a bit guilty of neglecting ourselves, easy enough to do in our busy world. I wish you a peaceful month ahead with a few less worries. Thanks for your lovely comment. xo
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What a great idea! I think kindness is so important, yet at the same time, so under-rated. Thanks for encouraging us to remember to be as kind as we possibly can, to both ourselves and others!
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It’s something we often overlook, being kind to ourselves, but so important. Thanks Ann.
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Maybe as part of your Kindness, you left a like on my blog? If so – thanks for that, Miriam – it gave me little happiness boost. 🙂
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I’m so glad Robert and it lead you here. Yay!
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Hahaha – yay indeed! 😀
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Kindess is always always needed in our everyday life ❤ May you always be surrounded by kind people and give kindness wherever you may go ❤
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Thanks so much Maja, what a beautiful comment. Have a wonderful week. xo
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Same to you Miriam ❤❤❤
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Miriam, what a beautiful and kindhearted intention! I am wishing you so much success! I am praying that you grow in peace, love, joy, and gratitude. The kindness that we show to ourselves and to others will return to us. I already feel like the simple act of your sharing your goal and your intention is enriching the lives of others (like me, for example). Thank you! I’m thinking of you as the journey continues.
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Thanks Lulu, I’m also of the belief that what goes around comes around. And if we show kindness to others, let alone ourselves, it will have a far widening reach. Hope you’re well Lulu and being kind to yourself. xo
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I agree. I’m trying to be kind to myself, and I’m also participating in the kindness challenge. In my imagination, I can picture little pools of kindness spreading quietly away from each person. Maybe with enough people, we can cover the whole world in kindness. ❤
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Absolutely. 🙂
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I love this month too! And I’ve just fallen in love with this post, Miriam. So so beautiful!
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Aw, you’re so kind, thanks Sandra. 🙂
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Kind to yourself, yes!
Start by putting your right hand on your left shoulder, then put your left hand on your right shoulder, and squeeze. That’s a hug! It’s from me, and it’s from you, too. 😀
*hugs* ❤
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Oh, that was so beautiful. I just did it and I felt it, all the way to my heart and back. 🙂 Can you do the same please. That’s from me. xo
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I am! 😀 Thank you! Have a beautiful day! *hugs* ❤
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All I can think of right now are butterfly kisses! Laughing at self. There must be a greater meaning here. Much love, Miriam! May you see many butterflies in May (your autumn…). Tiffany
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Smiling. Oh, I just love your words Tiffany. Love, light and butterflies back to you too! xo 🙂
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More heart smiles! And I love your words, too! Mindful and Kindness May! Glad I joined in before too late.
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Absolutely. I’m glad you did too.
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☀️🙂
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Hey sounds like a great challenge! How’d you get on? I’ve recently started practising mindfulness myself, please take a minute to check out my blog..https://beingis.wordpress.com thanks ✌️
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It was a great challenge and I enjoyed it. Thanks for the link, I’ll check out your blog when I get a chance.
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This is a great and enjoyable read.
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Thank you so much.
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Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been working on kindness a lot these past few months, including self kindness which is something I haven’t always given myself. I would like to try the kindness myself and believe it is so sorely needed especially in recent events and kindness on small levels ripples out into something much bigger.
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Hi, yes I know, self-kindness is sometimes the hardest sort to practice but it’s worth it. And you’re right, the better we treat ourselves the more kindness will ripple out to others. Thanks for your comment. Take care and enjoy your weekend.
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