Mixed in Kindness – a round up

Posted on by Miriam

It’s become clear these past seven weeks weeks, during the Kindness Challenge hosted so wonderfully by Niki, that kindness is not just one thing.  It’s a combination of our thoughts, intents and actions.  And when they’re good and you mix them all together you have the basis for a much better world.

It makes me think of a science experiment my son did during the week.  He mixed a concoction of milk, some different food dyes and dish washing liquid.  All different and all serving their own purposes.

But when he mixed them all together the effects were like magic. They were all still visible on their own and yet they became one.  It was compelling to watch.

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And that’s how kindness spreads too.  It’s a ripple effect, that grows and becomes brighter with our every drop we sprinkle.  And sometimes the biggest effects are those that are done secretly. With no one knowing and with nothing for us to gain.

kindness grows the spirit

I’ve been brought up to respect others and to treat people the way I’d like to be treated.  To be thoughtful, patient and understanding.  But quite honestly, in today’s demanding world where everyone seems to want everything yesterday, it’s not always easy.  But I try.

kindness in the kitchen

The Kindness Challenge has helped refocus my intentions and energies.  It’s been a thought provoking time.  A time for reflection and for keeping an open mind.

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During the past seven weeks some of my posts, like Mailboxes on Monday  have focused on the resilience of the human spirit to recover after hardship.  And the kindness of others.

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There’s beauty and kindness every where.  And we can appreciate everything around us, from the smallest thing to the big things. Even in dark times.

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The Blacksmiths Tree for example, a forged steel and copper tree and all of its leaves, which stands as a symbol of bonding together and resilience.  Of caring and strength.

Hope

My two posts on Marysville highlighted an area of incredible beauty that was almost wiped out in 2009 after the Black Saturday bushfires.  A town reborn and a park created with symbols of hope and beauty.  Tangible examples of generosity, giving and courage.

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That’s what kindness is about, reaching out to others and being there, helping in not just words but actions.  Building people up when they’re down. Spreading love and brightness.

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It’s been a soul searching challenge for me, a thought provoking time that I know will continue indefinitely.

Every day is a new challenge, every time I step out of my house I’m confronted with different scenarios and although I often lose focus and stumble I find myself thinking much differently these days.  There’s been a shift in my thinking, a hugely positive one.

This challenge has made me more mindful of the need to be kind and for that I’m grateful.

the kindness wave

The Kindness Challenge may have ended but in reality the the journey will always continue.  I hope it does for you as well and that we can all do our part to scatter seeds of kindness everywhere we go, to make the world a better place.

Remember that a little kindness goes a long way.

So live well, laugh hard, love deeply and be kind to everyone you meet.

Wishing you all kindness in your heart, peace in your soul and sunshine in your lives.

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53 thoughts on “Mixed in Kindness – a round up”

  2. That was a joy to read, hope you’re having a great day or night ( I can’t keep up with the time zones of the wonderful people from Australia I’ve met.) 🙂

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  14. You are so right: kindness is not just words. And thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the kindness challenge on your blog. It was always well written, and always gave me something to think about. And what more can you ask from a blog post than that?

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  17. Beautifully said! Thank you so much for participating Miriam! I’ve really enjoyed reading your reflections and seeing where this challenge has taken you from one week to the next. I look forward to seeing where the journey will continue from here for you! ❤

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  19. The analogy of the kindness ripple was so amazing. 🙂 I had actually seen a video similar to it. How one kind deed goes on as a chain and finally the person who started it gets immense help in the end. If not that ending, atleast we feel an inner peace when we are kind to others. Beautiful read Miriam 🙂

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  21. Today’s world IS more demanding somehow. It really does kind of create a tense and worried atmosphere that makes it hard to find beauty and kindness. Often it feels like we have to build up our “kindness banks” that reside within our hearts before we can go back out into the demanding world. You have done a lovely job documenting all the beautiful, kind, and resilient things you’ve been finding on your journey. They shine and sparkle like gems sprinkled on a path.

    *hugs* ❤

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    1. Oh Vanessa, you say the most beautiful things. And you’re right, the world definitely is more demanding these days. We all have to play our part in building up our kindness reserves. Love your insightful comments, thanks so much my dear friend. xo

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