The Kindness in Action Program can help you to reduce stress, improve life balance, communicate effectively, create kinder environments, and much more. At the core of the program are 12 action steps with related tools. Each tool creates more purpose and connection in your life.
Today, I wanted to go into detail on Action Steps 10, 11 and 12. Thank you for allowing me to share!
STEP 10: EXPERIENCE TRUST
We will trust in the Divine power of God, Spirit, Mother Earth, the universe, and ourselves to guide us in the best direction that we need to take.
Look at each day and moment, knowing and trusting, that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, regardless of whether times are good or bad. Doing so removes doubt and fear, replacing it with action and, most of all, peace. When you trust in yourself and/or a higher power, you can take the right actions at the right time. If things aren’t going well, it’s okay to be angry, down or frustrated, but then choose to let it go and trust in your ability to be resilient, to do the right thing and trust that whatever is going on. Know that you are still participating in life and doing your best.
I am thinking back on how chaotic last week was. While everything in my work was going well, it felt like everything around me was breaking down. As this was happening, I was also feeling a low-grade fear around the trying times we are going through. Not only the troubles of our nation, but more mundane, personal things. For example, all of us experience the daily realities of things breaking (i.e. a stove or dishwasher going out, a water pump not working, or prairie dogs invading our gardens). Or processing a relative’s challenges with old age or the actual passing of a friend or relative.
What do I do? I simply practice what I teach. I started by acknowledging my frustration and fear. I handle one stressor at a time, taking responsibility for what I can do to make it better. And most of all, I do something nice for myself, do what I can to be kind to others and trust that everything will be ok. And…. it is!
STEP 11: ACKNOWLEDGE OTHERS
We will genuinely compliment, thank, and acknowledge others for their positive traits.
For a quick and immediately effective action step, genuinely complimenting, thanking or otherwise acknowledging others has proven to make them feel good about themselves. Focus on someone’s positive qualities, let them know they are valued and appreciated. Even acknowledging a small, thoughtful act can be significant. While it’s incredibly easy to do, we seldom take the time. Shift your thinking from what is wrong about others to what is right. Then, get in the habit of letting them know.
This week, I want to thank my husband for being willing to listen to my concerns and suggestions. And for doing this round of cooking.
STEP 12: HAVE FUN
I will include more fun in my life.
We often get so bogged down by responsibilities in our lives that we forget to have fun. Lighthearted pleasures are a gift you should give yourself. Laugh, dance, sing… try a new activity or whatever brings you happiness to reduce stress and create emotional balance.
In a time when everything on the outside feels so overwhelming, it is more important than ever to have fun. I am so grateful for a wonderful group of women who I get together with on Zoom. We have a dance party as well as meaningful conversation. The dancing is a reminder of how important it is to reconnect with my body, let go, be playful, and have fun.
