During Covid and the years since, it has been noticeable that in the midst of the maelstrom of mainstream reporting and predictions for future impacts, what has been working and has been such a positive aspect is our sense of caring for others, being part of a connected community and trying new ways of doing and being.
The core of these new, or are they reinvented, remembered ways of being is being kind. Kindness shown by sharing time to listen carefully to others; asking questions to help them express their ideas and fears; helping with shopping and meals for the isolated; understanding more clearly the experience of how we treat people as a community, how we listen to those we think we disagree with and how this might create a better future for us all.
Looking back at my story I realise that over the years I have learned more than once that life is an ongoing learning experience. Every time I falter or feel like I have failed or have felt burned out by my sense of duty to help others, I try to take some time out to reflect, to be kind to myself, just to spend a day reading my favourite crime novels to restore my energy and faith in myself. I also know that I am not alone in feeling these things and that, no doubt, I will sometimes just jump back into those situations again even though I go in with renewed good intentions to safeguard myself and others better. Taking time out to nurture yourself is being kind to you and to those who love you. Taking time out helps me to see what I or we might have done differently to achieve a better outcome for all.
It is also a time to celebrate successes, yours and other peoples. Nobody is perfect and under the mask of success, many people are still just paddling like crazy and questioning their worth – it is human nature! If you recognise these things in yourself too, join us to learn a few tools in your own time and with our support to keep making that journey forward.
I have been sharing time, thoughts and ideas with Wendy Campbell and other mentors and colleagues over several years about how we might provide a space for people to take time out, read and reflect and consider how even small changes to their own way of being or on a larger business and organizational scale might move our world forward to a more sharing, caring and kind place.
Our 7 Keys of Kindness are ready to be put out there into the world and we look forward to your trying it out at your own speed, having conversations about it with us and a growing community of others and contributing your stories of how changing your ways of thinking, doing and being through kindness have impacted on your life and your community.
Want to know more? You can contact me using the button here. We look forward to speaking with you and welcoming you to our Kindness community.