Kindly Try Something New

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Day 135: Kindly Try Something New:

“If you want something you’ve never had, then you’ve got to do something you never done.”

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t be afraid of change, because it is leading you to a new beginning.” – Joyce Meyers

When you try something for the first time such as a new sport, cooking a new recipe, starting a new job or taking up a new hobby, do you encourage yourself to try and keep at it, or do you expect to already be an expert and belittle yourself if you fall short of your imagined high standards and expectations? If you fall in to the latter group it might be time to learn how to kindly treat yourself when you try something new. Learn to laugh at yourself and find humor in your mistakes. Remember life can be fun and doesn’t have to be so serious. It is also important to encourage yourself just as you would a young child. When we experiment and dare to try something new, it is not only brave, but the exact thing that makes life fun and interesting.

Remember to encourage yourself, and nurture your new beginnings through kind self talk and lots of humor.

With Kindness,

Jennifer

 Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Luiz Baltar

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Kindness in a Cuddle

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Day 134: Kindness in a Cuddle

“Cuddling literally kills depression, relieves anxiety and strengthens the immune system.” – Unknown

I have no idea if that quote is based on scientific studies and data or just made up, but I do not really care, it completely makes sense to me. Who doesn’t feel better, more loved, recharged and content after a good cuddling session? We all need the same things in life and we certainly need to feel good and loved in order to be kind and spread that kind feeling to others.

Lucky for me that my children still like to watch a movie and cuddle or read a book and cuddle, because after a very long week of work and life, that is exactly what I needed. Whether we cuddle with our children, spouse, friend, parent or beloved animal, harness that love and turn it inward so that you can feel love and turn that into kindness for yourself and all others.

With Kindness,

Jennifer

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Joe Batluck

Kind Rewards

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Day 133: Kind Rewards

“Happiness can exist only in acceptance.” – George Orwell

Are you one of those people that can kindly accept and receive the gifts and rewards that you have worked so hard to achieve? Or are you one of those people that down play your achievements or refuse to acknowledge yourself?

I think, I may fall into the latter group. I wish I could say: hell yes! I did that! I’m awesome and bad ass! Or at least think it. Why not celebrate my hard work and the gifts that come with it? Is it because there is still part of me that believes it can be taken away? That I don’t really deserve it? That something bad is around the corner? And where did I develop these beliefs? 

If my thoughts create my beliefs, then I should be very cognizant of my thoughts so that my beliefs reflect what I want and desire. And if I get to pick, then I choose enjoyment. I choose to celebrate and congratulate myself. Nothing bad is lurking around the corner and of course I deserve the rewards of hard work and dedication. I suppose it does not matter where the beliefs came from, what is more important is that I am aware and willing to change my old belief patterns.

Begin to be aware of what you think, and remember that what you think creates your beliefs, which then create your current life. 

We are all worthy of the best in life! Think, Believe, Create!

With Kindness,

Jennifer

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Shirley B.

Toolbox of Kindness

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Day 132: Toolbox of Kindness

“Self -compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” – Christopher Germer

When life brings you a challenge that feels daunting, insurmountable, and down right scary, what do you do? In lieu of hiding and saying to your higher power how unfair it all is, what tools do you have that help you?

Over the years I have acquired, crafted, and nurtured a collection of tools that have helped and served me well through the toughest challenges. I have used therapy, meditation and yoga, family and friends, support groups, a plethora of self-help books, and most recently added positive affirmations to the toolbox. Each new tool requires discipline, dedication and maybe a bit of humility. Admitting that we need help and asking for it also requires self-acceptance and forgiveness. Our lives are not perfect and never will be. We will have moments that are the happiest and moments that are nothing short of tragic, that is life. Having a toolbox of kindness for ourselves is not only going to get us through the toughest of times, but it will also enhance our lives during the calm waters of life. 

No matter what, there is always plenty of help and assistance available, look and ask, and you will find what you need.

With Love and Kindness,

Jennifer

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Grant Yiu

Kind Quotes

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Day 131: Kind Quotes

“Every act of kindness grows the spirt and strengthens the soul.” – Unknown

“Do all things with kindness. – Unknown

“Everyone understands kindness.” – Unknown

“The kindest form of wisdom is kindness.” – Unknown

The source of the quotes may be unknown, but what is known and understood by all is kindness. Be kind to yourself, be kind to those that you love, be kind to strangers and be kind to our planet. Everyday practice kind acts and one day, kindness will become your life.

With Love and Kindness,

Jennifer

Emoting Kindness

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Day 130: Emoting Kindness

“Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves.” – Pema Chodron

Some days and weeks are tougher and more difficult than most. It is these days that we must lean on others as well as tell ourselves that we are doing the best that we can. I have a tendency to think I must have all the answers and I must have them quickly and efficiently, but that does not and has not served me well. There are going to be plenty of challenging occasions that come along in life and we can either hold onto the belief that we must know all the answers and do it alone or we can know that there are people to love and support us and lean on.

Whether you currently find yourself as the one that needs support or you are the one that is able to provide support, having compassion and understanding will lead to love and kindness for both. Love with all your heart. Show yourself compassion everyday. Honor yourself everyday for where you are in your journey. Approve, love, and accept yourself as you are, right in this very moment. Life is too precious and too short to not love yourself through and through.

With Love and Kindness,

Jennifer

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Daniel West

Spring Kindness

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Day 129: Spring Kindness

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” – Proverb

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Seneca

Happy Spring. Spring forward. Spring into action. Bloom forth. The earth laughs in flowers. Hello Spring.

Spring is a time of new beginnings, a time to bloom, and a time to leave the old behind and embrace the new. Sometimes, we may welcome the changes and be very excited to embark on a new journey. Other times we may find ourselves in the midst of an unwanted and unexpected change that we want to resist because it may seem scary, strange, or novel. When this happens, it does not feel like the typical spring of warmth, fragrant flowers and beauty. However, if we can somehow let go and allow ourselves to move with the current of life instead of resisting, we just may find that we can handle the challenge. Like the seasons, life is ever changing and evolving, and whatever current hell we find ourselves in, will not last forever. Spring will come again.

With Kindness,

Jennifer Palazzo

From Forgiveness to Kindness

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Day 128: Reblog from one of my most viewed posts. Enjoy. (Too tired to create something tonight.)

 

4 Acts of Kindness

Day 17: From Forgiveness to Kindness

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” – Paul Boese

From forgiveness to kindness, or maybe it’s the other way around. I’m not entirely sure. Forgiveness is sometimes difficult and other times easy, depending on the transgression. Either way, forgiveness is a choice we get to make to leave behind the pain and to embrace the gifts. 

  1. Kindness to Self:

    Forgiving ourselves is probably the most difficult, especially when we feel like we have failed ourselves or others.  However, self forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves and is a very important step to healing. Be gentle with yourself and remember your past experiences have brought you here. Right where you are suppose to be.

  2. Kindness to Others:

    Asking for forgiveness and making amends can be both difficult and embarrassing. However, if we are truly sorry and make our…

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Laugh Your Way to Kindness

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Day 127: Laugh Your Way to Kindness

“Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.” – Mark Twain

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

“Laughing is and always will be the best form of therapy.” – Unknown

“Laughter: (n) When a smile has an orgasm.” – Unknown

I have to say it’s really difficult to write inspiration prose when my heart is broken and my stomach feels like it is inside out. My best friend is experiencing her worst nightmare and there is nothing I can do. I can’t change it, I can’t take it away, all I can do is check in, love her, be there, be available and listen. I have to say, I amazed that some how she is still able to laugh. That in itself an inspiration. She is an inspiration. Laughing despite the horror. My friend’s eldest child went very quickly from being a normal 10 year old boy, to one that now has been diagnosed with cancer, has had spinal surgery, MRIs, port surgery and chemotherapy all in a one week period. And yet, she finds something to laugh about everyday.

Find something everyday to laugh about, laugh until the tears come and your stomach hurts, because life is precious and I just have to say cancer sucks! 

With Kindness,

Jennifer

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Kristin Laing

Be Kind

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Day 126: Be Kind

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Unknown

I adore the above mentioned quote. We certainly can be anything we desire. If we put our mind to being kind, then that is what will come forth. Of course it begins with thinking kind thoughts and having kind beliefs about ourselves. Once we have a daily practice of loving ourselves with gentleness, understanding and kindness, we can easily be kind to all others. It just takes practice, dedication, and some forgiveness when we fall short of our self imposed standards.

We get one life, make it a kind one.

With Kindness,

Jennifer Palazzo