Never Underestimate the power of KINDNESS!

I have continued to be reminded of the impact we can have on others through the smallest of kind acts! And big ones too, like our Dimboola experience! I know how good it feels to be on the receiving end of a smile, offer of help, an encouraging word, a compliment or a kind act, no matter how big or small! And how good it feels to offer this to others too! This is the energy I want to be around and also the energy I want to share with others!

My wise inner guide and I (my truly wise guide and my truly human self, together)  have been focusing on more KINDNESS, POSITIVITY and being aware of being more compassionate toward both others.

As I mentioned last blog sometimes, sadly others are not in a position to be kind or positive. While it is important to be compassionate and understanding toward them it may also be necessary to place a compassionate boundary in place to protect both you and them from harmful, negative energy.

This quote from Maya Angelou reminds me we that we are all doing the best with what we know at the time, but does not let us off the hook in taking responsibility for a future better best. She says 'Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.' 

So, sometimes strong kindness and compassion are needed. Sometimes, when someone is being hurtful, negative or unkind   the kindest thing we can do is to put a boundary in place. This can be an act of kindness for both them and yourself. 

I am getting better at checking in with my wise self internal guide for what to do around setting kind boundaries to protect myself and others from negativity and harm. 
I mentioned one way to do this  boundary setting last blog - 

• When someone is being hurtful sometimes the kindest thing we can say is - 'I am finding your behaviour hurtful and I need to leave now'.  Or 'please be kind' and leave! This boundary setting is an act of kindness for both them and yourself.

Here are some others ways to set boundaries.......

• When others are gossiping, being negative, catastrophising or talking about things you find distressing, it may be helpful to remove yourself from such negative energy. Any truthful excuse will do. 'Sorry I need to go' without needed to explain is often all that is needed! 
•  While it may be important to lend a kind compassionate, empathetic ear - it is not compassionate or kind to let the person go on and on with gloom and doom, negativity or things you find stressful. Sometimes saying 'I hear what you say, that must be difficult' with or without a suggestion of what might help, or an offer of help is all that is required. We can then leave it up to them. 

Sometimes I find that my suggestions or offers of help are not what the person wants. So rather than continue to be in this negative energy, I kindly excuse myself. 

So some things I find useful to do when I have been in negative situations include setting a kind boundary in place, like above, removing myself and creating positive energy by......

• singing (including in the car on my way home)
• dancing 
• running/walking 
• getting out in nature
• taking a shower
• speaking kindly and encouragingly to myself
• smiling  
• laughing 
• stand for a cause 
• consoling a friend 
• feel inspired
• read something uplifting
• express Gratitude 
• give compliments

So, be a spreader of positivity, joy and kindness. Surround yourself with positive people - including you!  And remember even small gestures of kindness and positivity toward both yourself and others can have a huge positive impact on others and you too! 

With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all 
Maree xx
​