Happy New Year, guys.
I’m assuming by now, you’ve all scratched out a list of 2013
resolutions—including the plan to be kinder, right? It’s an admirable goal, but
one I sometimes find hard to do for a reason I’m almost embarrassed to
mention. But here it goes:
Sometimes I have a hard time thinking of kind things. I
know, I know. That admission alone should get me kicked off of the KP blog. Or maybe
not. I mean, just because my brain isn’t filled with selfless acts doesn’t mean
I’m the second coming of Voldemort. (No, there are other reasons I’m the second
coming of He Who Shall Not Be Named.*)
Here’s the thing: Whenever someone does something nice for
me, there’s a moment after I feel all warm and fuzzy that I think, “Why can’t I
be more thoughtful like that?” So this year, I’m putting a plan into action.
Every time someone does something kind for me, I’m going to
write it down and add it to a jar. Those little slips of paper will give me
ideas for ways I can brighten someone else’s day.
You can add any act to your own jar. Maybe someone sent you
a kind note "just because." Or someone else stood up for you when you were
standing alone. It doesn’t matter—just that the person’s actions impacted you.
Be warned: The kindness jar takes away the excuse, “I can’t think of anything kind to do for others!”
Then again, isn’t that the point?
What kindness jar–worthy act has someone done for you
lately?
*For instance, my lack of a nose.
Love the kindness jar idea! It will be fun to go back through at the end of the year, too!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this idea Tracey! Simply brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome idea! Going to try it with my kids. My resolution is to volunteer for either Make a Wish Foundation or work with the alzheimer's unit in my hometown!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea so much! It's putting thought into kindness before the act itself. A preparation of sorts. I've always been so bad about doing certain things, like sending people cards or calling them out of the blue. And I do just like you--when people do these sorts of things for me, I say, "why don't I ever think to do something like this?" Really great idea, Tracey!
ReplyDeleteThis is just what I need! Thanks for the great idea!!
ReplyDeleteCute idea! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible at thinking of very kind ideas. I'm glad you agree that stealing someone else's ideas are totally OK when it comes to kindness. :)
ReplyDeleteOh those are great resolutions!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kat. All my best ideas involve theft. ;)
ReplyDeleteI know! It'd make for a very smile-filled December 31.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it, Michele. :)
ReplyDeleteOh this is brilliant! Tracey, you genius. Also, I'm impressed with what you've done with photoshop to give yourself a nose. ;)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this idea! I'm totally doing this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, Tracey! Good for you.
ReplyDelete