THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022 - KINDNESS

 THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022 - KINDNESS

There is an adage “If you can be anything, be nice” (or … the parallel version - If you can be anything, be kind)

A researcher/writer I follow (Shaunti Feldhahn) has a kindness quotient at “Take Kindness Quotient Assessment (jointhekindnesschallenge.com)”

My rating was Cinderella or Captain America,  Their analysis was:

“You are not perfect, but you are committed to purposeful kindness and goodness, even when it is hard. You are a role model to those around you. Keep it up! Your efforts make our world a kinder place. Which is very needed these days.  You are stronger in your general kindness to others than you are to the person with whom you want a better relationship.”  

(Okay, I thought I answered very thoughtfully and that is much higher than I thought. But, I do think I’m generally pretty kind!!)

Their categories were: 

46 to 50 Mother Teresa or Gandhi;

41 to 45  Cinderella or Captain America *** that is where I fit!!

36 to 40 Dorothy (from Wizard of Oz) or George Bailey (from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”)

31 to 35 Katniss (from the Mockingjay series) or Gale (I have no idea who Gale is)

26 to 30 Sharpay (who I don’t know) or Lightning McQueen)

(and less kind under 26)

Their Foundations of Kindness for me are:

Awareness - It will be difficult to be kind to others until you see how your words and actions already impact them. A purposeful effort toward kindness will be essential to help open your eyes.

Assumptions - You tend to have good and accurate expectations, attitudes, and beliefs about how kindness works.

Actions - Well done! Regardless of how you feel, your actions show that you will generally try to do the kind thing regardless. Keep that focus in the 30-Day Kindness Challenge and you’ll suddenly see many ways to make your relationship even better!

Their Elements of Kindness for me are:

Non-negativity - Your relationship is probably hurting, and your negativity is likely one reason why. Although it takes two to tango, make a committed effort to respond to hurts in kindness and grace going forward. Look at the types of negativity in Chapter 6 of The Kindness Challenge and keep an eye out for those you most need to work on.

Praise - You try to be a person who practices praise, and it comes across to those around you. Keep that up. It is a much-needed skill today.

Generosity - Actions of generosity are a crucial part of kindness, and you have them in great measure. You are well placed not just to nurture your relationship, but to mentor others who could use your perspective and encouragement. 

*****

This particular site/research study is looking at kindness - and is promoting a “30 days of kindness” challenge (and selling a book - “The Kindness Challenge”)

They suggest the following:

89% of relationships improve if you pick a person with whom you want a better relationship; then for 30 days:

Say nothing negative about that person – either to them or about them to anyone else.
 

Each day find one positive thing you can praise or affirm about that person and tell them and tell someone else.
 

Each day, do one small act of kindness or generosity for them

*****

In that I don’t see the same people most days, I am going to pick a resident at the senior independent living facility where I work three days a week.  I am not going to give the reasons here why I’m picking this person - other than I want a better relationship with her.  I have said negative things to others about this person, and I will cut that out.  I will find a positive thing where I can praise this person every time I see her.  And, I will do a small act of kindness for her every time I see her.

Basically, by the end of February, I will see if I have a better relationship with this person.  

*****

And, above and beyond this 30-day kindness challenge, I’m working on being nicer to all people (including myself - as I’ve had a few self-love challenges lately - see my Tuesday blog about my pity party and my Wednesday blog about my dilemmas!!!

I write about LOVE WINS - this looks like an opportunity for me to try to live a more loving (and kind) life!!!

So, what about you?  Try the kindness quotient challenge (link at the top) - and see if you are kind - be honest!!!

LOVE WINS topic tomorrow, Story on Saturday, and Sunday Funday to round out the week!!!

Karen

January 27, 2022