Natural Girl Diary Blog

Loving Kindness - Are You A Kindness Warrior?

2/3/2014

Two things have inspired me to continue a ripple of kindness that's been brewing lately.

#1. Recent snow storms and record low temperatures have provoked some truly awesome acts of kindness across North America, and here are some examples:

Washed and folded blankets left on a park bench for the homeless in D.C.

Free coffee offered to passers-by in Alabama snow storm.

"Yarn Bomber" leaves knit scarves around Ottawa with the note "If you're stuck in the cold, take this scarf to keep warm!"

Atlanta Publix keeps doors open all night so stranded drivers can sleep and stay warm.

#2. I'm celebrating being mentioned on the blog of Kelly Rae Roberts as a "Kindness Warrior".
(Kindness Mission #3)

Kelly will be featured in the Oprah whole-hearted living series with TED talk sensation Brene Brown as part of her e-course on "The Gifts of Imperfection". This was such a fun surprise and inspired me to pay it forward by honoring other Kindness Warriors.

Here's how to participate!

#1. Subscribe to the NGD Newsletter (if you are already subscribed, ignore step 1)

#2. In the comments below, share an act of kindness that you have either committed, witnessed, received, or read about. You can tell the story, share a link to one that inspired you, or even nominate someone you know. A couple of story contributors will be chosen at random to receive something fun for participating.... (Hint: It has something to do with a favorite new find of mine :-)

Thanks for sharing the loving kindness,

44 Comments

Sunday Burquest link

2/10/2014 12:04:49 am

I'm a new visitor and am so glad I found this post! What an inspiring way to start my week! Thanks for the great ideas!

Stephanie link

3/4/2014 06:05:31 am

Thanks for stopping by, Sunday! Spread the loving kindness :-)

Rhondda Mol link

2/10/2014 07:15:18 am

Hi Stephanie, What a beautifully inspiring post. The photos of the blankets on the bench is very heart warming!

Stephanie link

3/4/2014 06:06:13 am

Thank you Rhondda - I agree wholeheartedly on the blankets... What a thoughtful soul!

Kelly McIntyre

2/10/2014 10:49:08 am

For whatever it's worth...I always remember small acts of kindness and can recall them for a great time afterwards and quickly forget fleeting moments of someone who is being a jerkface. This has to be true for most, right?? I guess what I am saying is; be kind to others-even strangers. It has waaay better stay power.

Stephanie link

3/4/2014 06:07:37 am

Total stay power! Thanks for sharing this - a great reminder of how one kind act can affect us long after it's completed.

Shana Norris link

2/12/2014 12:01:09 am

Stephanie, I loved seeing those photos. I'm not sure why but it's taken me most of my life to finally see that sometimes it's the little, very small acts of kindness that mean the most.

I'm working ahead on the #SITSBlogging comment list since I'll be offline on Friday. Nice to "meet" you!

Stephanie link

3/4/2014 06:08:38 am

Nice to meet you too, Shana! You're so right on, the little things really do mean a lot.

Heather Gadient

2/12/2014 10:43:38 am

I was on the receiving end of an truly lovely act of kindness in the past week. My husband and I ended up stranded and were taken in as house guests. Our sweet hosts welcomed us warmly after only a couple hours notice. My husband ended up staying for FIVE nights and was given the impression that it would have been okay to stay for five more. This act of kindness and hospitality has really challenged me to do the same. I am not sure if they will ever understand how deeply appreciated they are by us. I'll be watching for my chance to pay it forward!

Stephanie link

3/4/2014 06:09:35 am

Your gratitude in itself is an act of kindness! I'm verklempt! :-)

Shaunna @Tempting Thyme link

2/13/2014 10:39:52 am

What an inspirational post! I have been both on the giving and the receiving end of random acts of kindness. Not only are you helping someone in need, but you get a serious 'natural' high from helping others. Have a great weekend!

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:11:37 am

Acts of kindness boost the immune system of both the giver and the receiver. We all know what that feeling is like - (giving and receiving) it's a total win-win!

Stacie link

2/13/2014 12:01:39 pm

I love this idea of being a kindness "warrior"! It's something I'm trying so hard to instill in my girls. Thanks for these inspirational ideas!

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:12:38 am

You're welcome, Stacie!

Roni Faida link

2/13/2014 12:40:31 pm

Yes. I have to say that being kind to people is something gI have been putting into practice for years and now it comes second nature. #SITSBlogging

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:13:41 am

Way to go, Roni! Keep up the great kindness work!

Samantha Angell link

2/13/2014 06:07:37 pm

These are great pictures! Its always nice to see uplifting things like this (especially from back home in the US!)

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:14:51 am

Thanks Samantha! I agree, it's heartwarming to see uplifting and kind gestures.

Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes link

2/13/2014 09:18:09 pm

I have been wanting to do random acts of kindness with my kiddos, thanks for the reminder!! #SITSBlogging

Susie link

2/13/2014 09:22:13 pm

Very inspirational post! It great to do this. You get a warm fuzzy feeling from doing acts of kindness and it is passed on to those you are helping. It's a win win!

Rosey link

2/13/2014 09:38:13 pm

These are all really nice acts of kindness. The Publix one really surprised me though, I have to admit!

#AllAboutBeingKind :) #SITSBlogging

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:19:01 am

Me too - isn't it nice to be surprised by things like that!?

Sharon link

2/13/2014 11:47:27 pm

Kindness...the one thing that really warms the heart. I'm always so touched by the kindness of strangers. I love the idea of the blankets folded on the bench....

Sarah Day link

2/14/2014 01:13:08 am

These are great - I love the coffee on the front porch. It's gotten me thinking what kindness I can do today.

[email protected] link

2/14/2014 02:02:39 am

I love the idea of leaving blankets and sleeping bags on a park bench. That's amazing. I feel inspired to do something like that. Thanks for sharing! #SITSBlogging

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:15:42 am

I love it too - it's so simple and yet so profound.

rhiannon link

2/14/2014 02:07:21 am

great blog! glad i found you. #SITSBlogging

www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com

Sara link

2/14/2014 05:17:17 am

I love this idea of being a Kindness Warrior!! With how terrible the weather has been across the nation, I can only imagine how many people are suffering. It's really amazing to know people are still trying everyday to just be good human beings to one another. Thank you for sharing.

#SITSblogging

Stephanie link

2/14/2014 05:41:12 am

It is so refreshing to see kindness like that. :)

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:16:43 am

Agreed! Refreshing indeed.

Shonda link

2/14/2014 06:56:58 am

Being a kindness Warrior is a very powerful statement. This is a small thing, but when I am at the grocery store, mall, or gas station; I always hold the door open for someone to walk in. Doesn't matter if its a man or a woman coming through the door, I feel its my obligation to do so...crazy...I know, but its what I do. Thank you for making me actually pay attention to being a "kindness warrior".

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:20:56 am

Holding the door is beautiful! Keep it up, Shonda, and thanks for stopping by!

Sandy Sandmeyer link

2/14/2014 09:17:40 am

I was on my way into a restaurant for lunch and a man wearing black & yellow in a wheelchair asked me for something to drink. I invited him inside to have lunch with me and we chatted while we ate. The really cool thing was that he left before me with a pastry for later and when I left the restaurant, I couldn't find him. He disappeared. When I got back to my office, this huge black & yellow butterfly flew by and I realized that I had "entertained an angel unawares".

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:22:11 am

LOVE it, Sandy! Stories like this just fill the heart!

Savanna link

2/14/2014 10:26:10 am

Those are awesome acts of kindness! It's so nice to hear of the nice things being done. It's inspiring!

Suzanne Rudge link

2/14/2014 10:32:08 am

It is amazing to see the kindness and love people shared during this winter storms. It truly warms the heart.

Susan link

2/14/2014 02:42:54 pm

Heartwarming post. One never knows HOW much that small act can make someone's day - especially when it's at a time when least expected. #SITSBlogging

Renee @ Mommy Goes On link

2/15/2014 01:37:41 am

What a wonderful post. We are in FL, so we haven't been effected by this. But we keep hearing the worst and pray for those stuck in these situations. I love seeing posts like this where people are coming together and helping each other.

Savvy Working Gal link

2/15/2014 02:49:38 am

It is wonderful to know there are good people out there. Great post. Glad to have discovered you through #SITS Blogging

Sarah Thomas link

2/15/2014 06:43:15 am

I have fond memories of my relationship with Eddie. Our paths initially crossed when he daringly rushed into oncoming traffic to rescue my Burberry's hat. We would meet again at the conclusion of a Christmas concert one frigid winter's night. I offered him coffee and the connection was immediate.

What followed were opportune moments for discussion and collective sharing. Homelessness hadn't dampened his spirits and we often encountered the other when we needed a timely word of encouragement. He shared his musical past and we frequently had great spiritual discussions. Our interactions were heartfelt and we were both blessed as a result.

Eddie is no longer sleeping on the familiar sidewalk where I often encountered him. I've often wondered how he's doing. Our time together was enjoyable and I trust we both emerged far better than we were at the onset. Although I miss our engagements I accept the season has come to a close. I'm warmed with the knowledge that our pouring was mutually given and received. I'll never forget him.

#SITSBlogging

Stephanie/Natural Girl Diary link

3/4/2014 06:25:00 am

How cool that this connection was made by a hat blowing in the wind... No such thing as coincidence! I'll bet you do think of Eddie often, especially when you pass the places you met and exchanged heart-and-soul conversations. Thank you.... for sharing the story with me!

Renew Your Space link

2/16/2014 01:00:45 pm

What great random acts of kindness. Very touching photos - great deeds always come back around. <3

rubiena duarte link

2/18/2014 11:15:46 pm

what a great inspirational story. really makes one realize how much small random acts of kindness can make a difference. a bit late from #SITSblogging

Shannon Gosney link

3/5/2014 02:24:25 am

Wow - those are some awesome acts of kindness. It's so good to know there are kind people out there willing to help others in need. #SITSBlogging

Loving Kindness - Are You A Kindness Warrior?

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