Greetings all!  Now I know that if you're reading this, you have chosen to be here, so... welcome.  I'm glad you're here.

Today, my kindness seemed to focus on the kindness of others.  Sometimes we can't always be the shoulder and we need a shoulder of our own to cry on.  That was today.  Yesterday was a tough day for me and I am grateful for the kindness of others who encouraged me and reminded me that there is still so much good in the world and not to give up.  So, here I am... Not giving up.  

May day started off slow, but then, like I said, my friends and supporters rallied around me and got me back on my feet.  Yes, you can use those kind words for the kindness challenge!!  And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

So my action suggestion for you today is, lift up someone who is down.  Hopefully you won't run across anyone like this, but if you do, check it off your kindness list! Lol!

Have a wonderful day everyone.  Enjoy the sunshine and be grateful for the people in your life!

Yesterday, I touched on the fact that when you are trying to do good things and bring goodness to the world, the devil perks up his little pointed ears.  It is his main mission to get in the way of such endeavors.  Apparently, this 30 Day Kindness Challenge is really becoming a thorn in his side.

While I was putting this challenge together, I didn't put much thought into the negative feedback that might come from it.  How could there be anything negative that comes from loving others?  Boy, was I wrong.  I have gotten resentment.  I have  been attacked with "holier-than-thou" statements.  And even some, "you think you're better than everyone else."

Wow.  Was NOT expecting that...  So if you don't mind, I'd like to address these issues and  you can take them or leave them if it suits you.

When I asked people to write down the kind things they did, it was not to be boastful or bragging, it was to encourage others.  It was to plant seeds of new ideas to love on others.  I don't think that I'm better than anyone else because I'm a glass half full kind of girl, I'm just who I am.  And I want to share happiness and love with others.  You do not have to accept it, but, I'll continue to smile anyway.  I may end up doing this challenge all by myself because "you" have scared off everyone else, but that's not my problem.  I made a commitment to this challenge and I still have 25 days let.  I'm going to see it through.  However...

...seeing this in a new light, I will stop my posts on Facebook and only post here so if you are interested in following the challenge, I'll be here.  And if you'd like to join me, you're always welcome.  And to those who I've offended with my happiness, I am sorry that the only pleasure you can find is in trying to ruin someone else's day... or thirty.  I hope that someday, you'll look around and see that there is some good in the world and it is worth sharing.

Needless to say, my kind act for today is holding my temper, smiling through the pain, and then focusing my love on.... that lady over there... sorry, I gotta go.  Got some kindness to spread...

What kind things have you done today?  Please feel free to share them below!!

Today's acts of kindness forced me to love on my fellow travelers... sigh... A tough one for me.  I hate it when people cut me off, or race down the exit lane only to dart back in to traffic a whole three cars further than they were before. So in addition to kindness, I had to show a little patience as well.


I didn't rush to try and get around the EXTREMELY slow person in front of me. I just waited for my turn.  I let someone pull out of a parking lot in front of me and when two other people squeezed out as well, I just smiled.  I was patient as another car took my parking spot and I told myself, I wanted to walk a bit tonight anyway...


Sometimes when the devil knows you are trying to do good, he thwarts you and tests you every step of the way.  And he must see this challenge as a threat, because he is sending his arrows at me every time I turn around.  Hang on, only 26 more days to go. :)

Be the kindness you want to see...

Today is my office day, which means that  I am in front of the computer for 90% of it.  I try to turn off my phone and leave my e-mail alone, so I can concentrate on writing or researching.  This makes it a little more tricky to reach out and be kind to others but, I was able to love on some people from a distance.

I am hoping that you are working with me to bring a little more kindness to the world one day at a time, one person at a time.  For many of us, it's just a daily thing we do, that we don't think about, and that's good, it makes this 30 Day Challenge, not so much of a challenge.  The trick for us is, writing it down, or acknowledging it or encouraging others to follow the challenge's lead for the remaining 27 days.  

Today's kindness suggestion:  Text a friend and just let them know you're thinking about them.

Welcome to Day Two of the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!  Our first day got off to a pretty slow start but hopefully that will pick up.

I have to tell you that I was interviewed by David Breth a journalist for CNN and his article has gotten quite a bit of attention!  I am hopeful that it will help get the word out and we can spread some kindness all over the world.  Who doesn't need a little more love in their life?

Today's challenge: Give a random person a compliment.  No need to make it creepy, but watch their eyes light up at your praise. 

P.S. Check out the article on CNN!! (Still waiting to be vetted, but exciting all the same!)

Leave your posts in the comments below!  Let us know what you're out doing to show kindness to others!

Welcome to the first day of the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!!  I am so excited that this is happening!  
I have to tell you, that when I first came up with this idea, and then decided to run with it, I had no idea how much attention it would receive but I am happy to say that it is being warmly embraced and getting world-side acclaim!  I have gotten feedback from France, England and India as well as a lot of love from good ole USA!!!
So thanks for stepping up!! If you haven't yet, take a second to write your commitment statement below in the comment area!  It's going to be fun!!

So let's get started!!!  I made it easy for you on this first day, inadvertently, mind you, but it works in your favor.  It's Father's Day!!  What a great way to start your Kindness Challenge!  Send some love to your own Dad, and then to other dad's you may know that  would appreciate the acknowledgement!!

I've had a request to present an individual challenge for each day for those who might have trouble coming up with ideas, so, for those of you who would like a little twist in your challenge I'll do my best to come up with a universal "assignment"!  But please feel free to do your own thing and then share it with the rest of us in each day's comment section below!!

Todays Assignment Suggestion:  Give all the Dad's you know some Father's Day greetings!!

I've decided to create a 30 Day Kindness Challenge and I'm inviting you to participate with me! 
Here's why:
     - We all need to feel loved and valued but sometimes it takes giving love to receive it.  So this is a great opportunity to give love to others and feel the benefit of just... giving.
     - It feels good.
     - In our high-tech world, it has become apparent that we are slipping further and further away from our relationships with other humans.  The challenge takes us away from the computer and cell phones, and puts us in play with others.
     - If the response is anything like what I'm thinking, this could become a worldwide event!  How awesome would it be to say you were a part of a Love Challenge that went WORLDWIDE!!  I've already gotten commitments from FOUR other countries!!  
     - Love is contagious.  Maybe it takes YOU to start the trend and it will take off from there...

But why now?  Sure, it makes sense to start on the first day of the new month, but I got so excited from the response that one thing just led to another... and you know, bam, a challenge was created!  I just felt the need to get started right away while the iron was hot.

                   So- the 30 Day Kindness Challenge will begin 
                            June 15th through July 14th.

They say that a new habit can take hold by repeating the action for at least two weeks.  BUT, it is 80% MORE likely to stick if it is practiced for thirty days!  It is also proven that kindness isn't necessarily a trait that we are born with, but it IS an action that can be learned if taught and practiced.  It's true, apparently, there are those out there in the world that don't know how to give or receive kindness.  SO- I'm hoping to change the world for the next thirty days, and I'd like for you to come along!

I know that there are tons of excuses running through your head right now as to why you can't (or won't) participate... "I'm really busy right now."  "I don't like to talk to people."  "I don't have any money."  I'd really like to impress on you that it's ONLY 30 days and that it won't take up too much of your time.  You control how much time you devote to it!!
 
     - It's COMPLETELY FREE to participate
     - There's NO signing up (or sneaky marketing ploys)
     - There's NO cost (unless you choose)
     - It's be FUN!!!  And I promise you, it WILL be rewarding.
    

All you have to do is commit to 30 days of simple acts of kindness and agree to share your results with the rest of us!  Tell us what you did and what the reaction was (if you were able to see one!)  If you are uncomfortable telling us the specifics (Matthew 6:1) then just share "I did an act of kindness today and the reaction was ______________"  That way we can still share in your joy!

Invite others to participate! (Hebrews 10:24)  Let it be contagious!  I am anxious to see how many we can get to join with us and how far across the globe we can reach!

I'll be right there with you and I'll be encouraging you on this blog as well.

AND~ to keep you inspired and motivated, I've got some prizes to give away at the end of our 30 days!

So without further adieu, let's begin the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!!
STEP ONE-  
If you want to join- leave a comment below this blog or follow me onFacebook and leave your commitment statement there!  Let the world know (and me!) that you are stepping up to meet the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!!

STEP TWO-
Spread the word!!  It's always more fun doing stuff with friends!  And think of all the new things you could think of when you have someone else plotting with you!

STEP THREE-
Get Out There and Do Your Thing!  Show some love!  Spread a little kindness!  Need some ideas to get you started?  Check this blog (the one that got this whole thing started!) for a few ideas!  Need more ideas?  Follow me on Facebook and read the comments that others are leaving!  This is one time I give you permission to steal ideas and put them to your use!! Lol!
Remember, it doesn't begin until June 15th  so that gives you a few days to think of some ideas and maybe set back a few dollars if you're planning to do some monetary kindness.  There are SO many opportunities to show kindness!  I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

STEP FOUR-
Share your progress with the rest of us!  Follow me on Facebook and add your results along with others!  Read what everyone else is doing and pass it along!  Be sure to tell everyone that you're participating in the 30 Day Kindness Challenge and maybe they want to do it too!!


I can't wait to see where this leads!!  It's going to be SO awesome!!  Please share the posts you see onFacebook so we can determine how far and wide we can really get this thing to go!!  Can't wait to read your name below!!
And let me be the first to offer these words of kindness.  You are valued and loved and by participating in the30 Day Kindness Challenge, you will be helping others feel loved too.  Thank you so much for joining with me!!  
Let's go make a difference!!


More reading:
Put A Little Love In Your Heart & Share It
A Change of Heart