Why You Should Practice Kindness

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Kindness is showing empathy to oneself and to others. It is going on a retreat for well-being; kindness to oneself. It's about being considerate in the way we speak and act (or not act). When we speak with kindness, it's not about what we say. It's about how we say it. And if we believe how we say things, and what we say, affects the environment around us, then why don't we say good things? And it doesn't mean that only good things will happen to us; like I tell people, but at least when things happen, we choose how we respond. Or we can choose to respond in ways that make the energy around us positive. And I think that just makes a whole lot of difference. 

There was a time in my work life that I was due for a promotion but it wasn't just forthcoming. Anyway, the company had new owners. And as we know, new owners usually mean new money. And the new owners had their own person that they wanted to bring in to head the department I was aiming to head. Anyway, long story short, I didn't get that promotion. It was another lady that they brought to come and head that department. I wasn't happy. It wasn't where I wanted to be. I could have chosen to be nasty. But because I valued positivity, I chose to be kind anyway. Reflecting on that experience, that actually gave me a better experience with her. We became friends. 

That's why I'm so passionate about this. Honestly. It's not like I haven't had some not-so-good things. But because of the way I've chosen to respond, I believe that if we are deliberate about what we say and the way we say it... And if we go a step further by teaching our younger ones to be more positive; at least we can contribute to making the world a better place. 

And so, that's why I created these kindness tools: 

1. Affirmation cards: they come in a box of 31 cards. A card for each day of the month. So, you pick a card from the deck and affirm the words to yourself 10 times. Why 10 times? Well, the number of times it's said helps with repetition. When you've said something 10 times repeatedly, it tends to register in your subconscious. It then should inform your actions. The back of each card is deliberately left blank. This is so that it's writable. When you have those moments to yourself, you may want to sketch and write from your inspirations...

The pack also includes a tracker with little boxes of up to 31 to help stay accountable to oneself. Let me tell you, I made these cards and sometimes even I forget to say my affirmations. And that's okay. With so much going on, we don't have to be too hard on ourselves. And that's why the tracker is there. You can always go back to catch up. 

2. Kids' Kindness Tool: it's a simple pack of tools that can help kids with practicing kindness. Some people have told me they find it useful as a form of souvenir for younger ones when they're celebrating their birthdays. Or you could just give it to your kids just for giving sake. Anyway, in the pack, we have 2 sets of kids’ affirmations, (10 simple sentences that kids can say to themselves, like taking turns, respecting boundaries, being content, etc.), a pair of thank-you cards, and a pair of weekly chores. These tools encourage kids to explore how they can practice being kind both to themselves and to people around them. 

3. Kids' book: titled “ Kinda shows playdates at Kindness Park”. This copy is a prototype. The book is being set to be ready soon. So, stay tuned. In the book, there's a little girl called Kinda. She introduces readers to how kindness is practiced at Kindness Park; taking turns, playing with friends, sharing a hug when needed, etc.  

4. Kids' Colouring Book: some people may call it a sketchbook. I deliberately created the inside to be blank to allow creativity in kids. I believe kids have a tremendous power of imagination. And I believe each child can be whatever they want to be. And that part of our role is to guide them as opposed to telling them. So, when they read books or play, they can come back to this space and sketch their imaginations and creativity. They can then colour as they wish.  

And there you have it. What I've talked about today are the reasons I created ‘Kindness Tools’. In whatever way you show up to the world today, I do sincerely hope you are responding with positivity, creating time for yourself and for others.

Worry can weigh a person down, but an encouraging word cheers a person up. 'Cornish’s Cheer' hopes to be an encouragement to people who are under pressure, feel lonely, discouraged, or rejected. I hope these writings impart cheer, and hope and help you flourish with patience, love, and sincerity. Be encouraged and cheered. Also, practice 'speaking' positive affirmations, which can be a powerful tool to help boost confidence.

Nothing in this blog is intended to serve as life, career, health, or financial advice. Do your own research.