Thursday, October 23, 2014

embrace kindness.

“kindness is the root of all good things”

The yoga studio I’m involved with has a wonderful monthly program called Random Kind Act Pals. This is the first time that I have participated. You sign up and are paired with your kindness pal for the month. The two of you exchange addresses and any other relevant information you want to offer. By the end of the month, you send the other a small gift to brighten their day and spread kindness! 

I had only briefly met my partner once before, several months ago at a studio event. I did not know a whole lot about her and I pride myself on giving meaningful gifts so this was a challenge for me! I wanted to make sure she would like what I sent her and I wanted her to feel inspired. While I took time to figure out the right thing to send, I was also anticipating the snail mail she would send me. Something in the mailbox that isn’t a bill!?! I was so excited!!

The only clue I gave my partner was that I love arrows. It doesn’t matter what it is, if there’s an arrow involved, I will love it. I happened to mention that I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes and shared with her my favorite quote as it illustrates exactly why I love arrows  <<An arrow can only be shot forward by being pulled back so when life is dragging you back with difficulties it is getting ready to launch you into something great>> 

The UPS man brought my gift today [ in a FedEx envelope, the irony of which made me smile (: ] One would never have guessed that she doesn’t know me! There was a Quotable Quotes magnet -- I already have a collection of these so it’s great to add to it -- and it said:

“live with intention. walk to the edge. listen hard. practice wellness. play with abandon. laugh. choose with no regret. continue to learn. appreciate your friends. do what you love. live life as if this is all there is.”
- Mary Anne Radmacher

These words took my breath away for a minute. These are amazing, encouraging words to live by. I can’t wait to add this to my inspiration board so I can remind myself every morning of each day’s purpose. 

She also included a gift box with RGD stamped on the outside — Red Giraffe Designs, my favorite local jewelry maker. I already knew I would love whatever was inside. And did I ever! Inside was a long brass necklace with an arrow pendant. What’s especially fantastic is that Kate, of RGD, made me a custom arrow necklace when I started my company {called Launch} a year ago. I had been searching for a layering necklace to pair with my original and these two will go together perfectly.

This was such a fun activity to be involved with. It made me feel good to send some joy to, essentially, a stranger. My day was brightened when I received something so meaningful as well. It was a valuable reminder of how much impact a little act of kindness can have. She included a card that said “You are pure potential.” Talk about an impact. I have a lot of transitions personally and professionally going on in my life right now and whenever that happens, moments of self-doubt are bound to creep in, and they have. I’m keeping this card on my dresser for a while to remind myself -- I am pure potential. I have the potential to impact someone’s day by spreading a little kindness, and more joy. 



No comments:

Post a Comment

 
SITE DESIGN BY DESIGNER BLOGS