There was a time, at least once in each of our lives, that we dreamed of changing the world. Do you remember the film ‘Pay it Forward’?
This film was about and idea to change the world, for the better. The idea is simple. Kindness. The idea is to show kindness to others, only three others. Something happened. Worldwide this is a project, an idea, that has become a movement. This is something that occurred outside of the film.
Movements are happening around the globe. If you type in ‘kindness project’ into google, you will see. Each one of these has a hope. MAKE THE WORLD BETTER BY SHOWING KINDNESS. Imagine if this were possible.... turns out, it is possible. Many people have started, and are participating, in similar ideas. It starts with something simple; and if each person does their part, a giant change happens.
Each one of us wants the world to be better, and some people are actually trying to make it happen. We have inspirational teachers and professors, loving parents and adopted parents, we all have heros, TED talks and many more. What if the idea is purely for selfish reasons? SO WHAT! The idea would directly influence you and your life. Maybe your life would feel a little better too. Just like a person can never really have too much money, I don’t think anyone worries about being too happy.
Do you remember being a kid and seeing how grumpy some adults were? I don’t know about you, but seeing grumpy adults made me want to NEVER grow up. So, what is it about children that we find so intriguing? Children are not always kind to one another? Maybe the idea that is most inspiring to us is the idea of being free. You could act, play and imagine to your hearts content. Somewhere along the way it becomes emotionally unacceptable. Maybe it is time to bring a piece of this back into our hearts.
I would like to propose a new Kindness Project. This one is even simpler than going out of your way to help another (which I support fully). This project is about being kind to yourself.
We are all our own worst critics; and we are hardest on ourselves. Each one of us will start small, and with something simple; for example, do not put yourself down when you fail. Treat yourself as if you were someone you truly admired and respected. Treat yourself as you would that teacher who inspires you, or your loving parents (or the idea of loving parents). Be as kind to yourself as you would be to your hero or kid sister. Allow yourself to be empowered by yourself. Be your own hero, and treat yourself like one. To be clear, I am not saying that you should turn into a self-centered narcissist. Many of us are very kind to strangers, and to friends. Each of us beats ourself up when down. I am suggesting, that with practice, to be kinder to yourself. Give your own self pep-talks. Treat yourself every once in awhile. Buy yourself something nice, or treat yourself to a beautiful walk at sunset.
I believe that if each of us treats ourselves better on the inside, it will show on the outside. This is something that will spread. When a person feels good, they start to look and act better. I hypothesis that people will start to treat others even better, because they themselves feel better.
As all successful projects need, we need a simple beginning. I propose that we each start by being kind to ourselves three times this week. It could start with simply smiling at yourself in the mirror. We take time to smile to everyone else, how often do we smile at ourselves? Maybe give yourself a compliment, to start off with. The best part about this project is that it will continue to grow. You will become creative. Start simple and keep it up. Let your own inner kindness project be a focus. It is my hope that the inner kindness will spread in ourselves and others. I believe that this may help each of us take a step closer to finding our true happiness.
References:
1. ‘Pay it Forward Get Your Share!’ http://www.youtube.com/embed/JvbgetKzrmA. (21 June 2011)
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