Buoyed By Kindness

#FromwhereIsit I’m contemplating the saying “A rising tide lifts all boats”.

It doesn’t take much to make me feel good. A smile, a compliment, a knowing (or more so, understanding) look, a reply email, gratitude, inclusivity. I’m buoyed by these kind acts and in turn feel compelled to be a bigger drop in the kindness ocean.

In the last few weeks I’ve been showered with kindness and it makes me feel so good. It also makes me want to be kinder. I’m sometimes a bit blunt and sometimes too sarcastic (is there such a thing?!). I’m sometimes a lazy friend and sometimes mean and cranky to those closest to me. But I’m aiming to become the captain of the kindness boat, even when I’m close to the rocky shore.

Can’t argue with the hard stats but I can learn from those around me…

Research suggests that 7 days of kindness (to anyone, including yourself) improves perceived happiness. I’m willing to put the happiness stats to the test. I want to pour enough kindness into the people around me that their tide rises. Essentially, it’s all a selfish pursuit as it results in floating my boat too.

Some boat- floating gems from the last few weeks

Everyone needs a Vanessa

She is the friend who gives unwavering support of whatever I pursue. If I ever have to give a major award acceptance speech I’m definitely giving Vanessa a shout out before they queue the exit music and I get waved off the stage for blabbering on for too long.

A new LinkedIn contact, Mardi

Not only did she answer my connection request she then emailed me further info and replied kindly. It may not seem huge to many but that 47 sec to type a quick reply makes me feel a little more unicorn-esque in a field of thoroughbreds.

A quiet compliment from Suz

A few little words along the lines of “You remind me to stop and smell the roses” was something I needed more than she realised. This kindness opened the flood gates for me. It was a reminder of who I am to others and who I want to be, always.

New friend Terry from the cycle club

He made an effort to chat during a ride, which can be difficult when the responder (me) was gasping so much air that I sounded like a steam train, piecing together my sentences in puffs and whistles. Oh, and it’s always great to make a new friend with polished selfie skills.

The welcoming party of Kim, Deb, Sean and others

A simple reply to a FB post or a nod and acknowledgment to say ‘welcome back’ to my regular training haunts was a kindness they probably didn’t even know. And I do feel welcome. Being part of a community only works when you’re IN the community doing the community stuff.

A considerate hubby, John

He kindly makes me coffee and breakfast every morning. It fuels me, in the way that fills both my appreciation cup and my ability to dress myself and use my grown-up manners.

The random drivers who let me out of my driveway onto the busy main road

Your kindness helps me be kinder to all the other crazy drivers.

Pretty kindness!

THE Alicia

Teacher Crew

That all-round amazing workmate, Alicia

For organizing all the stuff. I love being involved but I don’t really like being the organizer. It adds weight to my anxiety, anchoring or sometimes even sinking me. Your kindness goes above and beyond normal people kindness. Student surprise parties, special morning teas and more flowers than I’ve ever received romantically. Having an Alicia in your life is an essential tool for upping your kindness game.

My online class of 10-12 yr olds in China

Not wanting to leave my lesson because they are having so much fun is a kindness that melts my heart. It reminds me to look for the wonder, appreciate the learning and SHOW people how excited they’ve made you feel.

Jazzy Rhubarb taking us out for lunch

After some cancelled plans, Jazzy saw the opportunity for kindness and pounced. Generosity or giving when you don’t necessarily have a lot to actually give is something I need to improve on. Plus, how nice is it to be given that lesson by your own child (surely I can claim some responsibility here, right?!)?

An appreciative boss, Kerrie

Showing gratitude is one of the easiest kindness things anyone can do.  It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but it can make me float for days.

I was asked in a workshop what my core values were…

It’s a simple question but becomes much harder when you have to narrow it to 3 things AND be specific as to why they are your values. The top of my value list is ‘appreciation’ and I’m not even sure it’s even considered a value (?). It’s my main driver. I will do more for appreciation than for money. Appreciation in general terms means the increase in value of an asset over time. And given that I take appreciation as a sign of kindness, that compounds the value of friendships for me.

So, to all those mentioned and to the many more people who have shown me kindness – watch out – because the kindness karma boat is sailing your way. Oh, and THANKS, I truly appreciate every bit of kindness.

xk

What floats your boat?

What does your high tide look like?

How are you kind?