Being kind

Being kind

“Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” ~Maya Angelou

It’s easy to allow life’s hard times to warp us into someone mean and hard, but choosing to continue to be ourselves with all of our kindness intact is a powerful way to prioritize healing and to astonish the world around us as we do.

 

Image created with a stock photo from a Canva subscription package.

The most significant affirmation we can offer

woman smelling a bouquet of flowers

“To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.” ~Henri Nouwen

We often underestimate the impact that our words have on those around us, and yet our words have incredible power to do good or ill.

When we choose to use our words to bless others, we offer them a powerful mix of encouragement and support wrapped in a prayer for their well-being. Given how powerful this use of words can be, it’s sad how seldom we choose to engage in this practice.

It can feel a bit awkward at first, as anything new does, but it’s a relatively easy habit to pick up. Next time you find yourself about to offer good wishes that start with “I hope you …” (… feel better, … have a good day, … get the result you want), rephrase it to “May you …” (… feel better, … have a good day, … get the result you want) and watch their face brighten as the blessing lands.

You just might be surprised at how much it means to them … and just how good it feels to offer. It’s such a small habit to develop, and it has such powerfully positive results. Try it for yourself!

May you find great joy in the practice of offering blessings to those around you this coming week!

Encouragement makes a difference

Roses

“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you’re making a commitment and difference in that person’s life. Encouragement really does make a difference.” ~Zig Ziglar

Think about the times when you’ve received some encouragement that perhaps gave you the strength you needed to overcome an obstacle, reach a goal, or just keep moving in hard times.

The impact of that encouragement can be profound!

And yet, I’ve often found that the giving of encouragement to another winds up encouraging me as well. Just witnessing their heart be strengthened and revitalized does the same for my own.

Encouragement is something so easy to give, yet we often get so busy that we don’t take the time to make in a regular practice.

Who might you offer some encouragement to today? You may be surprised at the difference it makes in their life … and in yours!


 

Posts from other divisions of Chrysalis Wellness for this week

feedback sign
The power of positive feedback
from the A Kintsugi Life blog
The dirt thief soap bar
The dirt thief soap bar from Autumn Leaf Botanicals featured products
Green opal stone teardrop pendant with brass double leaf bail on black cotton cord
Green opal stone teardrop pendant with brass double leaf bail on black cotton cord from the Earthwear Collection portfolio