July 2 - HALFWAY MARK
Day 183 of a year of Kindness
HALFWAY MARK IN A YEAR OF KINDNESS
I’m 183 days into my year of kindness, which marks the halfway point. Today’s kindness was that my 17-year-old niece, Sophie, arrived from New Mexico for her annual summer visit. I took her to our favorite seafood restaurant and then watched a sunset over a New England lighthouse.
Halfway Mark Reflection: I took on this 2025 New Year’s challenge because it felt like a calling and a rebellion all in one. I had faced a lot of difficult challenges: divorce, move, job loss and wanted to see what my life would be like if I focused on being kind - if I strengthened my own kindness muscle. So, after 183 days, here are some of my reflections.
I’m happier: I was noticeably happier at the 100 day mark and I still feel happier. It doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days or understand the pain and suffering in my country or around the globe. I am, in general, happier. I make the decision to do what I can to lift up others (and myself) every day. I also get to meet amazing people - like 4-year-olds who tell me confidently, “I like everything about myself!” As a result of my posts, I am connected to a kindness community that actively tries to shine a bright light in a world that can feel like it’s getting darker.
I’m healthier: I am still (knock on wood) sailing through the year without a sniffle. Research shows that acts of kindness can improve your immune system.
I’m stronger: My kindness muscle is stronger. I’m less anxious or self-conscious about being kind. I compliment people. I talk to people. I offer to help people. I step out of my comfort zone.
It’s contagious: Research shows that kindness is contagious. I believe it. I hear about people being kinder because they see me being kind. I am kinder because I see other people being kind.
It’s electric: I have had so many conversations this year about kindness and it changes the energy in the room. Instead of lamenting about the current state of politics, the conversations shift to kindness and before you know it, everyone is smiling and getting energized about doing something good.
It never fails: In 183 days, I have never had a single person reject my intentions to be kind. In fact, it’s been just the opposite. During this time in history when hate speech is normalized, kindness can feel scarce. So, when someone is kind, it is extra special and extra important.I think the next half of the year will test me but I feel like I’m prepared. I’m getting surgery on my ankle in a couple of weeks and will be in a cast for six weeks in the hottest part of summer. But I’ve done my homework and I’m ready for the challenge. As I have learned, you can be sad, disappointed, exhausted, in pain, angry, hurt and demoralized AND still be kind.Thank you for reading this and joining me on my kindness journey. Stay kind.
Science of kindness: Research shows that if you practice kindness, your kindness muscle will get stronger. #bekind #kindnessiscontagious #kindnessisfree #kindness
