Blog Archives

Shifting to Gratitude

1/27/2019

Gratitude allows us to celebrate the present moment. We aren’t feeling guilty over the past or worrying about the future. We are present and centered in the “now” time.

You stay mindful when you acknowledge all your many blessings. It also magnifies these positive emotions and allows your body to relax and move into a receptive state. Research shows that positive emotions fade faster than feelings of worry or dread, but once we activity work on maintaining an outlook of gratitude we can shift back to positivity.

An easy way to shift is by beginning a gratitude journal. Each day write three things you are grateful for. These can be big or small, such as the sunshine or a cozy bed to sleep in. When you have trouble shifting back to positive reread past entries and watch as even more good things flood into your life.

Reiki blessings,
Sarah

Make a Big Impact On The World Around You

1/17/2019

Welcome to day five of the challenge!

Kindness Challenge: It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated or Expensive

1/16/2019

Day 4 of the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

The best way to master random acts of kindness? Practice! The more you practice the more creative you will become!

In a recent post (click here) I shared a few ways for you to get started on your own practice. Have you tried anything off the list? Remember,
doing something in this challenge doesn’t have to be scary or costly. Just offering a smile to a stranger can change their entire day!

Let’s take a look at more ways you can reach out and offer kindness:

Smile at a stranger.
Encourage someone who is struggling.
Give a word of praise to someone who is not expecting it, like your boss.
Hold the elevator for someone,
Read a child a story.
Sit down, put your phone away and really listen to someone.
Say a heartfelt thank you.
Share a friends creative work on social media. (Ask first)
Call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time just to say hello.
Leave a blog comment when you read a post that truly resonates with you.
Offer a homeless person your leftovers from a restaurant or bagged lunch.
Tell a frazzled parent what a good job they are doing or how well-behaved their child is.
Give someone a hug. (But be respectful and only if they say its okay)
Offer to return someones shopping cart.
Share a kind word with the customer service representative, either on the phone or in-person.
Give up your seat to someone standing on the subway or bus.
Write a short message of thanks or encouragement to a co-worker, your partner or random stranger.
Say hello to a homeless person.
Introduce yourself to a new neighbor or co-worker.
Make introductions between your contacts if you feel they could benefit each other or get along well.
Let someone merge in front of you when driving in heavy traffic.
Offer to take on someones work task if you have time and they seem swamped.
Give someone a ride who doesn’t have a car.
Invite someone to your holiday celebration.
Share your expert knowledge with someone who has questions and has asked for advice.
Write a recommendation on LinkedIn or Yelp!
Offer to pick up items for others when you are heading out to grab lunch or run an errand.
Recognize someone for their good idea or contribution during a work meeting.
Wave at strangers on the road

All of these are super-easy, low-effort and free ways to brighten someones day. You can do it!
See you tomorrow as we look at how kindness can impact the world.
Reiki Blessings,
Sarah

Kindness? What Will People Think?

1/15/2019

Get Inspired! Examples of Random Acts of Kindness!

1/14/2019

Day two of the Kindness Challlenge - Examples of Random Acts of Kindness To Inspire You

Yesterday I asked you to think of Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) that you may have done or examples of kindness others have done for you. It's okay if you couldn't think of any or if performing random acts of kindness is a new process for you. Coming up with ideas can be tough, so today I thought I would share some ideas to get your started. Some of these activities cost nothing and take only a moment of your time. Others will be more in-depth and you may spend as much or as little as you like. Choose whatever fits your comfort level and the occasion.

Enjoy these examples of random acts of kindness and let them inspire you!

Clean up the trash in your neighborhood or at your favorite outdoor recreation spot like a park or beach.
Hold the door open for the person behind you whose hands are full.
Take the time to listen to someone who is having a bad day.
Allow the shopper in the grocery line to move ahead of you, (if you only have a few items and their cart is full).
Check on an elderly neighbor or shut-in.
Donate clothes to charity.
Purchase a bag of dog/cat food and drop it off at an animal shelter.
Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine.
Give the new employee a tour of your work area or offer to sit with them at lunch.
Stick money inside a library book and replace it on the shelf.
Volunteer. At a nursing home, a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, your kids school, anywhere.
Adopt a child or family during the holidays to give anonymous gifts to.
Donate reiki animals or quilts to a police station.
Send a get-well card to someone, or even a card for no reason whatsoever.
Ask for donations to your favorite charity instead of presents for your birthday.
Smile at someone on the street.
Write affirmations on post it notes and leave them in stores.
Give an unsolicited compliment.
Pay for the person behind you in line at the fast food restaurant or drive-through.
Let the manager of the store know when an associate gives you exceptional service.
Leave kind notes in the dressing room to encourage body positivity.
Offer to babysit for parents who really need a night away or to help with the nightly feedings for a new mother friend.
Visit a nursing home just to spend time with those who rarely receive visitors or to bring treats for the residents.
Bake treats for your local fire station.
Send a note of thanks to someone who has made a big difference in your life.
Pay for someone’s layaway who hasn’t made a payment in a long while.
Fundraise by participating in a 5K, walk or other sponsored activity.
Shovel the driveway for elderly neighbors or those who may otherwise have trouble doing the job themselves.
Adopt a teacher or one class at school.
Mow the lawn and rake leaves for someone without expecting payment.
Mentor a young person entering your profession
Help someone stranded on the side of the road.

Hopefully, this quick list will inspire you to begin sharing random acts of kindness with those around you. Pick one from the list or come up with an idea of your own, then just do it. See how you feel. Chances are you will be ready to do another one tomorrow and the day after.
See you back here tomorrow as we discuss what “kindness” really means.

Reiki Blessings,
Sarah