A Beautiful Ripple Effect

I personally believe that each action we take creates a ripple effect of corresponding reactions. I feel that one good deed creates a response of one or more good deeds. On the flip side, one negative action creates one or more adverse reactions. In essence, if you leave a kind note for a friend (or stranger) that person is likely to pay it forward with an act of kindness for another person and so force. This creates a ripple effect in response to just one act of kindness!

I wish to be part of the change in this world - a change for the better, a change for good. This is the foremost motivation behind why I love to fulfill random acts of kindness projects (like the heART 108 series). I hope to inspire that person to express kindheartedness to another person, that person to the next, and that person to next... It only takes one. One person, one deed.

My question for you - What type of ripple do you want to create?

Always kindness. Always love.

Let's create an immense outpouring, a massive surge, a ginormous wave.

A beautiful ripple.

With love (always),

heART 108 series

The heART 108 series was born early this year while I was brainstorming new ideas for random acts of kindness (RAOK) for my community. This series would include small pieces of randomly placed artwork conveying a message of love and hope. A deadline was not placed on the project but I intend to complete all 108 pieces of art within the next year if time allows.

Why 108?

The auspicious number of 108 was the number that immediately attached itself to this project. It is a sacred and symbolic number due to its Hindu and Buddhist origins and with yogic discipline. The numbers separately symbolize 1 – one thing, 0 – nothing or emptiness, and 8 – everything or infinity. Mala beads used for repeating mantras or for religious ceremonies consist of 108 beads (and one guru bead). Hindu deities have 108 names, in Buddhism there are 108 feelings, temples have 108 steps, etc.

Why heART?

I love leaving RAOK for others to discover, although I never know who or how the act was received. I love creating art and desired a way to leave small tokens of kindness with messages that I hope is exactly the message the recipient needs at that very moment.

I wrote this in my journal recently which might give you more insight as to why this is important to me:

I believe in seeking beauty in the ordinary.

I believe in making the world a better place.

I believe that people are undervalued and under appreciated.

I believe that each person needs to know that they matter.

I believe that every person is beautiful in their own unique way.

I believe that we are all connected.

I believe that each action (good or bad) we make causes a chain reaction, a ripple effect, in our lives and the lives of others.

I believe that we have the power to cause those ripples to be a force of good.

I believe that one good deed, in essence, creates an avalanche of good deeds (when paid forward).

I believe we are all inherently good and will choose the higher road when it matters most.

I believe that the answer is always love.

The heART 108 series tab is located directly below the Unfolding Creatively banner above. This tab will list each of the paintings, the date, and where it was gifted along with a picture. This will allow for accountability and a place to document the progress of this project. I'm exciting to finally put this plan into action!

With much love,

Love is the Answer

Hello, lovely ladies! I just got back from a short trip to Huntsville for work. I had a lots of alone time in the car, exploring a place I’ve never been, and a little shopping – oh yeah, and some work. LOL. On my drive back yesterday I heard a song during the midday flashback that I haven’t heard in a while and frankly had completely forgotten about. I really listened to the words and was brought to tears. The words speak directly to my heart, caressing the tender spots that were magnified due to the Connecticut tragedies last week.

I Believe - Blessid Union of Souls

I believe
That love is the answer
I believe
Love will find a way

It’s hard to imagine that some people are capable of such horrendous, violent acts. Please keep in mind that they are the minority. We, those who have faith in our fellow man, are the majority. Seek peace. Seek love. And never stop believing. Love is the answer.

Hugs,

P.S.
On a similar side note...
How powerful are these lyrics?

Why can't we just see
that all we do is eliminate our future
with the things we do today
Money is our incentive now
so that makes it okay

Exactly. What we do today affects tomorrow. Children are our future. What are we teaching them?

Sending Love Out Into the World

(One comic strip at a time.)

Hugs,

Seek Beauty

image credit

It’s so tough in the world sometimes when you realize there’s so much hate and violence. I really don’t understand why people are so concerned with others – their choices, lifestyle, looks, race, religion, etc. What does any of that matter? I try not to concern myself with others business unless it effects me personally. If you want to have 6 kids or no kids, if you want to adopt from another country or from your own, if you want to get married, cohabitate, or stay single, if you love a person of another race, if you love a person of the same sex, if you choose to worship differently than I do, or if you want to dress in all black or every color of the rainbow – it doesn’t affect me in any way whatsoever. As long as it doesn’t hurt others what does it matter? 

image credit

I really just don’t understand the obsession with other people and their choices. I would much rather know that my friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, community, and fellow planet Earth inhabitants are healthy, happy, and cared for. I guess this is where we look to the positive things that are going on in the world. Even with so much hostility there is still much more beauty to be seen. Notice the wonders around you and seek beauty in your everyday.

image credit

Hugs,

How-To: Be the Change

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.  ~Mahatma Gandhi

I often write about how to “Be the change” and about Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK). I’ve also written about my adventures in RAOK Week and 36th Birthday Challenge. Today I want to share with you how to go about your own RAOK mission and how you can be a part of the change you wish to see.

According to Wikipedia:

Kindness is the act or the state of being kind, being marked by good and charitable behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others.

Decide you want to make a change.

Determine what act you wish to achieve. What are you passionate about? What touches your heart the most? Would you like to do volunteer work, make a donation, help a person/family in need, perform a RAOK, or get involved in a cause?

Review resources for ideas and information. Who will you serve? What organizations spark your interest? Look at specific areas of interest – disaster relief, children, homeless, environment, your community, in the U.S., and worldwide. Look at free or low-cost ideas if you’re financially strapped. Look to organizations that could use your help volunteering.

Determine the steps necessary to achieve your goal. What will you need? Do you need others to get involved? Will it be anonymous? Silently serve? When will your action take place? Where?

Make it happen! Just do it and with your whole heart.

Feel good about it. Know that all it takes is one person to make a difference to the life of others. Even though it feels good to serve others, seva is not meant to gain personal rewards. Always from the heart and you’ll never go wrong!

Seva (Sanskrit) is the idea of selfless service and considered an essential devotional practice in most Indian dharmic religions and yogic traditions. Seva is a term used to denote service performed without expectation of a reward.

Here are a few of my favorite resources / causes:

Kiva
Sevenly
To Write Love on Her Arms
American Red Cross
Humane Society
Random Acts of Kindness
Love Infinitely
END7
charity: water

The Girl Effect
Mother Miracle School, Rishikesh, India

Feed My Starving Children

The Shine Project

Panama City Rescue Mission (local, homeless shelter)
Animal Rescue Center of Bay County (local, rescue/adoption)

What are your favorite charities and resources? I’d love to hear about any plans you have or recent RAOK missions!

Hugs,

My Birthday Challenge

Back in February right after Random Acts of Kindness Week, I declared that I would devote my birthday to spreading seeds of kindness to others. This year I turned 36 years old so that’s 36 random acts.

I was initially inspired by the birthday mission of Becki (Whippy Cake) a few years ago and after a little Google searching for ideas I realized that these birthday projects are a growing trend. I found a wealth of information from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, The Bday Project, and Sweet Blessings. I compiled a list of ideas from these websites/blogs and set out on my mission.

I spread these acts over several days since my birthday was on a weekday when I would be at work. I also didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked. I was too busy being sneaky and unseen. :-)

Here’s what I did:

1) Left a gift card + Pass It Forward card (#3168) from The Shine Project at Chick-fil-a

2) Donated to the postal service canned food drive (Bonus: my kitchen cabinets are cleaned and organized!)

3) Left quarters on game machines in Wal-Mart lobby

4) Purchased goodies for coworkers/breakroom at work

5) Made donation to Children's Miracle Network at Wal-Mart checkout

6) Wrangled stray shopping carts in parking lot

7) Left kind notes on parked cars

8) Left laundry detergent + Pass It Forward card (#3169) at laundromat

9) Left quarters + Pass It Forward card (#3170) on RAOK note on soda machine outside of Winn Dixie

10) Opened doors for other customers

11) Bought special treats for my pups

12) Left an encouraging card for a friend in need of a pick-me-up

13) Said "thank you" to others

14) Left coloring books + crayons for kids

15) Dropped a bag of tennis balls in backyard for my pup Bella who loves tennis balls. Inspired by this video that makes me crack up!

16) Left bottles of bubbles at park (8 pack).

17) Left a scratch-off lottery ticket for postal carrier + thank you note

After: Now I know my mailman's name!

18) Left sidewalk chalk + chalk note on playground for kids

19) Left lottery ticket + good luck note in a gas station restroom

20) Took treats to petting zoo

21) Shared treats with a family for the goats at petting zoo

22) Left Kind Over Matter "Love is all you need." posters at various locations

23) Donated gently used items/toys/clothing to Goodwill

24) Paid for car behind me in McDonald's drive-thru + Pass It Forward card #3171 given to the couple by the cashier. I giggled with happiness the whole way home!

25) Donation to Ronald McDonald Kids at drive-thru window

26) Picked up trash from parking lot

27) Made an extra Kiva donation

28) Made a donation to the Alice Hansen Family Fund after reading this story and was touched by the grief the husband, children, and family must be going through with their loss.

29) Anonymously ordered pizza to be delivered to local fire dept.

30) Left Pass It Forward card #3172 + change + note on Redbox machine for rental on me

31) Left quarters in candy machines

32) Let other drivers go ahead of me

33) Cleaned/organized my son's room for him

34) Sent a Mother's Day card to a deserving mom

35) Left a generous tip to server

36) Saved a couple baby frogs from being squished. Okay, so I was running out of ideas and funds. But I really did save them! :-)

I have to say, this has been the best birthday ever. Not for gifts I received for my birthday but the seeds of kindness I gave to others and the happiness I received doing these acts. Thanks for sharing this with me!

Hugs,

P.S.
The car behind me at McDonald's who received Pass It Forward card #3171 paid it forward to the car behind them. Isn't that awesome?! I cried tears of joy reading their update on the card!

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. ~Aesop

Spout Seeds of Kindness

Sprout issue #6 is available. Guess what? I'm a contributor this month!

kindness = open heart, willing hands

Guests in this issue:
Liv Lane, Marcie Scudder, Lori Portka, Julia Fehrenbacher, Amy Oscar, Rachel Awes, Maureen Helms Blake, Deb Taylor, De Jackson, Amanda St.Clair, Kollen Harrison, Lynn McLean, Shauntelle Hamlett, Amelia Maness-Gilliland, Terri Stephens, Shanna Sandmoen

Thrive interview series: Amanda Oaks of Kind Over Matter

Community Garden: Julia Fehrenbacher, Rachel Awes, Lori Portka

Purchase your copy here.

Hugs,
Amanda

Life is like a roller coaster...

image credit

Life is like a roller coaster and I wish someone would let me off this crazy ride. At times it seems unbearable yet others I’m having the time of my life. Today it’s too much. Too much meddling and gossip that I need to back away from. It’s just not healthy for me to be consumed by the negative energy of others. 

It’s also not right for others to take advantage of my thoughtfulness and helpfulness. I’ve heard that it’s an asset but sometimes I think it’s a weakness. Or a curse. I never doubt that kindness is the answer but being exploited is not the way. Neither is nitpicking. It’s critical, negative, and just plain hurtful. Every now and then I start to wish that I didn’t care as much but I know that’s not who I am. This highly sensitive person was created this way for a reason. After all, there’s a reason for everything, right? 

And so the ride continues and I must either enjoy it or be defeated by it. I refuse to accept defeat because – kindness always wins.

RAOK Week - Day 6 & 7

Welcome to Day 7 of Random Acts of Kindness Week! Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 & 5.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.  ~Lao Tzu

Well, we made it to the last day of RAOK Week! I hope you've been able to get out and share some kindness not only with your loved ones but with strangers too. Instead of going out today we're going to stay in while still working towards our favorite causes.

image credit

Are you familiar with Free Rice? It's completely free and fun. Simply click on the correct answer and for each one you get right 10 grains of rice is donated to United Nations World Food Program. The more you get right the more rice that's donated. Oh yeah, as a bonus your vocabulary improves. :-D

There are many "free click" sites out there that make a donation when you make one click each day. Nice Things To Do created a one stop shop listing these sites for hunger, children, fighting cancer, education, women, and the environment. All you have to do is go to the website, click on the button, and they make a donation. Free and easy! Instead of wasting time on Facebook or reading depressing news - yeah, I do it to!  - you can click for a cause.

I also want to share another cause that is near and dear to me, Kiva. I'm sure you've heard of them but you may not realize how easy it is to make a loan and change a life. What I love about Kiva is that you can see who your loan is going to (you pick the individual/group) and that when that loan is repaid you can then loan those funds to another individual. That $25 keeps on giving.

image credit

There are so many ways you make a difference:

- Don't throw away, recycle.
- Give the gift of life, become an organ donor
- Collect canned goods to donate to your local food bank
- Donate blood
- Bring a bag of dog or cat food to your local animal shelter
- Open you home and heart by adopting a rescue pet
- Open the door for a stranger
- Pay the tab for the next customer
- Say, "Good Morning." to a stranger
- Leave a generous tip when dining out
- Let the next person go ahead of you in line
- When you're heading into Target and you see someone finished unloading their cart, take the cart off their hands
- Leave a positive comment on your favorite blogs
- Read a book for children at storytime at your local library
- Clean out your closets and donate the used clothing
- Leave change in vending machines for the next customer

I've really enjoyed doing the RAOK this week and was so inspired by the kindness birthday mission that Becki of Whippy Cake carried out a few years ago that I've made a list of my own. I'll be 36 in May so that's 36 acts of kindness to complete. Yes, in one day!

Love to all,

RAOK Week - Day 4 & 5

Welcome to Day 5 of Random Acts of Kindness Week! Day 1, Day 2, & Day 3.

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.  ~Aesop

I'm a day late on posting. I'm reading a really good book that I can't seem to put down. :-D

My Day 4 RAOK was leaving a jug of laundry detergent and a couple dollars in quarters at a laundromat for someone to find. It would have been fun to hang out there to see the look on their face.

Today's RAOK is starting a piggy bank for a cause. Ok, it's really a cup not a piggy. A casino token cup from Vegas but I digress.

So I recently realized that when you use the Coinstar machines that you find at the grocery store and at Walmart, you can donate the change to a cause. It's called Coins that Count and they've partnered with American Red Cross, Change Making Change, Children's Miracle Network, Feeding America, Jumpstart, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, March of Dimes, UNICEF, and World Wildlife Fund. What an easy way to donate!

Go here to find the nearest Coinstar location.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

  

RAOK Week - Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of Random Acts of Kindness Week! Day 1 and Day 2.

Today I want to tell you about an organization that is near and dear to my heart. I briefly mentioned the Mother Miracle School in a previous post; Yoga, India, and Unfolding Creatively. In November of 2010, I embarked on a trip of a lifetime to India, a place I had dreamed of visiting for as long as I could remember. While in Rishikesh, a sacred town located about five hours north of Delhi, I was able to visit Mother Miracle and meet with the precious students that attend the school.

A few months before my trip I had started sponsoring, or being "friends" as the school likes to say, a gorgeous little girl around my son's age at Mother Miracle. I was introduced to the school after the group lead for the trip (it was a yoga retreat) had shared with us the wonderful work Mother Miracle does for their community and informed us that we would have an opportunity to visit and meet our sponsored child while in Rishikesh. Manju is the beautiful and bright girl that I sponsor and was able to meet and spend some time with.

One of the things that our group lead mentioned before the trip, something that never would have occurred to me, was to bring a Polaroid camera if you can get your hands on one. He shared that most of the children have never held a picture of themselves before. What? I looked around my home at all the pictures I have up of family and friends, including myself, but these kids don't have the same "luxury?" Before I departed I was able to purchase a camera and film from Amazon and that was the best decision I ever made!

I was like a celebrity to the excited kids as they lined up to have their picture taken and then get to walk away with the picture that magically develops moments later. A picture of themselves. I enjoyed that time so much and was saddened when the extra film eventually came to an end. Later, the group lead asked me with a knowing smirk, "So tell me, who do you think enjoyed that more, you or the kids?" As much as the kids were thrilled, my heart runneth over with more happiness than I knew what to do with. That time ranks in the top three happiest moments of my life.

If you would like to learn more about Mother Miracle and their work with underprivileged children, community development programs, or to sponsor a child please visit their website.

Shanti (peace),

RAOK Week - Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of Random Acts of Kindness Week! Day 1 here.

A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.  ~Winnie the Pooh

Since it is Valentine's Day, it's the perfect day to show some love to those near and dear to you that you may overlook. Namely your coworkers, your pets, and yourself.

Today I showed kindness to my coworkers by sharing a special baked Valentine's treat. I showed kindness to my pups by providing them with a spa day...okay, a trip to the groomers and getting them new bones. And myself...who says we can't buy ourselves flowers? :-D

I also learned about She Loves Bubanza Valentine's Project and purchased an identification card for a woman in Bubanza, Burundi (Eastern Africa).

“As far as the world was concerned, they did not exist. With no official record of their existence they could claim no rights, no representation, no residence or real home. For all intents and purposes they were invisible … exiles in their own land living in the shadows of Burundian society.”

Just $12 can buy an id card, something basic and essential. Visit the link above for more info.

Lots of Love,

RAOK Week - Day 1

Welcome to Day 1 of Random Acts of Kindness Week! I have to say that it was a tough day. I believe I'm a kind person but when I really watch what I say, do, and think; I realize that not all of my thoughts are honorable. It is Monday...

Today my RAOK was delivering blessing bags to the local homeless shelter. If you're on Pinterest you may have seen this image pinned and repinned:

image courtesy of Joy's Hope

I was intrigued and clicked on it to learn more. It takes you to the website KWAV (Kids with a Vision) which details various items that can be placed in the bags and handed out to the homeless. Genius! I thought this would be the perfect project to begin Random Acts of Kindness Week.

I picked up the supplies over the weekend hitting up the Dollar General to get more bang for the buck. I bagged each one and added a note with a scripture (printed from Sweet Blessings). Instead of handing them out on the street I went to our homeless shelter, Panama City Rescue Mission, and gave the box to the coordinator who then handed them out. I was still there so I was able to see how excited everyone was to get a bag. It felt so good. I wasn't able to make as many bags as I would like so I will definitely make a part two to this.

In case you were wondering what went into the bags:
toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, chapstick, bandaids, deodorant, granola bars, raisins, applesauce, pack of gum, and a bottle of water in a gallon size ziplock

I also wanted to share this Kindness 101 video with you in hopes that it makes you giggle with happiness like I did watching it. :-D

Have a beautiful day!