Topic: Acts of Kindness

We can be our own worst critics sometimes, especially when we are grieving a special person’s serious medical condition or a death loss. When we are harsh on ourselves, self-compassion and kindness are nowhere to be found. During this present time, a time when life feels turned upside-down, it can feel very easy to justify diving head-first into the deep end of our grief and staying there. But if we take a quick moment to hold our heads above water, we see that kindness is still here. It’s written in chalk on the sidewalk by the families who live down the street. It’s friends, family and neighbors checking in on each other, asking what we need if we can’t leave our homes. It’s showing a re-run of the University of Arizona Men’s basketball team winning the NCAA National Championship in 1997 to make us cheer and remember what it’s like to feel a sense of togetherness. And once we see that external kindness, we can remind ourselves that we deserve similar, internal self-compassion. We can tell ourselves, “It’s ok that I stayed in my pajamas today; I’m grieving. “It’s ok that I cried for an hour this afternoon; I’m grieving.” “It’s ok that I’m irritated by every little thing today; I’m grieving.” Remember, our grief is not an excuse for our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is, however, grace we can give ourselves as we remember to show ourselves compassion.

  The Be Kind Challenge

This week, Tu Nidito officially accepted a challenge from Ben’s Bells Project to participate in the “Be Kind Challenge.” We want YOU to join us! The “Be Kind Challenge” paper chain activity can be done by anyone and from anywhere. It is a motivator that helps us practice intentional kindness to those around us and ourselves! Here’s how it works:

Supplies Needed:

• Strips of paper for chain links – print online here or make your own!
• Tape or a Stapler
• Pens or markers

Steps:

1. Download and print the “be kind challenge” chain links HERE so you can track your acts of kindness. Or, make your own by cutting an 5×11” piece of paper into 1”- 2” strips.
2. Place blank chain links in an accessible location along with pens/markers and tape or a stapler.
3. Practice and recognize intentional kindness! This can be something you do for yourself or others. Whether it’s running an errand for a neighbor, or showing compassion for yourself when you’re experiencing big emotions, record your acts of kindness throughout the day on the pre-cut strips, looping them together as a chain.
4. At the end of each day, look at how your family’s chain has grown and reflect on the importance of each act of kindness completed. Display your chain for all to see.

Share your project with others:

Post photo updates of your kindness chain on Facebook! Tag Tu Nidito and Ben’s Bells Project, and use the hashtag #BeKindChallenge to share your acts of kindness with the world. You can challenge your friends and family to complete the #BeKindChallenge with you! Then, when we get through this season together, we will gather in one big celebration of community kindness to join our chains— imagine the chain we will create together!