There is some evidence that happiness is associated with altruism such as being kind to others. Something that helps me feel happier and more positive is gratitude. This may be concerned with something specific that has happened or, for example, being grateful for having a particular friend, or being part of my Quaker community. And earlier […]
It is a little while since I reported on my acts of kindness. I’ve been away for a couple of weeks and enjoyed many things including a warm welcome from Friends in Dorset when we attended meeting. The photo is from the special garden of the beautiful and historic Quaker Meeting House in Bridport, Dorset, […]
So the UK election is over. After a busy time leafleting, telling at a polling station, and calling up folk to try to get the vote out, followed by a late late night, I’m reflecting on what has happened. I was inspired during the campaign by the ‘hope not fear’ message, and I hope that […]
It is nearly a year since MP Jo Cox was murdered, just before the EU referendum. In a recent interview Brendan Cox, Jo’s widower, was pleased that political parties had agreed to suspend electioneering for an hour in her memory, and gave news of Great Get Together events planned for Saturday 17 June. Then came the attack […]
My acts of kindness continue and I have been wondering how many are directed towards people, known or unknown; how many focus on animals, or on the earth; and how many have essentially been for myself? As I look back, this is what I have found. Out of the 40 acts of kindness logged so […]
Over the past few weeks I’ve been on the receiving end of many acts of kindness. For example, receiving a wedding anniversary card from the Quaker Registering Officer – he still remembers after 12 years; being treated to a coffee by a friend; being given a delicious yogurt when I had forgotten to bring a […]
This post starts with an example of something really easy to do – donate to a charity shop. We have lots to choose from locally and it is possible to choose, for example, between animal charities or ones focused towards people. What I find more challenging is deciding what to ‘let go’, and ensuring that […]
People, animals and the planet!
21. Put a friend in touch with someone who I thought might help him
22. Walked to the next village instead of taking the bus, trying to be a little kinder to the planet
23. Had some vegan days, trying to be a bit kinder to animals
24. Reused (rather nice) wrapping paper to […]
Kindness is contagious – at least that is my experience. And over the past week or so I have received kindness from family, friends and strangers – for example, being offered generous hospitality by people I know well and less well – all of whom respect my choice to be a vegetarian. I have been […]
I promised to share my acts of kindness. Here are some – to strangers, folk I know, and to myself! I’ve:
1. ‘Paid forward’ for a meal and drink at the Kindacafe in Norwich (http://www.missingkind.org/)
2. Visited someone who has been in hospital
3. Given a friend a sincere compliment
4. Complimented a bus driver on the care shown […]