Kindness Challenge - So what's the challenge part?

Another great post by our guest blogger, Elaine.

We've looked at what "kindness" means.  Now let's look at the word "challenge."

Challenge -- definition:

1. A call to take part in;
2. Something that needs much skill, energy, and determination to achieve;
3. Something you have never done before and will enjoy doing.

(1)  A call to take part in

The Kindness Challenge is a call to take part in doing acts of kindness. To join with others around the world to make a difference. A kindness difference.  To warm the world by making one million acts of kindness happen during this month of January.

That's a tall order but I truly believe we can make it happen.

(2)  Something that needs much skill, energy and determination

Does doing kindness take special skills? Not really. Just think of something kind you already do once a day and start doing it twice a day.  Step it up a bit. Those things you think about doing but don't get around to (writing a letter, phoning a friend).  Make a point to do them. You'll make someone else feel good and you'll enjoy doing it.

It DOES takes determination, though.  Determination to try things you haven't done before. Stretch yourself and do more.  Do different.  Do bigger.  What have you got to lose?

(3) Something you have never done before and will enjoy doing.

As you become more aware of kindness happening around you, draw on that positive energy.   Let it inspire you to do things that touch people's lives in kind ways.

Try something you've never done before. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone and strike up a friendly conversation with someone in the elevator or while waiting in line. Tell a hardworking, under-noticed worker you appreciate their effort. Watch their faces as they're touched by your unconditional acts of kindness. Pass on the energy and inspire them.

Enjoy what you are doing and how you feel.  You can plan ahead or do kindness spontaneously, as opportunities present themselves. You can do them with others or do them on your own.  Let the spirit of it all excite you and motivate you. Challenge yourself to break old habits and create new habits -- kindness habits.

We're half-way through the Kindness Challenge.  Time to step it up a bit.

Challenge yourself to create new habits -- kindness habits.

And by all means, talk about the Kindness Challenge.   Spread the word as well as the kindness.