If you read my blog post Tuesday, you know I’m struggling in Blackishville. I like to feel whatever it is I’m feeling in order to get it out and work through it. For me, any act of kindness or compassion helps put me in a good mood and shift my perspective. So, today I’m taking a break from my Thursday Weeknight Date Night post to talk about the act of spreading love and compassion.
Last month, I went to an event and was introduced to Ashley Reale from Share Love Everywhere. What is Share Love Everywhere? Let me fill you in really quickly. In the fall of 2009, leaves were changing and Love Everywhere Founder, Ashley Reale, was wondering: “What if one tiny act of kindness could change a life?” So, she started to share love with strangers through hidden notes of encouragement, leaving these notes behind everywhere she went. In 2014, she launched a website, and, with the help of a team of ambassadors and an enthusiastic social media community, over 15,000 notes have now been distributed worldwide. Each note is hand-stamped and numbered for tracking. And each note contains a handwritten message, resurrecting an art form largely lost in today’s digital age. And the really amazing part? These notes have the potential to not only to travel the world as note finders “pay it forward”, but to let people know they are seen, heard, and loved. Can a tiny note do all of this?
Awesome concept right? This week instead of staying in the frustration of Blackishville, I thought what can I do to spread a little love, light and compassion. I headed to Barnes and Noble with 10 cards in hand and absolutely no idea what I was going to write on them or where I was going to put them. I walked in, and was immediately drawn to Jessamyn Stanley’s book Every Body Yoga. It’s important to know all our bodies are different, but beautiful in their own rights. I went to the self-help section, wrote a few messages and inserted those cards in a few of the books. I walked around and was looking a bit confused when a sales associate asked if I needed help. I asked if he could point me in the direction of the parenting books. I put a few cards in expecting mom and dad books. I then drifted to the kids’ section and put a few cards in books that encouraged little girls. I don’t have children, but I have two incredible nieces. My brother and I often discuss how it’s our job as a family to let both of them know they’re capable of ANYTHING! As I was leaving, I came across a childhood favorite, and wouldn’t you know it, I had one card left. The book was Maniac Magee. I wrote my last note, and tucked it in the book.
As I drove home, I was able to reflect on my crazy week, Blackishville, love, compassion and just being a good human. Hey, things won’t always go our way, and people won’t always behave how we think they should, but we only have control over ourselves. Don’t be afraid to feel what you feel even if it’s negative. Live in it for a minute, let it all out and come up with a plan to shift your perspective. Spreading love and showing compassion always works for me.
What do you do to shift your perspective?
Until next time loves…
Image by Ivory Door Studio
What a wonderful idea to spread love! You are going to make so many people smile! I truely believe if you put love and kindness in to the world, the world will give it back to you!
Awww thanks so much!!!
Love this and I guarantee someone will get it right when they need it. You’re so amazing.
Thanks so much for reading
This is so wonderful. I know you’ll never really know what happened to those cards, but just know they are going to the right people at the right time. ❤ Great work!
Thanks so much!!!
What a beautiful post with a lot of impact on our actions and showing kindness <3
Thanks so much for reading Hope!
That’s such an awesome idea, and I’ll definitely have to participate! For me, practicing gratitude always helps me get back in a good mood. How can you stay down when you think about all the blessings that are around you!?
This is so true! When you think about all the goodness how can you be in a bad mood.
I shift my perspective by first getting in a quiet space, talking to God, doing some self-introsoection, and choosing to release the negative energy. I then replace that negativity with positivity by doing something productive or good towards others.
This is an awesome way to shift your perspective!!!
How sweet of you. I love this concept of leaving little notes for everyday people. I hope their lives are touch as a result of you love notes.
Thanks for reading
This reminds me of Post Secret. I was addicted to them for years. This is a great feel good idea.
I might borrow it this holiday season and take it up a bit with tiny gift cards.
I’ve never heard of post secret. Definitely going to look them up.
This is such a great idea. When I need a change of perspective, I talk with my kids. They always seem to shift my thought process with their unfiltered view of life.
That’s a great idea!
I’m getting back to my random acts of kindness this week. This was a good reminder of what selflessness can do!
I can’t to hear what you do
OMG this is so sweet! I’m very sure this will brighten up someone’s day. You never know who needs a small dose of encouragement
So true! Thanks for reading.
Shifting your perspective is so important. It is all the journey of growth and love so yes feel the negative energy so you can get out of it and get into that true positive space.
This is so true!
I love these notes, what a great concept! I shift my perspective by reminding myself how blessed I am, and also by reading encouraging scriptures.
Thanks so much!
I love this, this a great idea. We all know that kind words can go a really long way. I know you can’t track your notes, but i’m sure it will bring a smile to someone else face. I need to think about how can I do some random act of kindness.
I hope it does. Thanks for reading Tiffany.
I love this idea, people go through so much and a few positive words can mean the world to someone.
That is so true ❤
I love this idea! Wit all that’s going on in today’s world I’m sure that receiving this notes will brighten someone’s day. I’m looking into this.
I agree and I’m hoping it brightened others day