A Beautiful Ripple Effect » Kind Over Matter

The Manifesto of Kindness

Carolyn — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:00:22 +0000

If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand, extraordinary things begin to happen. –Loretta Gizartis

Kindness is such a powerful topic, filled with magical possibilities. When the lovely ladies of Kind Over Matter asked me to contribute a post on kindness for their Kind Kindred series, I was excited to tackle this challenge in a meaningful way. Before beginning my post, I began pondering a few questions: What is kindness? What does it mean in my own life? What intrigues others about kindness?

And after weeks of brainstorming (yes, weeks!), I skimmed through my pile of notes and noticed one sparkly jot in particular. On it was written: the manifesto of kindness! I love reading (and writing) manifestos so decided to run with the idea! You can read The Manifesto of Kindness on Kind Over Matter.

The Kindness Challenge

Make kindness a priority today by sharing it with two people, yourself and one other individual. Simple, right? And it gets simpler! The incredible Allie of Allie Creative designed two badges to accompany The Kindness Challenge. One badge is for you and one badge is for you to share with others. I printed the “I Am Kind” badge and clipped it to my calendar so it is front and center all day long (and maybe longer!). Consider emailing the “You Are Kind” badge to a friend or loved one, posting it on facebook, twitter, or your blog. You can print out the badge (this pdf includes nine “You are Kind” badges on one page) and give them to loved ones, co-workers, or hide them for strangers to find. Magical possibilities, indeed!

I hope kindness fills your day and week, how beautiful would that be?

. . . . . . .

DECLARE + MANIFEST YOUR KINDNESS, SOVEREIGNTY, AND WHAT MAKES YOU YOU

Sound amazing?! Jessica Swift and Michelle Ward have launched a truly remarkable and unique e-course, that contains far too many magical goodies that I’m counting down the days (7) for the course to begin! I would love for you to join me and others just like us in The Declaration of You.

I am an affiliate for The Declaration of You, which means if you use the link above to enroll in the e-course, I receive a small percentage of the fee. As you know, I am an affiliate for pretty much nothing so when I do become one for a product/course, it means I wholeheartedly believe that it is AMAZING.

For Your Inspiration: A Gift from Kind Over Matter and Spring

Carolyn — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:00:43 +0000

Spring is here! Inspiration is blooming!

I’m excited to share an incredibly inspiring project with you today. The amazing women behind Kind Over Matter, Jenn Gibson and Amanda Oaks, invited the Spring girls (yup, that includes me!) to collaborate on a free printable affirmation gift set - just for you!

There are a total of 36 affirmations and instructions to create a gorgeous box to hold the affirmations year round. The patterns were designed by Spring’s Jess Gonacha Swift!

Create a beautiful gift for yourself and those you cherish.

The Printable Affirmation Gift Set

Download Carolyn’s Affirmations (set of 6 affirmation cards)
Visit Kind Over Matter’s post to download more goodies & Find out where to download each contributor’s affirmations – it’s a fun little scavenger hunt!
Breathe and Soak in the Inspiration!

Wishing you a beautiful spring filled with bright days!

Tuesday Treasures: Begin.

Carolyn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:29:51 +0000

“Tuesday Treasures” is a weekly series. Each Tuesday, I highlight information and inspiration related to a specific topic. This week’s focus: BEGIN.

: : begin : :

… to create from a blank canvas
… to experience
… to take the first step
… to take bold action (“gulp!”)
… to start
… to let go
… to trust yourself

There is beauty in being a beginner.

Fresh

New video is live on Spring! During the month of March, we are talking about one hot topic: MONEY! The first video (of four) is focused on this question: How do you trust that you can do what you love and the money will follow? And of course, new video = new giveaway. Spend a few minutes relaxing today with Spring – a video conversation with four unique perspectives!

Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful statements/phrases that help motivate you to take a leap of faith, to trust yourself, and to begin. [Affirmations have many meanings; however, in this context, we'll use the definition above.]
- Printable Affirmation Gift Set Freebie by Kind Over Matter
- Create your own affirmation cards. Read: How to Use a Mirror, a Pack of Index Cards and a Pen to Change Your Life

Handmade Inspiration

Seedling – A mini seedling sprouting from a planting pot by Do Little Design
Dreamsetting Kit – One of many inspiring products in the 101Birdtales Shop
Begin Necklace – Etched Silver Necklace by Lisa Hopkins
Explore. Dream. Discover. – Print with Mark Twain Quote by Earmark

Inspiring Words

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Mark Twain

Give yourself permission to forge beyond the resistance and BEGIN. Today.

What will you begin today?

{image: Jennifer Morris}

Inspired by Kind Over Matter

Carolyn — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:22:39 +0000

Confession: I have a huge blog crush on Kind Over Matter. When I saw that A Beautiful Ripple Effect and Spring were featured, my heart skipped a beat! Swooning aside, I must share this little gem with you. It is home to all things positive – images, words, printables, DIY projects, and so much more.

Amanda Oaks and Jenn Gibson created Kind Over Matter to focus on kind acts, inspirational art, and kind projects. When I need a quick inspirational fix, this is my go to blog! If you’re creating your own “50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day” List, I suggest a visit!

All images are free downloads/projects from Kind Over Matter.

50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day

Carolyn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:39 +0000

It’s pretty gloomy in New England this time of year. It feels like darkness has completely overpowered natural sunshine. While I could dwell on the negative aspects of winter, I am shifting my mindset this season. Everyday, I have committed to doing at least one thing that brings me joy. In order for this to actually work, I created a little list to reference when it’s time for my daily dose of joy. It’s simple, fun, and has a tremendous influence on my general wellbeing.

This little list of 50 items includes some of my personal “joy” favorites. EnJOY!

1. Smile.

2. Write a thank-you note to yourself (on your best stationery, of course).

3. Venture outside for a five-minute walk.

4. Indulge in a delicious piece of chocolate (or hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows!).

5. Find a piece of jewelry you haven’t worn in awhile – feels just like vintage shopping!

6. Pick fresh flowers or send yourself a little bouquet of favorite flowers.

7. Laugh – Visit a funny blog, watch a movie, or spend time with someone who makes you laugh.

8. Find serenity at a favorite local spot (ex. a park, a lake, a coffee shop, a little nook in your house or office).

9. Take one action towards a goal or dream.

10. Hit the pause button and spend five-minutes alone – allow your mind to become quiet.

11. Bake a favorite treat with a family member or friend — or bake alone and surprise someone special with yummy treats.

12. Discover an uplifting and fun song – something new.

13. Slow down and enjoy a long brunch.

14. Try a new fitness class.

15. Indulge in watching tv or reading a magazine – guilt free!

16. Declare a vacation day – write it BIG on your calendar so you get to anticipate this upcoming personal time (a vacation day can fall on the weekend).

17. Do a good deed — help someone else find joy.

18. Treat yourself to a favorite cup of coffee or tea – enjoy the flavors and activate your senses.

19. Be goofy! Dance around your room to your favorite music.

20. Explore the inspirational and joyful blog, Kind Over Matter.

21. Draw for fun.

22. Get rid of two items in your physical environment that make you feel negative.

23. Bite into a piece of fresh fruit.

24. Wear a color that makes you feel confident and joyful!

25. Write down three things that you are grateful for.

26. Call a supportive friend – or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.

27. Watch the sunset from a beautiful location.

28. Discover something new.

29. Start a book that you’ve been meaning to read.

30. Begin a fun DIY project.

31. Frame a photo of a favorite memory.

32. Take five deep breaths and stretch.

33. Browse books at your local book store (may I suggest one book in particular, Perseverance).

34. Interview yourself (sounds foolish, but can be oh so fun!).

35. Try a new recipe.

36. Learn something new (ex. a new hobby or craft).

37. Redesign (use what you already own to redesign your space) an area of your office or home.

38. Write a thoughtful comment on a personal blog you read (comments mean the world to me – hint hint!).

39. Create a list of 10 things you love about your significant other – surprise him/her with the list.

40. Look on the bright side.

41. Take a short, relaxing nap. Wake up rejuvenated.

42. Ask for support from those you trust with a problem – solving a problem definitely adds joy to the day.

43. Disconnect for lunch – close your door, turn off the computer and blackberry, and simply enjoy a peaceful lunch break.

44. Search for a hidden treasure on Ebay or Etsy.

45. Write a hope note and leave it for someone to find.

46. Connect with your fellow tweeters. Send a tweet with a joyful message.

47. Donate one item (or your time) to a local charity.

48. Create a collage (or browse the outstanding galleries) on Polyvore.

49. Create a list of 10 things that make you happy – your own personal “joy” list.

50. Make a commitment to do at least one thing per day that adds joy to your life.