The Ultimate Gift of Kindness

By Judith Ashley

Stressing out over what other people think is not an act of kindness to ourselves. I remember a time in the 1960’s when my parents were coming to visit. My husband worked two jobs in lumber mills, we had a German Shepard and a new baby. A very clear memory is my insisting that my husband move the refrigerator and stove out from the wall so I could clean behind them before my parents arrived.

The logic of what would actually happen on the visit escaped me at the time. They were coming to see their first grandchild. My husband and I, our house, etc. were extraneous.

The reality of whether my mother would ever pull my refrigerator and stove out to see if I’d cleaned behind them lost in a mental sea of anxiety.

Over the years I’ve come to see how much of the stress in my life is self-created. Worry about something that hasn’t happened and may never happen affects one’s mental, physical and spiritual health.

This past week, Friday and Saturday to be exact, I gave myself the ultimate gift of kindness. I treated myself to hours of watching the Breeder’s Cup. I didn’t miss a race. When American Pharaoh won the Breeder’s Cup Classic, I was cheering from my couch with tears in my eyes. I’d seen all of his races since the Kentucky Derby. At some point in the coverage they showed the stats of the last five Triple Crown winners. I’d seen the last four winners race.

Today I’m inviting you to take the Ultimate Kindness pledge and give yourself something that represents kindness this week (and beyond). If you do, you’ll make a choice that will positively impact your life.

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual traditions that nurture the soul. The first five books in the series are available through major e-vendors and Judith’s Windtree Press Author page and website.

Follow Judith on Twitter: @JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s FB page here.

If you missed the race, click the Breeder's Cup Classic link and watch horse racing history being made. Enjoy!!!

Intend Kindness

Like many people this past week, I watched coverage of Pope Francis’s visit to the United States. What I was particularly struck with was the Pope’s consistent message both in words and actions of inclusion and kindness.

This post is going to be very short because the message is very simple.

When you read this, set an intention to treat everyone you meet with kindness.

This post is going to be very short because the message is very simple.

When you read this, set an intention to treat everyone you meet with kindness.

Be mindful of your thoughts.

Be mindful of your words.

Be mindful of your actions.

I’m not saying being kind to everyone in thoughts, words, and deeds will be easy but give it a try.

See how it changes your world and the world of those around you.

And, if you want to challenge yourself make the commitment to treat everyone with kindness for a week. I’m going for the week because I have several days in a row when I’ll be writing and therefore not out and about.

I’d love to know how this challenge worked for you.

What was easiest?

What was hardest?

My final question is: How would your life and the world be different if treating everyone we meet with kindness was practiced by everyone?

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual traditions that nurture the soul.

She is also on the Senior Teaching Faculty for TheWilliam Glasser Institute International.

Follow Judith on Twitter @JudithAshley19

Learn more about Judith’s books here.

Judith is on Facebook here.