“I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love” 

– J.R.R Tolkien, in his acclaimed book The Hobbit.

Kindness | Word of the Year 2023 | WOTY

I know I’ve been super quiet ever since the new year started; without even giving any of you a heads-up. Apologies, but I’m back, and hopefully will be more consistent going forward. 

And please be warmed, errr warned (it may warm your hearts too;-)) this is a Long Post alert. That’s what happens when you write after a hiatus. 😉

You may wonder what I have been upto. I’ve spent all of January reflecting, travelling, writing for my work with wildlife and sustainability, and last but not at all the least, imbibing my Word of the Year (WOTY) – Kindness. My WOTY  was mostly in place as the new year began, but I needed time to watch how I could work around it.

So, here I am; embracing every bit of Kindness that I can, for myself and those around me.

 

Why Be Kind | Why I Chose Kindness as My Word of the Year 2023 

We live in a partially broken world, riddled with hatred, intolerance, anger, grudges and distrust; all of which keep us away from being the truest versions of ourselves. But kindness and love is a glue that holds us together, lightens the burdens we carry, creates a ripple effect of love and bonhomie. Kindness has the power to transform people and situations.

Kindness can heal. A simple act of kindness can go a long way in transforming lives.

 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV rightly said:

“This is my simple religion. No need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.”

I have realised that more often than not, the language we speak to ourselves is unkind, loaded with judgement and self-deprecating words. We knowingly, or unknowingly put ourselves down, and sometimes try to compare ourselves to others; while placing them on a pedestal. 

Kindness begins with us. If we are kind to our own selves and the personal dialogue or voice we use for ourselves is kind, we can infect others with the same kind of emotion. When we judge ourselves, we judge others too.

Our environment truly is a reflection of ourselves.

This blue planet of ours continues to be torn with much strife and hatred, but all things done with a kind heart can have a ripple effect. Each small act of kindness can go a long way in changing people’s hearts. 

Kindness begets kindness. Therefore, I chose Kindness as my Word of the Year.

Sprinkle kindness like confetti; and watch the world around you change for the better. Share on X

WOTYs from the Years Gone By

Looking back at my WOTYs from the past, and here are the words that defined and healed me.

Nurture  in 2018

Breathe in 2019

Self-Love/Self-Care for 2020 (Didn’t got around to writing about it, but managed to follow it to the T.)

Aligned in 2021

Balanced Flow in 2022 and here’s how I fared with it. 

I am grateful how wonderfully all these words played out in my life, teaching me new lessons, helping me grow, heal and let go of all that no longer served me.

Setting up a new word every year does not translate to letting go of those that we chose in the years past. I continue to work with them till date. It’s just that a new word becomes the theme for that specific year.

 

Moving Forward with Kindness in my Heart | How to be Kind

 

“No one has ever become poor by giving,”

Anne Frank

There is no other gift like kindness. It makes us the richest and fills our hearts with overflowing love, peace and joy.

Some of the ways I practise and intend to practise being kind to myself and those around me, in the year ahead are listed here:

1. Self Care:

Being mindful of the words I speak to myself, or about myself. Not comparing myself with others, as we are all unique and on our own journeys, mostly walking each other home. Remembering that – “Kindness begins with oneself.”

Taking time to meditate, practise yoga, go on nature walks with myself and my furry girls, spend time birding and watching wildlife, spend time in the lap of nature, watch sunsets and sunrises, unplug from technology, read every single day, write a journal, take myself on dates, dance, garden, listen to music, eat nourishing foods and sometimes even cheat with the not-so healthy ones, watch some soulful films and shows, pamper myself with all the homemade bath salts, face-packs, oils, scrubs etc., I’ve lovingly prepared. Take breaks, to write away from home. Some days in the lap of nature, sometimes at the cafe next door. 

 

2. Operating from a Space of Loving Kindness:

“Hugs. Not Horns.” – Chris Abraham

Moving through life in a state of metta or loving kindness for those who carry hate, pain and trauma in their hearts. To forgive effortlessly, like I always have. To rejoice in others’ victory and progress, accept them with their flaws, without engaging from a space of judgement. Choose my words wisely. To respond with compassion and not react with exasperation, as much as I can.

Our words can nourish people and turn them into spectacular beings.

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness” – Audrey Hepburn

Kindness begins at home, and sometimes we are unkind to the ones we love the most. A very important lesson is to treat everyone equally, and the way I wish to be treated myself- with kindness.

Loving Kindness does not just include being kind to people and family around me, but to nature and wildlife. To be aware of the things I use and buy, so that they don’t impact the planet in the long run. Staying single use plastic free, repurposing, reusing, pitching in to save and conserve wildlife, nature and Mother Gaia. 

3. Expressing Kindness without Expecting:

Kindness does not always need to be returned with a kind favour or a thank you. Sometimes the purest experience of kindness is just the joy of giving, and the wholesome compassion that surrounds it. 

My mother-in-law once told me, “When you help others don’t expect them to return your favour. You will be surprised that  help comes from the most unknown people, quarters and strangers.”  I etched these words in my heart and thereafter have had innumerable experiences to prove these words.

I shall continue to help homeless people, the less privileged and homeless animals and those that need caring for; like I have in the years gone by. That gives me a sense of fulfilment like no other. 

“Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  – Plato/Socrates/Philo

Where I Have Been Going with Kindness So Far

Operating from a space of compassion, gratitude and loving kindness has left me feeling far more happier, recharged, peaceful and healed. It has enriched my days and kept my interactions joyous and wholesome. 

 

I feel far more grounded practising this word from my heart. I stop myself in the tracks, if I judge myself or others, and replace the thought with loving kindness. It makes things lighter, optimistic and helps with my healing journey. 

Like every year I distributed blankets and food during these cold winters. I keep buying the security guard by the cafe next door, some hot meals. I carry little food items or gifts for the homeless at the traffic lights.

I’m more tolerant towards my loved ones, without being quick to judge or react. It’s lent a whole lot of inner peace and camaraderie.

I start my mornings by being kind to myself and the day ahead. I write a gratitude journal every morning and at bed time. It proves to be a reminder that there is so much to be grateful for. It paves way for more kindness in my heart. 

Kindness has been my confetti of bliss. I hope to keep powering along with it, as the year goes by. And I know new doors are sure to open with kindness.

Do you have a Word of the Year for 2023?

If yes, would love to hear yours; if not what word would you like to work with?

I can even help you frame yours if you like. Let’s talk.

Sprinkling kindness, love, light and laughter your way.

Warm hugs, laced with kindness and love. ♥♥

Natasha

[ In another news: My blog was listed 21 among the Top 100 lifestyle blogs of India, by FeedSpot early this January 2023.]

 

Linking up with lovely Lisa for “How well we know our Word of the Year”,

Also jumping in with the incredible Cathy and Alana for Monday Mewsic Moves, terrific Trent for Weekly Smiles and my magnificent Wordless Wednesday gang Sandee, Keith, Suzana, Brian, Steve this week.