From 2011 to 2016 I was pleased to be able to have done 365days where I did a kind deed every day(& 366days in the leap year)!
In 2017 I am doing it again...my aim is to inspire others into action by showing them how simple it is to do kind acts for others. I do this by doing a kind act a day. I do this by sharing my story and some ideas for living a kinder life. Kinder for others, kinder for ourselves, kinder for the planet. Welcome to 365days of kindness!
Today marks the 40th Anniversary of my Grandfathers (my mums dad) death. So we just celebrated this Scottish mans life by drinking his favourite Scotch Whiskey and playing cards on this traditionally Irish celebration of Saint Patrick's life. My grandfather had a healthy sense of humour too. Playing cards and raising our glasses to his memory...We had a lot of fun.
I really wanted to start this Game of Lent Gifting to have fun as well as make my life easier in the future. So today's thing to gift was something that was fun to use when I needed it but it's also fun to give to someone else to enjoy. I love general knowledge. I know my friends and family have laughed sharing the stupid and random information that stays with all of us. So I'm glad I can share this with someone else.
I often take life too seriously. I know it. But I also make sure I laugh a lot. In the weirdest and more complicated situations I often find something to laugh about or to share a giggle with a friend.
My niece and nephew have also both found their niches with jokes and jokes books. So I can giggle with my niece and nephew over bad knock knock jokes. I really appreciate their humour.
Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Make sure that, not matter what is going on in your life, you take time to laugh and make yourself feel good. Comedy shows and comedians are just a couple suggestions. Because honestly sometimes we just need to laugh our heads off and feel good.
How is it going? Simple ideas seem to be the go. Didn't you just love the "Forest Man" video? So good.
I talked about replacing tissues for Handkerchiefs today. When I packed my bag to come to Canberra, Australia, I packed as many handkerchiefs as I did underpants. Having been sick I wanted to be prepared for anything. And so far I am please I did. We used a couple as napkins after I managed to spill a whole bunch of stuff everywhere on a picnic. I've used them to blow my nose after reading too many beautiful stories about kindness (my favourite reason to cry). I have even used them to wipe the sweat off my fave after going for a run! Yay. Go me.
I thought I would show you one of my favourite handkerchiefs.
It used to belong to my dad. His initials are embroidered on it. Every time I use it I think of my dad. He was an amazing and environmentally minded man, so it seems so appropriate that I share it with you all this month.
I also love how handkerchiefs are making a come back. Has anyone seen the movie "The Intern" with Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway? Well amazingly handkerchiefs play a pretty cool role in that movie. Bringing them back into fashion.
So today is another K.I.S.S. Principal. Remember it's Keep It Simple Sweetheart. We don't have any stupid people here!
Sustainable September Day Eight: use a metal or glass straw instead of a plastic one.
A few days ago we watched clips from the Zero Waste front liners. One of them pointed out the stupidity of straws. Something that you use once and then goes in the bin because it's useless after one use which may only be seconds. Then these pieces of plastic end up in the bellies and noses of someone of our most precious wildlife. Hopefully you all remember the video from last year of the turtle with the straw stuck in its nasal passage. It was seriously heartbreaking and more than a little gross.
For Christmas last year I bought my family 10 metal straws between six of us. I usually keep 2 on me, in my handbag. One for me and one for whoever I am with. Usually mum and I. It works well. But often we really don't need to use straws at all.
I know there exceptions for using straws. Some people have to for face or teeth surgery. I couldn't have done without a straw when I had my wisdom teeth out. Then there are the elderly (like my dad used) because all their food is liquid. And it helps regulate how much they consume in one hit, stopping them from choking. Dads nursing home has special cups with built in straws so he didn't need to use throw away ones.
When you think about it, most places you would use straws are related to soft drink or cocktails.
If you think about the straws from fast food venues, they use those stupid plastic caps for the straw to go through too. That is more plastic going to landfill and it even has the potential to end up in the ocean and stomachs of wildlife. Mind you, even if you swap out the straw for a metal or glass one, then you are still making a huge difference. Make sure you tell them no straw when you order your drink/meal.
If you think about cocktails or soft drinks from restaurants, you need to talk to the bartender before they make the drink because if they have already been added to the drink they won't use it again, they will just throw it without it ever having been used. Which is a stupid tragedy all of itself.
Asking for no straw is something that takes a bit of time to get used to but once you do, it's just like any other habit, it happens naturally.
Kindness idea: purchase a glass or metal straw for a friend.
I decided this was a good kindness for me after last year. I ended up saving them to give as Christmas gifts. My niece and nephew love using the metal straws I bought them. They particularly love to drink their smoothies or milkshakes through them. Best thing about the metal ones is that they won't break if dropped, which is the best option for kids.
The glass straws are very pretty and you can SEE how clean they are. Usually all reusable straws come with a cleaning brush so it's easy to clean. It's also cool to see the water/juice/cocktails/milkshake/soft drink go through the glass straws.
Front lines: all I can say is... This kid is awesome! I just love how kids are the ones fighting for the small changes that will make big differences in the long run.
This interview is even better with more statistics.
Well done Milo! Now we just need to get something like this off the ground here in Australia!
Are you okay? Today is 'R U OK?' Day. This is a day to ask those around you if they are actually okay. You do not need to solve anyones problem, just listen to what someone else has to tell you. Be supportive and act with kindness. Remember that age old adage... "everyone we meet is fighting a hard battle."
How did you go creating a rubbish free lunch? Did you reduce the amount of rubbish used?
I told you the other day that my Bamboo Toothbrush had arrived. I had my first use of them and I was surprised that they were very similar to the usual toothbrushes. I don't know why I expected anything different. I have to say... Bamboo Toothbrushes are pretty good. I used the medium bristle strength one
(same rigidity as my usual toothbrushes) and it was basically the same. Not only
are they good for your teeth they are excellent for the environment too!
:)
*uses the force* this is not a dirty mirror... this is not a dirty mirror... these are not the droids you are looking for *Un-uses the force*
My niece and I brushing our teeth together.
Just a quick reminder that I do these Sustainable September Ideas a day in advance so you have time to plan ahead yourselves. Sometimes I am not so organised getting it done super early. Whoops. :)
So tomorrows Sustainable September kindness idea is: September 11: Walk to work or school.
This morning I walked my niece and nephew to school not far from my
sisters house. And I was reminded how good it is for us and the
environment. I was given the chance to really appreciate the beauty of
the environment, and be grateful for the blessings that have been
bestowed on us. Particularly that I was not rained on as I walked too and from the school.
My niece and nephew walking to school. Both kids growing up so fast!
I saw this beautiful Kangaroo Paw flower walking home from dropping the kids at school. So beautiful! :)
Most times I walk to work AND catch public transport. Thankfully I live close to easily accessible trains and my workplace is not far from the cities central hub, so it makes it easier to walk.
This is what my walk to work usually involves. The view of the City of Perth from the Claisebrook Bridge. Such a nice way to walk to work.
KINDNESS IDEA: If it is raining (and it was today) share your umbrella with someone. Or if you know ahead of time, offer to go in a car together. Car pooling also helps lower congestion on motor ways but also reduced the environmental impact compared to when everyone drives to work.
Please always be aware of your own personal safety and make decisions based on what is safe for you.
I hope this finds you all doing alright. And if you are not okay today, that is alright too.
Sending love and hugs to you all.
Love Daena xx
Today I worked on getting the next (2013) 365days of kindness album completed! Although I'm not very far through I have made a start and to me that is important! It means that I am only 11.5months behind in putting my kindnesses into photo albums! Which is kind of funny!
My kindnesses today included the above scrap booking, helping my niece with her blessings, encouraging my nephew with his blessings by listening to them, helping my brother in law get dinner ready, doing some tidying up at my sisters house! I also sent some love to a friend who needed some TLC!
Keeping your kindnesses simple, makes life simple and beautiful!
Today was a good day... Relaxed and spent with family which is always nice!
One kindness today was helping my dyslexic nephew write his blessings (10 things he is grateful for -he does this everyday like I do), and listening as my 5 year old niece read her (5 blessings) to me! I love encouraging both of them in their blessings because it promotes a healthy & happy life! :)
I also helped my sister with her newsletter for her craft business! I coloured in a whole bunch of stamped cards (for added colour), and cut out a whole lot more little butterflies that have been added to the first card so it looks awesome! :)
I have also started sorting out and preparing for a friends hens and kitchen tea parties (as I'm the maid of honour)! Co-ordination & sourcing stuff to make both events unforgettable! :)
