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BY MARIA GARRIDO - 2 MINUTE READ

Spread joy and compassion this holiday season and create a ripple effect of kindness.

I believe in the power of kindness to transform our own well-being and touch the hearts of those around us, friend and stranger alike. As the holiday hustle and bustle begins, we can easily get caught up in the mad rush to prepare for the festivities. This year, I'm challenging myself and you to spend less time and energy buying the perfect gift and instead put your heart, mind and soul into identifying small acts of generosity that serve you the giver as much as the receiver.

Here is our guide to 12 days of Christmas kindness.

MINDFUL MOMENTS: DAY 1- 4

Day 1 - Ditch the Journal, try the Jar. Create a gratitude jar and fill it with colored paper notes about things you're grateful for. Encourage family members or your roomates to participate and drop their own gratitude notes in. Leave the jar readily accessible for anyone in your household to read the notes whenever they need a boost.

Day 2 - Mindful Eating: Bake or buy your favourite holiday treat and savor each bite. Be present with your food, appreciating its flavors and nourishing benefits. Consider sharing the treat with someone special, fostering a sense of connection.

Day 3 - Loving Meditation: Dedicate time to reflect on your day without judgment. This can be done on your commute home, for instance. Acknowledge the challenges and successes of your day and know that today, you are a different person than yesterday because you have grown with every experience life brings.

Day 4 - Digital Detox. Pick a day when you are not working and unplug from devices for a few hours or a full day. Use this time to connect with others over a warm cup of tea, read a book, go see the holiday lights in your city or take a brisk walk in the woods with the dog. It's a simple act of kindness towards yourself.

HEART-CENTERED ACTIONS: DAYS 5-8

Day 5 - Workplace Cheer: Forget secret Santa. Inspire everyday kindness in your place of work by setting the example. Bring in a box of pastries for your colleagues or set a warm cup of coffee on the desk of a coworker. These gestures can brighten someone's day and inspire a chain of positivity.

Day 6 - Volunteer or Donate: Extend kindness to the community. Volunteer your time or donate to a local charity. There's no rule that says you have to wait for spring cleaning to get rid of unused items, so get the family involved to clean out toys, clothing, etc. and take them to a local charity. Your efforts can make a significant impact for those in need, fostering a sense of community.

Day 7 - Support Local Businesses: Go to the holiday market near you and support local small businesses by shopping with them for unique and hand selected gifts. Your purchases contribute to the livelihood of your community and create a positive economic impact.

Day 8 - Eco-Friendly Choices: Make environmentally conscious choices, such as reducing waste or opting for sustainable products. For example, ditch the wrapping paper this year and instead use colorful scarves, bandanas, or any scrap fabric you have. The recipient can then reuse the fabric for other purposes. Kindness to the planet is an act of kindness to future generations.

SOULFUL CONNECTIONS: DAYS 9-12

Day 9 - Quality time with yourself. Give yourself some time every week to do something you love whether alone or with others. If it's easier, set the time aside on the weekends for an activity that doesn't require finding time to preplan, reserve, etc, an activity that is easily accessible to you. It can be taking a long bath, listening to a podcast, reading a book, knitting, coloring, whatever quiets your mind.

Day 10 - Forgiveness and Letting Go: Releasing any lingering resentment or grudges is a profound act of kindness that frees the soul from the weight of negativity. Pick up the phone and call that family member you have a prickly relationship with. Don't create unrealistic expectations around the encounter; it needn't be an emotionally-ridden, therapy-inducing conversation. A simple 'How have you been?' chat with no hidden agenda is already a tremendous step to repairing the relationship.

Day 11 - Express Gratitude: Put the power of gratitude to the service of others. Set aside, one small notebook for 2-4 of your closest family and friends. Take a few moments each day to jot down things you're thankful for in them. It can be something about their personality you love, like their quirky sense of humour, or simply a memorable and heartwarming conversation you had together recently. When you finally gather for holiday celebration, gift them your gratitude journal.

Day 12 - Reflection and Intentions: Take a moment to reflect on how you've spread kindness during these past 11 days and focus on setting intentions for the coming year that incorporate kindness into every day of your life, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the holiday season.

Wishing you a season filled with love, joy, and abundant kindness!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

❤️🎄

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