I am participating in the kindness challenge directed by Niki at The Richness of a Simple Life. This is week #3 and the challenge that I concentrated on this week was to be more aware of my thoughts and judgements and to turn these thoughts away from criticism and toward kindness.
This was the most difficult week of the challenge. I found that my kind thoughts were much rarer than my kind words and deeds. The difficulty with kind thoughts is that I had to think about the other person instead of making a snap judgement and moving onto thinking about more entertaining things – like myself.
I have made some progress this week. The progress had come in the form of awareness. At least now when the thoughtless criticism or judgement comes to mind I am aware of what I am doing. I have started to examine these moments of thoughtlessness and to slow down enough in my thinking to call myself out on what I am doing. I started to really think about the person whose actions I so quickly passed judgement upon. And I have tried to reframe my thinking toward a kinder outcome.
Again, I will tell you that this has been very challenging. At times I feel like that old cartoon of the devil being on one shoulder and an angel on the other.
I listen to the angel and try to understand the other person’s actions and remove the judgement and find some kind thought to replace the judgement. And then, the devil leans in and whispers in my ear, “Oh this is just a bunch of baloney; you know that you are right.”
Obviously I still have a lot of work to do as a result of Week #3’s Challenge.
Wishing you a week filled in with kind thoughts,
Love your honesty! And your commitment to this focus on kindness. Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good post Bernadette, I can relate to this very much. Have a happy weekend my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even though you found this challenging, I actually think there’s really something to celebrate in recognizing the challenge of it. That moment of awareness is exactly what is necessary to pull you out of autopilot and make a conscious decision of how you are going to respond. And ultimately whether you lean towards your “angel” or “devil” voice, you know you’ve made a conscious decision. Wishing you a wonderful new week filled with lot of kindness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your very thoughtful response.
LikeLike
Bernadette, I know you found this week challenging, but at least you’re more aware of your judgments. This is a positive step forward. You’re doing great!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with previous commenters Bernadette. I think you recognizing the the thoughts, being aware of them and making a decision to analyze them is a big step in itself. If this is something you struggle with, mastering it in a week isn’t always realistic. Being mindful of it to change over time is something that will help you detox from it so to speak. I think you did an excellent job, and it will get even better the more you work on it. Thank you so much for being so honest in your reflection, that’s not always easy. Don’t forget that you can always take the lessons from one week with you into those that follow. I can’t wait to see what this week has in store for you! Thanks again for participating! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Niki. I feel good about having identified where I need to do More work. Hopefully I’ll get that devil off my shoulders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe in you completely 🙂
LikeLike
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, our thoughts run away with us and go do their own thing. I enjoyed reading your candid thoughts and the important thing is the mindfulness that you are paying to this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the encouragement Jacqueline.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all need it. I appreciate people who are honest to themselves and others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An honest and open post Bernadette! I like hearing about this challenge! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, thought provoking post, Bernadette! I don’t you’re the only one guilty of quick judgments in your mind – this is a real prompt to myself as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Annika for reading this crazy self expose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so easy to slip up.
LikeLike
I’m sure most of us can really identify with your thoughts. It is a challenge to catch ourselves sometimes before we speak… or ‘think’ negative thoughts. I find sometimes it’s even a couple of seconds before I do speak, that I change my thinking. ‘Kindness’ is one of my favourite words.. and expressions. Easy to overlook it !
When I think of it, it’s really amazing how a positive thought or kind word instead of a criticism can sometimes make a world of difference for another person… Diane
LikeLiked by 1 person