56.

SCHEDULE TIME FOR KINDNESS

Admittedly, when I first thought of this strategy a few years ago, I initially discounted it as being somewhat shallow. After all, I thought, if I’m a kind person, why in the world would I have to schedule time for kindness? However, I gave it a try, and much to my surprise, it has turned out to be extremely helpful in making me a kinder and more gentle person. Essentially, the idea evolved out of my observation that it’s so easy to get caught up in my own little world that I can sometimes forget to slow down enough to practice the acts of kindness that I truly want to be a regular part of my life.

Obviously, the goal for many of us is to be kind all (or at least most) of the time. This strategy is not in conflict with this goal—it’s a reinforcement of it. I’ve discovered that when I actually schedule time in my calendar for kindness, there is a natural and effortless overflow into the rest of my life. In other words, when I actually set aside time to be kind, it’s easier for kindness to permeate the rest of my life.

The way this strategy works is really quite simple. You look at your calendar and set aside a little time on a regular basis—ten minutes, thirty, an hour, whatever you want—and you stick to it, like any other important scheduled appointment. During this time, you drop everything else you are doing and give this time of kindness your undivided attention.

This scheduled time for kindness is reserved for doing something (anything) thoughtful for someone else. Sometimes I use this time to write a heartfelt letter to someone I love or appreciate, write a check to charity, or make a phone call to someone for no other reason than to say “I love you.” Other times, I’ll reflect on ways I can contribute to society in more effective ways, or think of ways in which I might contribute in a positive way to someone else’s life. Or I’ll plan an event or plan to attend one—a food drive, a litter pickup, an AIDS walk, or something else. Or I’ll simply close my eyes and think good thoughts for other people. What you do is absolutely up to you. There is no right or wrong way to practice this strategy. The only thing that’s important here is that your intentions are loving.

This strategy has proven very powerful and effective in my life. It helps keep me centered and on track with my own stated goals. My hope is that kindness be very close to the top of my priority list, not only in my words and intentions but backed up by my actions as well. This exercise keeps me constantly reminded of this goal. It’s a time for me to reflect on whether or not I’m moving in the right direction in this area of my life, and if not, it offers me an opportunity to make some simple adjustments. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you give this simple idea a try; it will encourage kindness and love in all aspects of your life.