Cultivating Kindness
During a busy spring, when work felt overwhelming, I offered to host a birthday party for a friend at my home. Even though I was feeling exhausted, I decided to put in extra effort to make the event special—not just for the birthday girl, but for our entire group of friends.
I chose a tulip theme because my friend had recently visited Holland. I gathered Dutch wooden children’s clogs, a Royal Delft ceramic house from my 2003 trip to the Netherlands, and assorted bud vases for the flowers. We set up in the backyard, everyone dressed up, and the evening turned out beautifully.
Putting in extra effort for people I care about was not only a way to express kindness, but it also took my mind off stress and allowed both my guests and me to unwind and enjoy a memorable evening.
I love planning parties and entertaining at home, but maybe that’s not your thing—and that’s okay. There are many ways to do something special for the people in your life. This month’s kindness challenge: Organize something thoughtful for yourself and someone you enjoy spending time with—invite them for brunch, meet for coffee, or take a walk together on a beautiful day. You’ll likely find that your kindness not only makes your friend feel special but also nourishes your own spirit.
