Dreamscape Jewelry Design

August 10, 2025: Seeking Acts of Kindness

“NO ACT OF KINDNESS IS TOO SMALL. THE GIFT OF KINDNESS MAY START AS A SMALL RIPPLE THAT OVER TIME CAN TURN INTO A TIDAL WAVE AFFECTING THE LIVES OF MANY.”

Kevin Heath

Admidst the daily onslaught of dismaying and sometimes terrifying news, there has been a ripple of events beginning with a story I read, to a gift from a stranger’s child , that once again reminded me of the power of kindness.

This past week I read a book The Second Chance Book Club by Stephanie Butland, which once again emphasized the impact and power of kindness. In this heartwarming novel, a young woman discovers her belated aunt’s journals, of which the aunt kept for most of her life. In these journals, the aunt recorded acts of kindness that she had witnessed each day, as well as ones she herself had perpetuated. She had began these journals as a way to counteract a tragic event in her life and discovered how this seeminlgy, simple ritual over time, eased her sorrow and illuminated a path that positively impacted the rest of her life and that of others.

I have written before about the power of kindness (http://dreamscapejewelry.com/?s=kindness), and believe that our country and world need this more than ever before. After I finished the book, I began reflecting on this practice of “seeking acts of kindness”. I found that focusing my attention on the “goodness” of others helped to alleviate my fears about the state of our world, while the steady diet of news and social media seem to activate responses of anxiety, fear and negative judgements.

During this period of reflection, I also discovered an actual non-profit foundation Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, https://www.randomactsofkindness.org which was founded in 1995 in the US and is now based in Denver, Colorado. Their mission is to inspire and facilitate kindness through free resources for communities, families, schools and workplaces. On this site, I was reminded again that there have been scientific studies on implementing and receivng acts of kindness.https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-science-of-kindness which illustrate how these behaviors can positively impact us emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. In addition, there is a treasure trove of information and resources for willing practiioners of kindness. In fact, they have coined the term RAKtivist, as a description of individuals throuhout the world who are dedicated to spreading kindness. This discovery of individuals who are dedicated to kindness was another beam of light in a dismal news cycle. Rather than feeling helpless in the face of so much controversy in our world, I want to be part of this movement of compassion and care. When the conflicts and controversies of our modern world seem overwhelming, we can feel powerless and lose hope. Seeking kindness and practcing it can be a potential and positive alternative to despair. Like ripples in a pond, we can realize that we do have the power to change the lives of others and of ourselves.

During a show last weekend, I noticed a young girl, waiting patiently in line at our booth. I initially thought she was with one of the customers. But when it was her turn, and I asked “how I could help her”,” she handed me a torn piece of pink construction paper. On it, she had written, “you have the beauty of a crystal inside of you.”

It was an unexpected surprise, so I asked her, “who she was?” and she replied “Darby”. I thanked her for this “special gift”. Darby then asked me, “what did I prefer in colors, pink, yellow or green?” My response was, “I love all colors.” Darby smiled and left, only to return a short while later, with three crystals…..pink, yellow and green. She acknowledged that they weren’t real jewels, but I told her that they were “gifts of kindness”, to be treasured and had made my day:”

Kindness, in its most basic level, is showing consideration for others. It is the complete opposite of being apathetic, cruel, harmful or insensitive. When we begin seeking and witnessing the acts of kindness in others, it can be the incentive to increase our own acts of kindness. Ultimately, these simple choices will increase our own sense of happiness and well-being as well as that of others. We can change the seemingly prevalent tide of fear, indifference and resentment towards others, into one of compassion and care.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my reflections. I invite you to share it with someone who might find it meaningful. Once again, I’m including quotes I have found to be inspirational about kindness. If you have thoughts on this blogpost, or additional quotes that inspire you, share them in the comment below.

In Peace and Kindness,

Wendy Oellers-Fulmer

Inspirational Quotes on Kindness

“IMAGINE WHAT OUR REAL NEIGHBORHOODS WOULD BE LIKE IF EACH OF US OFFERED, AS A MATTER OF COURSE, JUST ONE KIND WORD TO ANOTHER PERSON.”

Mister Rogers

“HOW DO WE CHANGE THE WORLD? ONE RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS AT A TIME”

Morgan Freeman

“I HAVE NEVER MET A PERSON WHOSE GREATEST NEED WAS ANYTHING OTHER THAN REAL, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. YOU CAN FIND IT IN A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS TOWARD SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP. THERE IS NO MISTAKING LOVE, IT IS THE COMMON FIBER OF LIFE, THE FLAME THAT HEATS OUR SOUL, ENERGIZES OUR SPIRIT AND SUPPLIES PASSION TO OUR LIVES.”

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

“WHEREVER THERE IS A HUMAN BEING, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A KINDNESS.”

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“A SINGLE ACT OF KINDNESS THROWS OUT ROOTS IN ALL DIRECTIONS, AND THE ROOTS SPRING UP AND MAKE NEW TREES.”

Amelia Earhart

“THE IDEALS WHICH HAVE LIGHTED MY WAY, AND TIME AFTER TIME HAVE GIVEN ME NEW COURAGE TO FACE LIFE CHEERFULLY, HAVE BEEN KINDNESS, BEAUTY, AND TRUTH”

Albert Einstein

“UNEXPECTED KINDNESS IS THE MOST POWERFUL, LEAST COSTLY, AND MOST UNDERRATED AGENT OF HUMAN CHANGE.”

Bob Kerrey

“TENDERNESS AND KINDNESS ARE NOT SIGNS OF WEAKNESS AND DESPAIR, BUT MANIFESTATIONS OF STRENGTH AND RESOLUTION.”

Kahlil Gibran

“ASK YOURSELF: HAVE YOU BEEN KIND TODAY? MAKE KINDNESS YOUR MODUS OPERANDI AND CHANGE YOUR WORLD. ”

Annie Lennox

“CONSTANT KINDNESS CAN ACCOMPLISH MUCH. AS THE SUN MAKES ICE MELT, KINDNESS CAUSES MISUNDERSTANDING, MISTRUST, AND HOSTILITY TO EVAPORATE.”

Albert Schweitzer

“KINDNESS CAN TRANSFORM SOMEONE’S DARK MOMENT WITH A BLAZE OF LIGHT. YOU’LL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR CARING MATTERS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ANOTHER TODAY.”

Amy Leigh Mercree

“DO YOUR LITTLE BIT OF GOOD WHERE YOU ARE; IT’S THOSE LITTLE BITS OF GOOD PUT TOGETHER THAT OVERWHELM THE WORLD.”

Desmond Tutu

For some thoughts on spreading the seeds of kindness in your own life and community: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/home/calendars/2025/2025_RAK_kindness_calendar.pdf

Another site that I stumbled upon, also shared ideas on spreading the seeds of kindness: https://www.youareagardener.com/post/you-are-a-gardener-spreading-the-seeds-of-positive-change?srsltid=AfmBOorw-GNSFdVT5p48BvTVgOOP7gGqQv83EmH9ucD01O0ncpxjoIFT