Development Digest - November 2024
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”
– Oscar Wilde
Kindness in Motion: A Season of Gratitude in Action
Next week is Thanksgiving here in the United States. As coaches, we witness many emotions associated with this and other holidays. Along with excitement, there can be anxiety, stress, loneliness, and other more challenging feelings. An antidote to experiencing these challenging emotions is to bring in gratitude. While traditionally, gratitude during this time of the year is often focused on appreciating the people in our lives and our experiences over the past year, we want to encourage you to go beyond simply feeling thankful. Can you express your gratitude through meaningful action?
We can all do this through small, genuine gestures that bring goodness to others’ lives.
When we think about giving to others, grand gestures often come to mind – extravagant gifts, large donations, charity events, and extensive volunteer efforts. While these are all beautiful and valuable contributions, small acts of kindness are just as transformative, both for the giver and the recipient.
Research shows that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can elevate our mood, reduce stress, and cultivate deeper connections.
Offering a warm smile or a kind word can uplift someone’s day. Whether it’s a brief conversation with a neighbor, a friendly greeting to a stranger, or an encouraging message to a friend, these small gestures remind people they’re seen and valued. Sometimes, what seems like a small moment to us can have a big impact on someone going through a tough time.
Kindness doesn’t have to be an event; it can be woven into our everyday routines. Holding the door open, letting someone go ahead in line, or paying for the coffee of the person behind you are all ways to practice kindness. The next time you feel stressed or rushed, consider shifting your perspective and finding an opportunity to create a small, joyous moment for someone else.
Communities are stronger when everyone supports one another. Think about simple ways to serve people nearby. Do you have an elderly neighbor who could use help with groceries or raking leaves? Perhaps there’s a local organization that could use some spare winter coats or non-perishable food donations as the colder months approach. Small acts that support our immediate community create a lasting, positive impact.
Sometimes, an act of kindness is simply letting someone know you care. Send a handwritten note or a heartfelt email to someone who’s made a difference in your life or even to someone you appreciate in a small way. Gratitude that’s expressed creates a bridge of kindness and can brighten someone’s entire week.
As we focus on kindness outwardly, it’s essential to bring it inward. Many of us are hard on ourselves, especially in times of stress or challenge. Practice extending kindness to yourself—permit yourself to rest, make time for activities you enjoy, and acknowledge your own efforts.
After all, a more compassionate self can create more compassion for others.
Every act of kindness creates a ripple that reaches further than we often know. Imagine if we each committed to one small act of kindness each day. What might that look like in our communities, and what kind of positive momentum could we build?
Consider how you might bring kindness into your daily life—not as a grand statement, but as a way of being. We can create a collective impact that brightens the world around us through small gestures.
Save the Date! January 1, 2025!
Our Morning Intentions podcast will resume on January 1, 2025, on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms.
We are looking forward to it and hope you are too! We will also have Facebook and Instagram pages dedicated solely to our podcast.
Please start thinking about the members of your family and the friends you will invite to join us!
Self-Care Tip of the Month:
The Art of the Pause
As the pace picks up with holiday preparations and end-of-year tasks, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity. Pausing, even for just a few moments, is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to maintain balance and reconnect with yourself.
A pause doesn’t need to be long to be meaningful. In fact, just a few moments of mindful stillness can reset your nervous system, reduce stress, and bring a sense of clarity. Here’s how you can integrate pauses into your day-to-day life to cultivate calm and resilience:
The Morning Reset: As you wake up, take a few minutes to sit quietly, place a hand on your heart, and take three slow, deep breaths. Set an intention for your day, such as staying grounded, being kind to yourself, or simply moving through the day with ease.
The Midday Recharge: During a busy workday, it’s easy to go from task to task without a break. Try pausing for a few moments around lunchtime. Step outside if you can, close your eyes, and take five deep breaths. With each inhale, notice how your body feels; with each exhale, let go of any tension you’re holding. This short break can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.
The Evening Unwind: Before bed, create a short ritual to close out your day. This might be a few minutes of journaling, stretching, or simply sitting quietly in gratitude. Let yourself unwind by reflecting on what went well and giving yourself permission to let go of anything unresolved. This evening pause helps to clear your mind and sets you up for restful sleep.
The Art of the Pause is about giving yourself permission to slow down and reconnect.
It doesn’t take long, but over time, these pauses create a gentle rhythm in your life that nurtures peace and resilience. Consider these moments a gift to yourself—a reminder that you deserve a few minutes each day to simply be.
November’s Recommendation:
Us!
Typically, each month, we recommend an outside resource that we want you to know about to improve your life. This month, we are doing something a little different; we are recommending our coaching and mentorship, which is based on our Four Pillar Approach.
Our Four Pillar Approach is at the heart of our coaching philosophy, and it is designed to guide you through transformative personal development by building self-awareness, fostering healthy relationships, and creating a balanced life.
We believe our Four Pillar Approach is essential for anyone striving to lead a fulfilling, well-rounded life. By focusing on these pillars, we provide a framework that addresses the challenges many face today, such as stress, unclear boundaries, or lack of purpose.
Our approach helps you better understand yourself and equips you with the personal development tools you need to maintain healthy relationships and a sustainable lifestyle.
This foundation encourages lasting growth, giving you confidence and clarity to face life’s complexities with resilience and ease.
Back by Popular Demand!
Annette and Ada’s Autumn Potato Soup
Serves: 4 people - Prep Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Olive Oil, desired amount
1 Purple Onion, chopped
2 pounds Russet Potatoes, unpeeled, chopped
1 pound Yukon Gold Potatoes, unpeeled, chopped
Dill Weed, Fresh or Dried, desired amount
Homemade Chicken Broth, desired amount for consistency
Milk (Dairy, Soy, Almond, or Flax), desired amount for consistency
Truffle salt, desired amount, optional
Parsley for garnish, if desired
Instructions
In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sprinkle with desired amount of dill weed. Sauté until onion is softened.
Boil chopped potatoes until soft, then drain.
Transfer onions and potatoes into a blender in batches. Add chicken broth so everything blends nicely. You can add more chicken broth later if you want a thinner consistency. Transfer blended batches into a large bowl.
Add milk to the blended onions, potatoes, and chicken broth mixture (add more chicken broth, if desired).
Heat and serve!
Garnish with parsley and sprinkle with truffle salt for an extra treat.
