New Beginnings

Random acts of kindness are known to bring to joy even in the worst of times. Sometimes finding new beginnings a joyful thing seems utterly impossible. They usually come off the end of something, which might leave just the shell of a person.  I remember when I first moved from kindergarten to first grade, even then I felt like life was falling apart because I had to leave the comfort of what I knew.

Even after all these years, I have to chuckle to myself at all the times I freaked out at common life changes. Moving from grade school math to pre-algebra caused a major meltdown because I was so scared I couldn’t make it. It seems a bit absurd now, but then I just thought the worst was happening. Boy, if I only knew.

Starting Over

Sometimes the only you can do is let go and try finding new beginnings. It just seems like life gets way too hard, overly complicated and just messy. Is it possible just to start over and not feel like you’ve lost everything? Finding new beginnings always seems more possible on New Year’s.

It’s just that one time I feel like I can cut myself a break because it’s a new year,  a clean slate, why not? I don’t allow myself to be positive very often because often times the disappointment is too much. New Years is my one exception.

Tough Times

This past year has been tough because I lost my best friend, roommate and boyfriend all within months. Despite the toxicity of those relationships, it’s hard not to be bitter. It’s hard not to ask why me? It’s hard not to feel like I’ve lost everything and want to hoard the rest of the good things I have left. But that’s not really how I want to live my life. Helping others is what gives my life meaning.

Right now, I feel like I’ve lost all meaning, but as long as I strive ways to help others, I know that’s not true. Finding new beginnings is difficult when you’re busy being wrapped in the ending.  Unless you’re dead, the ending is usually the beginning of something much better. Again, it’s hard to see that when you’re wrapped up in a negative ending.

Finding My Joy

So, I’ve decided to begin the new year with random acts of kindness. I developed a calendar, so I could keep track of the things I want to accomplish before the month is over. It’s not about being over the top, doing all these things at once, spending tons of money or time. It’s just about finding small things that can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

I’ve been struggling with anxiety my whole life, so when I think about trying to change overnight, it’s unrealistic and a bit overwhelming. The calendar helps me address that. When I can change my attitude a little each day, from myself and my problems, to focus on others, I know it can be done.

Finding New Beginnings

I’m not sure how your holidays went. Maybe you fought with your family. Maybe this was your first holiday without a loved one. Perhaps, it was just uneventful. I’m hoping these activities will get you on the road to finding new beginnings in whatever way that means for you. It can seem impossible because happiness or even joy seems so far away. If you and your partner need help during tough times, consider couples therapy. Click here for more info. Need couples counseling Sacramento? Call Stephen Taft, Marriage & Family Therapist.

The crazy thing about life is these things come in the most random times. They come when you least expect it and sometimes you don’t even realize they are there. Sometimes, they don’t stay for long, but there is hope they will come along again sooner than before. I call them bread crumbs and I cherish them until I can get to the next one.

Random Acts of Kindness Definition

Random acts of kindness are defined as a selfless act performed by kind people to either help or cheer up a random stranger, for no reason other than to make people happier. These acts are either spontaneous or planned in advance.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Although, I’ve published this as a New Year’s post, Random acts of Kindness day is February 17. But the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation celebrates February 11-17th.

If you visit their website, you’ll find everything from examples to even random acts of kindness stories. It’s truly inspiring.

Random Acts of Kindness Examples

Click the links below the picture of the printable and it will take you to the PDF version. I hope these random acts of kindness will you get you on a trail of breadcrumbs, which will you lead you to a great feast.

Random Acts of Kindness Handouts

Random Acts of Kindness Calendar

Random Acts of Kindness Calendar

For more fun posts to get you excited for the new year, check out these links:

New Beginnings

Starting Over

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