{About the Kindness Project–Too often kindness is relegated to a random act performed only when we’re feeling good. But an even greater kindness (to ourselves and others) occurs when we reach out even when we aren’t feeling entirely whole . It’s not easy, and no one is perfect. But we’ve decided it’s not impossible to brighten the world one smile, one kind word, one blog post at a time. To that end, a few of us writers have established The Kindness Project, starting with a series of inspirational posts.}
I am happily introvert. But, sometimes, I’m so comfortable being inside my head that I forget that I need to actually say stuff OUT LOUD in order for others to know what I’m thinking or feeling.
When I do try to express gratitude or some other positive affirmation, it comes out all goofy, like my mouth is falling down the stairs. I envy my friends who have the gift of being able to say the right word at just the right moment to spread warm fuzzies. I emulate these friends as best as possible, but I nevertheless feel so clumsy.
Anyway, because I know I can be socially awkward, I’m always on the look out for cool gifts or cards to show others I care or at least that I’m thinking of them. Not to pimp Pinterest, but I’m eternally grateful for all you crafty peeps who pin neat card templates or gift ideas. (And, being able to connect with someone via a gift is kind of a gift for me, too, because it makes me feel like I was able “to say” the right thing at just the right time.)
Well, on my search for creative giving, I was inspired by Brandi L. Bates who creates what she calls “Blessing Bags” and keeps these on hand to give to those in need.
“Blessing Bags – keep a couple in the car so when you see someone who is struggling (ie begging) you can give them a little something. Acts of Kindness. Don’t talk about, BE about it.” from Brandi’s facebook page
Sometimes I feel guilty because I am unable to give to someone who is in desperate need. (A double whammy! Not only did I not say the right thing, but I couldn’t do anything about it either!) But, with a few of these bags prepared beforehand, I at least have something available to share, and spread some kindness.
PS, don’t you think this Postcard Pillow is an amazingly thoughtful and unique way to “send a hug”? It’s like a 3D way of sending an “xoxo” text to someone living far away!
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you were inspired as I was to spread kindness wherever you go. 
Please be sure to check out other blogs posting for The Kindness Project today:
Andrea Hannah Len Lambert
Barbara Watson Liza Kane
Carolina Valdez Miller Lola Sharp
Christa Desir Lindsay Scott
Claire Hennessy Matthew MacNish (available Jul16)
Elana Johnson Michele Shaw
Elizabeth Davis Sarah Fine
Elizabeth Poole Sara Larson
Erica Chapman Sara McClung
Jessica Corra Sophia Chang
Leigh Moore Tracey Neithercott
Brandi and Liza!! You’re inspiring the socks off me right now! Thank you! I love this idea.
I love the blessing bags especially. I need to put some of those together, STAT! And I think you are graceful, lovely, eloquent and just plain amazing online AND in person. <3
Oh!! I love that postcard pillow. AND this is great “like my mouth is falling down the stairs.” I can totally picture what that is like. I think we all stumble sometimes, nothing wrong with that ;o) I LOVE Pinterest! Such an addiction! Great post ;o)
LOVE these ideas. Wow, I should definitely start doing them. And, yes, I love pinterest, too. So many good ideas. (Well, the ones that work anyway, lol!) Even if someone is good at saying nice things, it still means that much more to actually have them do or give you something to let you know they care. Something tangible that lasts. Love that!
omg! I want to give both my daughters postcard pillows!!! What a SUPER idea! Thanks for sharing, Liza! And take your time w/the book. I think we accomplished a lot via Twitter… who knew!
<3
Oh I love the idea of the Blessings Bags. I am definitely going to make up some of those. Thanks for sharing.
I love the idea of Blessing bags. And the pillow! Wow. What a wonderful way to show someone you care.
What an amazing idea! It’s choosing kindness before you have a chance to even apply it. Now this is kindness in action.
Also, I’ve never known you to stumble. But I understand because I feel the same way about myself, especially in person. I’m a rambler and never say the right thing. Maybe we should keep little index cards with all the right things on them and when the moment arises, we can just pull them out and hold them up. Lol.
You’re amazing, Liza and I’m glad to know you.
I absolutely love the idea of those bags. I’m totally going to make some and give them to my husband. He works a lot in the city, so he’ll have more chance to use them than I will!
I love the ideas of blessing bags and postcard pillows! Ways people create to be kind never ceases to amaze me.
You don’t come across as awkward at all, at least not to me. You are always thoughtful and inclusive and articulate and friendly.
I love that pillow! (I hope that address is a fake one…)
Hugs,
Lola
Blessing bags! The coolest idea ever! And PS: I don’t think you stumble nearly as bad as you think. ( I never notice you stumbling at all, honestly.) You are one of the most articulate and caring people I know. But I realize we all feel this way about ourselves, and it’s great to use actions when you aren’t always confident your mouth will put together the right words! My will to stay off Pinterest is weakening…