tgif + kindness giveaway

I guess you could say that the cell phone post struck a nerve. I've tried to stay mindful and present in my interactions with strangers and the results have been surprising. I feel better. I'm in a better mood. I have more patience. Maybe the time is right for a kindness revolution!

To celebrate the inspiring comments from the last post, I'm doing a TGIF kindness giveaway. On Monday I'll randomly pick two names from the comments list.

The giveaway? Kindness, of course. Each winner will receive a set of these "Practice Kindness Window Cards" from Compendium Inc.'s Live*Inspired line. I absolutely love their stuff!

All you have to do to win is leave a comment telling us:

1. Who/what are you trusting today?

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?

Here's mine:

Today, I'm trusting that most people are basically good and kind. It may sound naive, but I am a believer.

I'm grateful for help (and finding the courage it takes to ask for it). Big thanks to Kara, my teaching assistant, and Kate, my research assistant!

I'm inspired by music. I'm inspired by the genius and generosity of Leonard Cohen's poetry (you might call them lyrics, but my heart hears poetry) and the handful of soulful singers who can make his music come alive. Here are two of my favorites songs sung by one of my favorite artists:

Have a joy.FULL weekend! Can't wait to read your TGIFs!

Comments

[jenn]

TOTALLY love those!! Kindness cards! I need to get some to pass out! Too cool!

1. Who/what are you trusting today? The flow of life I'm trusting. Its been a great week!!! Life is good!

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? friends that do random acts of kindness! Today in the drive thru a friend ahead of me paid for my coffee! What a treat and how kind!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? Reading a book called Life's principals...pretty good and inspiring to be better/be nicer/ be me :)

[Sara S]

1) I'm trusting that I WILL find employment. I have applied for 25 jobs and not heard back from anyone. This, BTW, hurts as much as the dismissive treatment I received when I was a waitress, which was described in your blog this week. It's the same feeling of not being worth the dignity of a response.
2)I'm grateful for my family. They are too good to me.
3) I was inspired by the beach this week. I was in Rockport, and learning how to use infrared film. Once I started looking, beautiful potential pictures were everywhere (I'll have to wait and see if any were realized.

[Chrissy]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I'm trusting myself to make good decisions!

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I'm grateful for my wonderful friends and family who make my life full of happiness.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? I'm inspired by the strength of those around in the face of adversity.

Thanks for the giveaway. I love the idea of kindness cards!

[Nadia]

1. I am trusting the strength of human connection and mindfulness

2. I am so grateful for the honest discussions, the vulnerable moments, the moments of connection.

3. I am inspired by my daughter Lucia and her natural world of mindful exploration. No rush, no pressure to achieve goals - just sweetness and being.

here's to a kindness revolution!

[Carolyn]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
Today I am trusting me. I stood up for myself and am proud that I finally let myself come first. I can't say how liberating it was to make it known that I was important enough to come first

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for Sean, my fiance, for listening when I really needed him to today. I had an awful fight with my sister and he helped calm me down because I was livid that she didn't care about my time, my choices, or my needs and only thinks of herself.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Today I'm inspired by a couple I know who instead of losing hope that they couldn't get pregnant naturally, they kept trying to pursue their dream of having a family. And now with the help of a fertility clinic, they are having their first baby due in December. I only hope I can be so lucky to keep believing that anything is possible and perhaps in the future, my fiance and I will have a chance to start our own family.

[kyrie]

I'm trusting that everything works out exactly the way it's supposed to.

I'm grateful for my husband, who is unfailingly kind, patient, and loving.

I'm inspired by the openness and joy in my little girls.

Thank you for this giveaway!

[JustinV]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?

Hannah Garman, age 5, passed away on Tuesday. She had cancer. Her mom passed away 3 years ago, on June 30th. She had cancer as well. This is the post her daddy put on their caring bridge site.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgarman/journal
I am trusting that Hannah is in the arms of her momma right now. Safe and happy.

***Please keep her daddy & siblings in your thoughts and prayers. Her viewing was tonight and the funeral is tomorrow.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?

I am grateful that my children are healthy and safe.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?

Leo Babauta's "The Power of Less."

[Lee]

1. I'm trusting that this whole cancer thing of my sister's is going to be a distant memory.

2. I'm grateful for the eternal joy/optimism/princesses will save the world outlook of my 4 yo daughter.

3. I'm inspired by all the moms who blog and and share themselves with total strangers, so that we can overcome the terrible lonliness of staying home with small children.

[Carolyn]

Kindness cards... Too cool! Might make or buy some anyway...

Today I'm trusting prayer and mindfulness. That what I humbly seek I will find or be given in some form or another.

I'm grateful for the peoplein my life who really see me and have my best interests at heart. Also for seeing through those who don't, and giving myself permission to disappoint them or lose their approval. That's BIG for me.

I'm inspired by the possibilities which emerge when you finally have the courage to stand up and say 'i'm good at this, and I'm committed to it'. Wow, stuff happens then!

[hk]

Tonight I am trusting the weather. We decided to turn off the air tonight and open the windows. With 60 to 65 degrees forecasted for tonight's low, it sounds like good sleeping weather.

After an enjoyable evening, I’m feeling grateful to have a special relationship with my grandma-in-law. She is our trusty babysitter, she spoils us all rotten, and she’s a wonderful companion. Tomorrow she and I have plans to go check out a new local farmer’s market. We’ll enjoy strolling through the vendors’ booths, gushing over flowers, drooling over vegetables and admiring other goodies. Grandma has taught me to dig in and get flowers planted, she’s taught me how to plant my vegetables (that reminds me: I have to stake the tomatoes!). She truly enjoys our garden, I appreciate her generosity, and I am grateful for all she’s taught me about gardening.

Writing this TGIF exercise has inspired me to tell my grandma-in-law that I appreciate her gardening generosity. Thanks, Brené, for encouraging me to reflect on my TGIs. I appreciate your blog!

[jennifer]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? learning to trust myself...how is this still such a hard process?

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? my sister who reminds me who i am when i forget or need the truth (not my skewed vision of myself)

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? my nieces - loving life and grabbing it with gusto - not waiting for the fun to find them. they don't play it safe - they live with abandon and love every minute of it. =)

[Maura]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? My higher power that he will open the door to a new job opportunity when I'm ready to be moved.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? My son Matt who turned 16 today. His ability to strive to be the best he can be on a daily basis brings a smile to my face just typing this.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? The two woman who received their chips at today's morning AA meeting. The courage it takes to walk up there inspires me.

[samantha]

Trust - such a hard thing to do sometimes. I am TRUSTING that God will provide.
I am GRATEFUL for people in my life - husband, daughter, family, friends
I am INSPIRED by arists, authors, musicians, friends, family - I look for inspiration in all my relationships

btw - I linked your "cell phone post" on my facebook because it struck a chord with me in how I was feeling lately. I received positve feedback on it. Thanks for sharing.

[Kelly]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
I'm trusting my intuition to get me out of limbo.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I'm thankful that I got to experience four hours of intense appreciation and enthusiasm last night. It brightened my mood.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Eating the spinach we grew in our yard is inspiring me to be better to the earth.

Brene, I just wanted to say - I shared your cell phone post with the 27 adults in my class last night. We were talking about appreciation so it fit perfectly. They appreciated it - the room was hushed as I was telling them and I saw tears in some eyes.

[Allison]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I am trusting that I am making progress on learning to say "no" when I really don't have the time. This came up for me yesterday when I agreed to sing at an event in the midst of coming back from Africa, seeing family and friends, finishing up my research paper, and preparing for Argentina in a less-than-two-week time frame. I am trusting that I AM GROWING, even when it feels like I am allowing the same issues to resurface.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? Me and Jennafer's dinner with our moms. It was so fun. She's one of my CONNECTION SISTERS. I hadn't seen her in 6 months.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? My mom, who after her daughter ordered a salad and Jennafer and her mom ordered grilled chicken and veggies, ordered FRIED CHICKEN. I don't always have the courage to order what I REALLY want, especially when the people with me are sticking to foods that are on society's "good" list. Three cheers for Mom!

[Ginger]

I am trusting that it will all work out.
I am grateful for opportunities to give of myself and celebrate the big things in my friends' lives.
The absolute and utter joy in children inspires me everyday.

[Maria]

I am :
trusting we will find ways to reduce my sleep deficit so i can string 2 thoughts together again. ;)
grateful for rootbeer floats.
inspired by teachers, like my sister, who move through fear to help others transform. Awesome!

[Amalia]

I love the kindness cards- what great little reminders!

Today....

I am trusting that I am where I am supposed to be. This idea was shared with me early in the week and has stuck with me- and has been true in immeasurable ways. I have definitely felt like I have been where I was supposed to be, even when it wasn't an obvious choice to be there.

I am grateful for a long life, well-lived by someone dear to me and my family.

I am inspired- yet again- by the writing of Terry Tempest Williams. Last night on my flight home I finished reading Finding Beauty in a Broken World. Her ability to weave a tapestry of community in mosaic, in prairie dogs, in Rwanda is breathtaking. In her book I found a TS Eliot quote that continues to speak to me:
"The faith and the love and the hope are all in the waiting."
Indeed, they are.

[Jo]

I am trusting that whatever happens with Charlie's employment (currently filed under T for Threatened and M for Mad Despotic CEO) we will find and flourish on the other side of an opening door. I really believe we will.

I am grateful for my eternal good luck. Seriously.

I am inspired by a young boy who has sent our organisation a heart-warming, eloquent and yes, inspiring piece of sponsored writing that has raised hundreds of pounds. He has selective mutism and has never done anything like this before. Also by the messages that the people here sent to each other on the first anniversary of a friend and co-worker's suicide as we remembered the shining light that she was before depression took her away. We miss you Lisa.

[Emma]

I am trusting that I'm on a path leading to a simpler, more beautiful life. I'm trusting myself to keep moving in this direction and I'm trusting in the kindness of others to assist.

I am grateful for the quiet sounds of early morning and the opportunity to sit and enjoy them.

I'm inspired by plants. They just keep growing and doing their thing.

[Fannie]

1. Today I am trusting the team of past experiences, the still small voice, and a searching mind to guide my feet, words and actions.

2. Today I am grateful for being loved by my husband, family and friends. Their love and generosity changes life's challenges into opportunities and life's joys into a happy dance celebration.

3. For me, inspiration is a continuous flow of life changing ideas which come from every encounter that affects my six senses. Yesterday I was inspired by the music of William DeVaughn--Be Thankful for What You've Got. Today your book "I Thought It Was Just Me" is inspiring me. I happened upon your site through Twitter, found your book and immediately downloaded it to my Kindle. Thanks for writing and sharing it.

Thanks, Brene.

[Clara]

I'm trusting in my instincts for creating.

I'm grateful for rain.

I'm inspired by the very varied music I've been listening to this week.

[kelly g.]

I am trusting in my own strength today. With that and calling on my faith, I think I can finely start becoming the person I hope to be.

I am grateful for your post on the cell phones. I mean really grateful. It gave me some much needed perspective on how (even if I don't have a cell phone in my hand) I don't focus on the other person like I should and how they deserve to be looked at and treated. And from that I am taking my inspiration from and idea...

I am inspired by the idea of looking at people through their eyes. It's a challenge but in my day-to-day interactions and relationships to really look at others not through my own eyes/mind/way of being but theirs. It's hard to put myself aside but I think the potential is there for a much greater level of compassion than I have had before if I do this.

Thanks for the giveaway and for the idea of TGI Fridays!.

[Heidi Fischbach]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
The ground under my feet. It has never let me down. It has never told me I'm too heavy, too much for it. It has never said, today I can't hold you.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
You, Brene, today I am grateful for you. Just watched the KDLang rendition of Bird on a Wire and it has me weeping before 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning. And Leonard Cohen, of course, whose poetry never ceases to break my heart wide open and make me cry or smile or in some other way open myself up again to life: http://is.gd/17kQL

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
This post by an Iranian dissident, reprinted in The Atlantic: http://bit.ly/WYz2y

[Anna]

I am trusting that the universe is loving.

I am grateful when my eyes can see that it is.

I am inspired by my family.

[JennaKate]

I loved the cell phone post - I feel the same way about iPods. When we stop being grounded in the here and now? When did we decide that people around us weren't worth our attention? Thank you for being a banner-carrier for this issue!

Today I am trusting my feelings. When I let others tell me that my feelings aren't authentic, I just get all crazy. So I'm trusting that my emotional compass is worthy of being heard.

I'm really grateful to be halfway through my field placement.

I'm inspired by my cohort for field seminar this morning - I can't wait to hear how everyone's placements are going!

[Iris]

Trust: These past few days I have really come to a place of peace in the area of trusting that deciding to take a break from teaching, after ten years, is okay. IT'S OKAY. I trust that I will find the right job even though at this moment I have no clue as to what that job might be. I am trusting that it will all happen at the right time.

Gratitude: I am so grateful for opportunity to travel. These opportunities weren't so readily available when our parents were our age.

Inspiration: One Word: Ohdeedoh: http://www.ohdeedoh.com . Since my head is swimming with baby stuff right now...hard to be so far away from my best friend when she's just had twins, so I am constantly looking at all things baby and then of course, dreaming of starting our own family one day soon.

[Lis]

I am trusting the answers will come if I just give them time to ripen.

I am grateful for my tribe of soulful sisters who will be celebrating the Solstice today with beautiful crystal bowl meditation ... grateful for the space we will be using as it acts like a balm for my frazzled nervous.

Inspired by this lovely lady www.dancingmermaid.com to do more art with my daughter and to perhaps share this with others (depending upon the answers in #1!)

[Liz]

Once again, hooray for TGIF! (even when I comment on Saturday...:) )

Today I am trusing the sun coming up and the sun going down, the sway of the leaves in the breeze, the funny little birds that eat the seed we put out, the clouds that float across the sky.

I'm grateful for the sweet and loving men in my life on this Father's Day weekend. I have the dearest husband, father, stepfather, brother, and brother-in-law. And I still miss my father-in-law who passed away a few years ago. These are all huge sources of love in my life and have such open hearts. I am truly blessed by my connection to them.

I'm inspired to try to work with the stress in my life by dancing and singing more. Even if if just becomes a big nerd fest:) Trying a little experiment on this one to see how it feeds my soul...

[Liz]

And not to bring politics into it, but I have to say this inspires me, too:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/A-Town-Hall-on-Fatherhood/

[Sylvia V]

I am trusting that expecting the best from others seldom leaves me disappointed

I am grateful for the opportunity to start fresh every day

I am inspired by the ingenuity of people who just think differently...

and in the spirit of "unstinting kindness" ( a topic dear to my heart) here's a link to an essay I read on KUHF's THIS I BELIEVE:

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1233770216

[julie]

Thank you for the thought provoking questions...questions I should start each day with..

Trust: I trust that I am in a place of growth and movement toward becoming a stronger, wiser woman. That each person who comes into my life is here to offer gifts and challenges that help me become more compassionate. Trust that my angels are always around me offering guidance.
Gratitude: There is not a day that goes by that I'm not grateful for the relationship I have with my daughters 25 & 32....they inspire, challenge, bring me great joy...I learn from them, they make me a better person.
Inspiration: Women in their crone years...Those women who are sometimes invisible but who have so much to share....spend a little time with one..

[qmama]

this week...
i am trusting my intuition (that i know what i know).

i am grateful for some creative insights.

i am inspired by simple acts of kindness.

as always, thank you, brené.

[Mary Ellen]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I am trusting that this low blue phase will pass and sunlight and joy will reappear.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? I am grateful that I believe - in change , in love, in learning to wait for change.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?The wispy connections of online friends

[anna k.]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?
Today I trust that everything's going to work out like it needs to. God has a plan for me and I'm riding the wave of change in the palm of His hand and know it's gonna be good. It's been fun so far!! (and a little daunting)

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for family. I am grateful for the new family that is embracing me now that I'm engaged, my own family with whom I've been mending fences and fostering better connections and the excitement of starting my own very soon.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?
Music is inspiring me. It's lifting my spirits, fostering my dreams, providing a creative outlet and makes my spirit soar and feel so full.

[trish]

I'm trusting that things will get better, as long as I don't give up and don't let go of hope!

I'm grateful for this peaceful day, for having this day off to relax and recharge and to enjoy the moment, not worry about tomorrow.

When I'm feeling like I need some inspiration, I know I can find it online. There are amazing people on here, amazing stories to be found, and it's all just a link away!

[Jenn]

I trust that my daughter will do things and figure things out when she is ready.

I am grateful for my husband and all his hard work that provides what we need.

Talented scrapbooking artists are inspiring me today! Inspiring me to buckle down and scrapbook some of my many photos :)

[jyl johnson pattee]

I trust that my current challenges are opportunities for growth and will give me greater perspective and compassion.

I'm grateful for Laura, who has taken the time to mentor me in so many ways, especially given her busy schedule.

I'm inspired by my in laws who just returned from an 18-month church volunteer mission to Ukraine, where they lived completely out of their comfort zones in order to serve others. Their dedication and love for others fuels my spirit!

[Cameron]

1. Today I am trusting that it will all work out the way it's supposed to, whatever that is. :)

2. Today I am grateful for the chance to catch up with a friend whom I haven't seen for five years! She's only in town for the weekend, has 30 people in town she knows, and she chose to spend 3 hours to have lunch with me. It was great to see her and catch up!!

3. Today I'm inspired by my friends coming out of the woodwork when I sent out a call for help. I'm inspired by their stories, their kindness, their willingness to share with me, their artistry, and their friendship.

Thanks for the giveaway! :)

[JanetChristian]

Today I am trusting that every breath I take -- I will get to take another

Today I am greatful for my beautiful daughter that I share a house with

Today I am inspired by all the wonderful women on the web that maintain blogs filled with the knowledge to get us through our lives

[Erin]

Today I am trusting that I can handle situations with ease and grace.
Today I am grateful for connecting with my creativity
Today I am inspired by people who are "willing"

[donna]

I trust my husband to work through his stress and to use his healing time to work on his priorities.

I am grateful that I married an energetic and strong minded man, once he learns how to let people know his boundaries in his daily work and home life he will be a new man.

I am inspired by my husband who has had to get on his knees 2 days ago and say I can't do this anymore and he asked for help. The stressful job expectations and his never saying "no" has left him emotionally raw. Halleluiah to you! Your life dear husband is going to be changed forever . I will support you in your journey!

[Karen Chaffee]

You always have such enlightening and upbeat posts. : )

1. Who/what are you trusting today?

I am trusting God to lead me to the places and people that most need whatever I can give.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?

I am grateful for the memories of my dad, now passed away, who taught me so much in word and by example.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?

The generosity of others and the beauty of nature is inspiring me today!


Karen Chaffee

[Barbara Israel]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? I'm trusting in God today. . .and every day! :0)

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? Attending a dear friend's baby shower and seeing old friends that I haven't seen for some time.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? Having a wonderful husband is inspiring me today.

[Megan Warren]

I am trusting that things will be as they should.
I am grateful for our wood heater, on the cold, wet, windy day.
I am inspired by my new Eskimo Joe album.

[Paula Bogdan]

I am trusting that this all will work out the way it should and that I can deal with whatever comes.
I am insprierd by summer's flowers and their riot of colors.
I am grateful for some time for myself!

[wendy]

1. Today I am trusting my 4 yr old son's authenticity and in-the-moment-ness.

2. Today I'm grateful for summer, a hammock, kettle corn, my son's bare feet, sponge bob bandaids and temporary tattoos?

3. Today I'm inspired by: ordinary courage, the elephant print my friend pixie made me, and flicker of fireflies.

[Maureen]

1. Who/what are you trusting today? That my oldest won't break anything on his new mountain bike.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today? My healthy happy family.

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today? My cousin who is a great self taught photographer - such a creative eye.

[Jennifer]

1. Who/what are you trusting today?---my hubby, fitting for fathers day. He is really the best.

2. Who/what are you grateful for today?--that we may get rain. Please. Rain!

3. Who/ what is inspiring you today?--have 5 boys in the house today. am bound and determined to be inspired by their noise. :)

[Jen A.]

I am TRUSTING that prayer will change the heart of someone near and dear to me.

I am GRATEFUL for my husband. The one who supports me in everything I do. And everywhere I go.

I am INSPIRED by my friendships. Learning from them, being held accountable by them, and being unconditionally loved by them.

And, that cell phone post? I have several similar stories I could share...just in the last 3 days!

xo!