Eva Olsen - One for Me, One for You

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This kindness space belongs to:

Be kinder to yourself.
And then let your kindness
flood the world.

PEMA CHDRN

DO YOU FEEL TORN BETWEEN THINKING ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS AND FINDING WAYS TO FILL YOUR OWN NEEDS? Thank you, you beautiful human. Compassionate connection may be the key to healing our world and moving forward in hope.

To keep spreading good deeds like apple seeds we must take a few moments to water our own tree, too. We know this, at heart, but being other-oriented can make it hard to imagine where to begin. We may even feel we dont need care, but we do. When we practice self-care, we center ourselves, we recharge, and we project a positive energy thats tough to conjure when were overextended or run-down.

The good news is, you dont need to choose between self-care and caring for the world. One for Me, One for You helps you discover the perfect balance. In each spread youll find some simple activities to do for yourself, followed by complementary ideas for turning them outward. As you find ones that resonate, add them to your routine, so you can keep being the beautiful human you were meant to be.

For Me

YOUR SOUL WONT HAVE THE SPACE TO BLOOM WHEN ITS TRAPPED INDOORS ALL DAY. Set an appointment with yourself to breathe in fresh air and savor the wonder of naturewhether that looks like enjoying your morning coffee outdoors while listening to the birds or taking a walk through the park at lunchtime.

For You

THINK OF SOMEONE WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PHYSICALLY EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS TODAY, maybe due to an illness or a crazy work schedule. Bring them a touch of nature through a flower delivery (professionally arranged or backyard-picked), a beautiful outdoor photo emailed or texted, or another way to experience healing from nature.

For Me

BOOKS CAN BE LIFE CHANGING. So why are you putting off picking up that novel with great reviews or the cover that speaks to you? Go for ittoday. Purchase the book or borrow it from the library. Then block out some reading timeeven for just a few pagesand enjoy the journey into another time, place, or perspective.

For You

GO THROUGH YOUR BOOKSHELVES AND CHOOSE A BOOK TO SHARE with a friendcomplete with a note explaining why it made you think of the recipient. Or donate a few titles to your local library. If youre handy and inspired, you might even build a book-sharing box for your neighborhood and populate it with a few of your own books.

For Me

TODAY IS A PERFECT DAY TO OPEN A DOOR TO A NEW OPPORTUNITY. If you have been wanting to sign up for a class or learn a new skillwhether business, barre, improv, or hand letteringtake the first step. Dont label even your craziest goals as silly or unrealistic! Commit to your dreams, double down on you, and see how inspired and refreshed you feel when you start opening those doors.

For You

WHAT DOORS CAN YOU OPEN FOR OTHERS? Consider two people in your life who might benefit from getting to know each other professionally or personally. Introduce them with the hope that their connection might inspire great things on both sides. Cant think of a connection to make? Watch for an opportunity to hold open a door for someone, literally! Kindness can be that simple.

For Me

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TREATED YOURSELF TO SOME PRAISE? Write a letter for your eyes only detailing something you really like about yourself! This is a great way to bolster your self-esteem today, and re-reading it can be a saving grace on days when youre feeling low. Keep it in a secret (but accessible) place.

For You

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE AN OUT-OF-THE-BLUE COMPLIMENT with a loved one, coworker, neighbor, or service worker you encounter in your day. Bolstering words dont need an occasion. Instead, consider your appreciation a way to bring joy and energy that may fuel another person through their dayand fill their tank before it even becomes empty.

For Me

IF YOUVE BEEN SAVING YOUR PENNIES FOR A RAINY DAY, now is a great time to roll them up. Counting coins can be a soothing and legitimately rewarding task. Look under car seats, in pockets, and in junk drawers. Think of it as a modern-day treasure hunt! Tally up the coins, then treat yourself to a small pick-me-upit can be anything from a facial mask or candle to a lottery ticket or pack of crayons.

For You

SPARK POSITIVE CHANGE, A LITTLE AT A TIME: Pay for the coffee of the person behind you, pop a few quarters into someones parking meter, or leave some coin rolls at a laundromat. Another option: wait till you get a tidy sum (like $20) and use it to support a childs school or charity fundraiser.

For Me

LIKE IT OR NOT, SOCIAL MEDIA IS A BIG PART OF OUR LIVES. To make sure your accounts reflect who you are, do a social media cleanup. First, think of five words that describe you and your values, then use them as guides to decide if your posts, likes, follows, and friends are in sync. Also, feel free to take a break from social media entirely now and thenno explanations needed.

For You

THINK ABOUT THE ARTISTS, ADVOCATES, NONPROFITS, AND COMPANIES THAT MAKE YOUR HEART SOAR. Start to follow their accounts more closely, and reshare their best work. Thats good for them and the friends on your list. Want to be more of a motivator? Pick an area of interest or expertise and start actively seeking and posting pics, quotes, and links.

For Me

LIFE IS FULL OF LITTLE TO-DOS AND TACKLING JUST ONE CAN BE FREEING. Sew on a button, tighten a loose drawer handle, wipe the tops of the ceiling fan blades, or replace a lightbulb. Many such household tasks can be tackled in minutes, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction that lasts all day (or longer).