Exile on Main Street was released on this day in 1972 by The Rolling Stones. 🎵 It is also: 🤍 Mother’s Day – in Australia 🤍 Inernational Nurses Day. What a day to celebrate! 🎉

I hope all Mothers have a joyful day!

Every number is a winner. Spin that wheel……

What is your Ikigai? Having a ikagai is like having a friendship with your work.

Thank you for your work!

Let’s go far & be better together.

Kindness wins! Source of image Jason Kaplan / Psychology today.

Have you contacted a mate today? https://au.movember.com/mens-health/mayeight

This is the RUM that fills my cup – these days. Are you having enough RUM? This is the key note that introduced me to the acronym:

I have just finished Be Happy – 35 Powerful Methods For Personal Growth & Well-Being. This was written by Dr Rebecca Ray an Australia Clinical Psychologist and published in 2018. I enjoyed this book and it was a joy to read. It is an insightful 128 page compendium on happiness factors & influencers. It was…

Wellbeing is the issue of our time. A conversation between 21st US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and WOHASU CEO Karen Guggenheim I strongly recommend taking the 41 minutes to view this! https://youtu.be/qyao-iXGHb8?si=54kN3C2lg5eTsbNr

Have you taken a chance to learn more about your family / ancestry? With a test like this – https://www.ancestry.com.au/dna/ Have you taken a DNA test? Was it worth it? Did it change your life? Were there surprises? How did it work out for you (long term)? I would love to know.

Some of the greatest things in our world came from the day dream. Yet – modern culture still scoffs at it – why? Is the day dream is becoming a lost art. Take some time away from your busy lives, look out your window and just let your mind wander. Let your imagination free &…

https://www.digitalwellnessday.com/ Today pause to reflect on how you use your technology? Here is an excellent podcast on how to achieve a better digital balance: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/tame-those-devices-10-tips-to-achieve-digital-balance https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zcXPZZ2ENSTz2VHDFG2Wr?si=U0WOzI05R-m6K61AiKlt7w

How do you continue to learn?

Yep – there is a strong link between gratitude & kindness. Here are wise words from a recent Donna Alexander post on LinkedIn -> “Gratitude can be a precursor to kindness. It supports a more positive mindset that is open to opportunities to express that gratitude through acts of kindness. The opposite is also linked,…

We should practice kindness towards –⚪️ Ourselves⚪️ Towards all people⚪️ Towards animalsAnd the environment that we all live. All of these elements are important & none are exclusive. They all need to be considered in our planning & actions. What are your thoughts? Kindly – Jon.

“Love nature and be kind to animals.” – Debasish Mridha

Yes 👍 – all people deserve kindness! Practice kindness towards all in the real / online world. Towards those you know & to those you don’t.

A very wise person once said: “The first rule of kindness is to be kind to yourself”

I started regular meditation about 2 years ago and have found it a game changer for me. It is certainly relaxing and good for my mental health. I highly recommend this type of self care practice. So do you meditate? If not should you? Resources for meditation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858 https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/how-to-meditate-for-beginners/

Many elements are required for a ‘good life’. To me it’s lived with kindness; in a sustainable level of comfort; with the love and connection of family & friends. It’s an ongoing process that is informed / guided by love, knowledge & learning. Whats a good life for you?

This is a great podcast episode (The Imperfects) on how and how (and why) Ryan Shelton dumped his iPhone. I love some of the ideas in this episode. Especially on his ideal phone. I hate how addictive phones are and their hold on my attention. However – don’t think could make the full jump to…

Some really good questions to promote good coaching…. 1️⃣ What is a good outcome for you today? – to commence 2️⃣ What is the real challenge for you? – to get to the real issue 3️⃣ What was most useful for you? – to sum up Thank you Toby Sinclair for these simple but effective…

Time spent in nature is time well spent. “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” Frank Lloyd Wright I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. Frank Lloyd Wright We went for a drive today out to Cement Creek Redwood Forest just 25 minutes past Warburton. The big…

I think it’s best to develop an environment where everyone wins! You do this with kindness. It’s a true winning strategy. I updated Dan’s recent graphic to reflect this:

Yes – I love it when science confirms the obvious. Science Confirms Hugs Can Ease Pain, Anxiety, And Depression: https://www.sciencealert.com/science-confirms-hugs-can-ease-pain-anxiety-and-depression Here is a song: to celebrate: Who do you love & who do you hug?

Do this each and every day.

This TED article gives you 6 ways to give that are not about money: https://ideas.ted.com/6-ways-to-give-that-arent-about-money/amp/

At times I have to develop more patience. It’s a good opportunity to ponder kindness & gratitude. How well do you practice patience?

How children’s hospital Juiced TV program is making a difference to kids’ mental and physical health – ABC News. Yes – it needs expanding in to all Children’s Hospitals – and beyond for those children that are sick at home. They can also benefit from it – too. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-11/queensland-childrens-hospital-juiced-tv-program-helps-sick-kids/103616386 https://juicedtv.com.au/

A happy news story! He built and used the canoe made of pumpkin. It’s a zero waste water craft as he will feed it to his cows when done. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/man-turns-mammoth-400kg-pumpkin-into-a-canoe/103708438?

I highly recommend this blog post! Louis is the Founder and President of World Happiness Fest and World Happiness Foundation. He is the Author of: 🔶 The Exponentials of Happiness 🔶 Happytalism Link to his blog post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/imperative-peace-global-call-compassionate-leadership-luis-gallardo-7jjxf A Call to Action for Leaders In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the pervasive spread of…

It can be different from person to person.

🤍Knows the way 🤍 Goes the way 🤍 Shows the way. Is this you?

After this afternoon’s terrible news from Sydney. If you or anyone you know needs help: ⚪️ Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467⚪️ Lifeline on 13 11 14⚪️ Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76⚪️ Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800⚪️ Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636⚪️ Headspace…

I am very proud to be a Kindness Ambassador for Time For Kindness a UK biased kindness organisations. They do good work to promote kindness.

For most of us they are a necessary evil (unfortunately). I would love to be car free – but it’s not practical at the moment. My advice is to: – Own the cheapest / smallest car that your ego will let you drive. – Stay away from any car finance – it’s never a good…

Often our consumption is mindless -> we have been groomed to consume. When the stuff you own (and keep) cause debts & financial problems -> you are owned. Having less can lead to more. Intentional living = freedom

https://www.inc-aus.com/marcel-schwantes/adam-grant-says-your-overall-happiness-comes-down-to-1-word.html Are you surprised by this? Am I super surprised with this – Hell no. I work at a blood collection centre! I also (fully) agree that giving is a joyful experience – from observation & participation. So how do we change attitudes in the rest of the community? How do we encourage more people…

Yes – Melbourne/ Naarm is the first race of the year. How exciting!

Take your time to find the flags 💚💚💚 Once you have found several you have found you tribe.

It is not a traditional how to guide, but more a prompt for thought. It is for organisations that are interested in kindness & the measurement of its impacts within the workplace. There are insightful questions for pondering within each section of the report. I would recommend this report HR departments. I would also suggest…

As we move forward towards winter (here in the southern hemisphere) remember this. Furthermore: “Kindness is the sunshine that melts away the clouds of despair in someone’s darkest hour.” Nusrat Zahan

This TED talk is fantastic. I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading James new book when released as a hard cover on the 31st of July here in Australia.

A great story on rural men’s wellbeing from ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-11/old-fellas-football-league-boosts-farmers-mental-health/103680730? I often look for these type articles when I am cheer scrolling. This is purposefully looking for happy / positive news stories on the internet. It is a great counter to all the negative ones that are normally presented in the media. I will…

“A thriving community is a group of people who agree to grow together, with a modus operandi & culture of kindness.” Modified – Simon Sinek quote 🧡 What does a community mean to you? 🧡 How is it established? 🧡 What bonds people together in the group? 🧡 What’s its purpose? 🧡 Who is it…

It’s a small book of 96 pages that punches well above its tiny size. Little acts of Kindness – countless ways to Brighten someone’s day: was written by Rebecca Dickson & published in 2018 by Susanna Goeghegan. It is a lovely list of ways to practice kindness. I loved how it was set out in…

I have had mine for this year. I all ways get it done. You should strongly consider having it too. Here is some reading on it – by a reputable source (Allen Cheng): https://theconversation.com/there-are-new-flu-vaccines-on-offer-for-2024-should-i-get-one-what-do-i-need-to-know-226623

Nursing – I call it the Hotel California….. “You can check out any time you like – but you can never leave” Me getting my Nursing Degree way back when the dinosaurs roamed: Back in the 1990’s – A graduating Nurse – Jonathan Chrimes

Who surrounds you? Are they on your cheer squad or do you hang out with them just because?

Kindness moves individuals, communities & society along in such positive ways. It’s the simple choice to make. So – just do it!

Today is WHD. ⚪️ It is a good reminder to take care of your own health. ⚪️ It is also a call for action to improve the provision of the best (of all types of) healthcare everywhere, to everyone. Much more needs to be done! ⚪️ Finally it is an opportunity to say thank you…

I love this song…..

Don’t let your self perception cage you.

Humour & laughing is great for us! We all need to do it more. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/the-health-benefits-of-humor/ It’s even good in the office: https://hbr.org/2018/11/the-benefits-of-laughing-in-the-office I recommend it! 😃

Spinal tap would kick it up to eleven.

This is a HBR article from February 2019 on this subject: https://hbr.org/2019/02/the-dalai-lama-on-why-leaders-should-be-mindful-selfless-and-compassionate? Without a doubt in my mind these 3 things would improve the world! However – we are a long way off from this currently where our cultures still believes in zombie leadership & the pursuit of individual greed. It is going to take…

I found value in this article.

What is the best advice that you would give your younger (18 year old) self? Mine – would be not to chase the material things & just be yourself. Also, try to stress less about everything – it does you no good!

I am delighted to say that I won a very close contest for this award. It was presented yesterday to me by Jess our acting DCM (on the collection floor). I am stoked & humbled to win as it is voted for by my peers. These are some of the kindest people I’ve had the…

What difference can you make?

I just finished reading this book by Bernadette Russell. It was an easy read & did not take long – 60 to 90 minutes (I guess). I broke it up reading it through a couple of days. However, the content was good and it was very insightful on the different types of kindness that we’d…

Do you have good empathy?

A simple but an informative image on some of the benefits of kindness.

F1 / Motorsport is at Albert Park this weekend. I have loved watching this sport ever since I was a young boy & have been to the event fairly regularly since it has been in Melbourne / Naarm. I am looking forward to being at the circuit tomorrow with Jen & the Boys – I…

Celebrate your you-ness with kindness this Harmony Day. Try your best to live in harmony with yourself & with everyone else. Take care & be kind. Cheers, Jon. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

Please see a link to this year’s report with insights, centred around the theme of happiness for the young, the old, and everyone in between. https://worldhappiness.report/ https://happiness-report.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/WHR+24.pdf

Are you feeling lucky?

Tomorrow is Harmony Day. Here are some links for you to look at: 🧡https://blog.teaching.com.au/hello-harmony-day-2024/ 🧡https://www.harmony.gov.au/ I think we all should live every day with harmony & kindness. It will make the world better – for everyone.

Great article / podcast about the benefits of activating empathy & kindness in your work team: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/its-cool-to-be-kind-the-value-of-empathy-at-work?

How cool…😎 https://www.abc.A question to ask yourselfnet.au/news/2024-03-18/beer-yeast-fore-waste/103587324

Last year I did a thing…… I set up a perpetual award to be given to our Collection Centres best and kindest staff. This is to be awarded twice a year. On the first team team meeting in October & April Their name will be added on the the honour board – this is a…

I often get my great ideas in the shower – as do many other people. This article explains why this is so: https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/ever-wondered-why-your-best-ideas-come-to-you-in-the-shower/103243054

One of the many reasons why healthcare is important: “You can’t run a healthy economy without healthy people.” – Julian Virgona.

“Health is about so much more than simply not being sick. It’s about getting a balance between physical, mental, emotional, cultural and spiritual health. Health and healing are interwoven, which means that one can’t be separated from the other.” Dr Tamara Mackean

The expert reversal effect is based on the idea that novices do not learn the same way that experts do. This article is from Inner Drive & shared by Jonathan Boymal on LinkedIn about the approach that different types of learners need. I highly recommend following Jonathan as his posts are always very interesting. Here…

Staying focused on a task is hard for some. But this research indicates that it is more common as a task drags out: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-58385-001.html This is absolutely true for me – ✔️

You should have a plan. It helps you achieve your goals / visions. The more complex the thing the more detailed the plan needs to be. It should break the complex in to small steps. It should be simple enough for other people to understand & should be accessible to (all) those working to it.…

The World Wellbeing Movement has just released this; https://worldwellbeingmovement.org/playbook/

A good (2019) article on zest: https://positivepsychology.com/zest/

Good design allows good living. Design should let us get on with our day with minimal distractions. Terrance Conran had a design philosophy of making sure that our everyday items were: – Plain – Simple – Useful I have come to realise that he is so right. How many items in our life fall in…

Here is a Time for Kindness guest post from Rachel Stewart, a coach for career redesign.  It is very insightful. I strongly agree with Sarah Brown thoughts that – It’s a fascinating read of how we can take skills from one area of our life and apply them in a different context – in this…

“There’s no such thing As a small act kindness. Every action creates a ripple With no logical, end” Scott Adams.

The second of March is Dr Seuss day. A celebration of the birth of the famous American children’s author – Theodor Seuss Geisel He was born in 1904 – Springfield, Massachusetts & died in La Jolla, California on the 24 September 1991 (age 87 years) He had more than 60 books to his name and…

I honestly can’t believe how quickly this year is going. It seems like yesterday we all were I celebrating New Year’s. Here is the Action For Happiness calendar for this month. I love that the firsts day (01/March) Is to set an intention to live with awareness and kindness.

Take aways: • Productivity is shown to increase when workers have a balanced ratio of work time to break time, leading to more effective performance. • Well-being among employees is improved with flexible work schedules, which reduces work-life conflict and stress levels. • Management perceptions of long work hours are challenged by data suggesting that…

I am very fortunate to be a volunteer wellbeing editor on the Idea Spies website. This is a site for positive stories. I love being a part of it. Please have a look. https://ideaspies.com/about https://ideaspies.com/ Update 03/03/2024: – I was informed yesterday that Idea Spies will not continue on due to a lack of ongoing…

This is how sailing was done in the olden days! The footage is from the 1987 Stonehaven Cup at Royal Brighton Yacht Club. I started in the class just after this event. Fun fact -> I sailed Zest after Justin Ezard. This boat is one of the reasons that zest is in the title of…

Acts of kindness happen every day in healthcare settings. Has a specific act of kindness stuck with you?  Whether you work in healthcare or have been touched by those who do Hush Foundation is holding a Kindness in Health Writing Competition and invites submissions of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry up to 1,000 words.  With great prizes,…

I am very lucky to be able to share with you a cracking blog post from Dr Christina Baird – she is a psychologist, & kindness consultant. To Christina kindness is more than whiskers on kittens and raindrops on roses! It is the magic ingredient of today’s workplaces. Please enjoy her blog post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-kind-dr-christina-baird-n7qqc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via https://christinabaird.co.nz/leadingwithheart

I hope your having a cracking extra day today! May your proposals go super well – if you make any.

“When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” —Abraham Joshua Heschel Yep – it’s true! As you age you often appreciate kindness more. Tip to become wise quickly – develop your own kindness and savour the kind around you. Oh – as you get older you…

There are so many beautiful benefits from the practice of kindness. Key facts Benefits of kindness and compassion Research shows that people who are kind and compassionate have greater levels of contentment. It has been shown that those who do kindness / compassion regularly have improved physical and mental health and feel less isolated, fostering stronger relationship(s).…

Kindness can be developed or a natural predisposition. It is the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate & inclusive. Kindness can be preplanned or spontaneous. It is an act where no benefits are expected in return of its action, other than positive emotions. Doing kindness can make you and others feel joyful and stoked. One…

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. I pay my respects to Elders past, present & emerging. Always was and always will be.

This is simple – I love helping other people. It makes me happy and brings me joy. It is my purpose and my passion. Welcome to my blog where I will talk about kindness, as well as other things that give me joy. I hope you enjoy it.