Finding Thankfulness and Kindness After a Rough Week
Hey there, Risers! How’s it going? Seriously, how are you doing?
Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, know this—you’re not alone. Life has its ups, downs, and “I-can’t-even” moments, and that’s okay. After a week that felt like a marathon with no finish line, let’s hit pause together, reset, and find some gratitude and kindness amidst the chaos.
Here at The Risers Hub, we’re all about blending humor with heart, so grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s chat about how to rise above the noise.
A Rough Couple of Weeks? Same Here!
The past few weeks were a lot, right? There have been a few of us who have had to pump the brakes with everything going on in the world, and choose rest over regular activity. I’m here to tell you, that’s AOK!
How did you practice self-care this past week? Did you binge-watch a new show, take a solo hike, or simply indulge in the magic of doing nothing? Whatever it was, we hope it filled your cup.
Question for You: In what ways do you show kindness toward yourself, and how does practicing self-kindness help you extend kindness to others?
Thankfulness: A Superpower
As you know, The Riser’s Hub is all about gratitude, and gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s science-backed. Research shows that practicing gratitude:
Reduces stress.
Improves optimism.
Helps us focus on the positive.
Take a moment right now. Think of one thing you’re grateful for—it could be as simple as the smell of coffee or as big as reconnecting with a loved one.
Question for You: What are some daily habits or routines you can create to remind yourself to be thankful, even on challenging days?
Kindness: The Ripple Effect
If the last few weeks’ tension left you feeling drained, kindness might be the antidote to get you feeling good again. We know it's a stretch, but here’s the kicker—kindness doesn’t just benefit others; it transforms us.
A few ideas to kickstart your kindness streak:
Call a loved one.
Compliment someone.
Pay it forward with a random act of kindness.
Volunteer or donate to a cause close to your heart.
The Science. Acts of kindness can boost your mood, lower blood pressure, and even increase your lifespan. Kindness is the ultimate two-for-one deal!
Question for You: How do you express kindness to others, and in what ways do you think small acts of kindness can impact those around you?
Gratitude and Relationships
Gratitude isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a relationship builder. Think back to a time when you genuinely expressed appreciation for someone. Did it change your connection with them?
Question for You: Can you think of a time when expressing gratitude or appreciation to someone changed your relationship with them? What did you learn from that experience?
Kindness and gratitude are like a duet—they harmonize beautifully. When you practice one, the other often follows.
Refocusing on What We Can Control
Feeling overwhelmed by things outside your control? Nicol offers a helpful reminder: focus on what is within your power.
Your attitude. Positivity can create a ripple effect.
Your energy. Channel it into uplifting activities and people.
Your priorities. Tackle tasks that truly matter to you.
Your words. Speak kindly to yourself and others.
You might not be able to control the world, but you can control your perspective—and that’s a game-changer.
Your Gratitude & Kindness Challenge
Here’s a challenge for this week:
Write down three things you’re thankful for (GET YOUR GRATITUDE JOURNAL HERE).
Do one kind thing for someone else.
Do one kind thing for yourself.
Reflect on how these small acts make you feel.
Take a Breath
Let’s close with a collective deep breath. Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and exhale. Feels better, right? Breath in 1-2-3. HOLD for 2 seconds. Breath out 1-2-3. Repeat 3-5 times and relax.
This week, let’s rise together—grounded in gratitude and fueled by kindness. No matter what life throws our way, we’ve got this.
Question for You: How do you stay mindful of the things you’re grateful for, and what practices help you bring gratitude into different areas of your life?
Final Thought
Gratitude and kindness may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but they’re powerful tools to shift our mindset and create meaningful connections. So, let’s practice thankfulness, spread kindness, and keep rising together.
Until next time, stay kind, stay thankful, and always keep rising!
Nicol Hodges is a certified life coach, fitness expert, and wellness advocate.
hello@therisershub.com
instagram.com/therisershub
Images created by Nicol Hodges
