For all those like me who need to hear it: Choosing to be kind is one of the hardest choices to make, but also one of the most powerful. It shows that we are stronger than those who choose to act out of indifference or selfishness. By deciding to be kind, we accept becoming vulnerable and risking being used. But within this vulnerability lies immense strength, because by choosing to reach out, to give our hearts, we offer the world something precious: the possibility to change, to heal, and to touch lives. People with big hearts possess a rare power — the power to make a difference. “With great power comes great responsibility.” This principle applies to all of us. If we have the power to spread kindness and offer help, even when the other doesn’t seem to deserve it, it is our responsibility to do so. This is what makes the world more humane. If you wonder what your purpose in this world is, the answer is simple: to offer kindness. Kind people are the ones who hold one of the most important places in this world. They are the ones who create authentic connections, heal the invisible wounds of others, and shape a fairer and more humane future. Never forget that.

I believe that talking about ourselves helps us to heal and improve our lives -- and love ourselves.

I would like to start a group where we practice listening to each other in the most nurturing and powerful way possible. I need feedback, so I created a short, 2 minute survey PLUS Everyone Who takes the Survey will be entered in a drawing for $50, $25, $10, $5 Amazon Gift Cards!  (USA only, please.)

https://forms.gle/PbmmrWJKvvuxG4yVA

I would be grateful for your feedback.  Thanks!

Dale Schroeder was an American carpenter from Iowa.

He spent 67 years working for the same company and lived an extremely frugal life, owning only two pairs of blue jeans: one for work and one for attending church on Sundays.

He never married or had children and had amassed $3 million in life savings by the time of his death at the age of 86, which he arranged to be used for the college education of 33 Iowans because he grew up poor and wanted to help people like himself attend college.

Does having less unlock the door to greater humanity?

Smallest Hands Often Carry the Biggest Hearts

Ever wondered why those with the least to give are often the first to step forward when help is needed? Maybe it’s because they understand what it feels like to struggle. Here's to the quiet heroes of the world who prove that kindness isn’t measured by wealth but by the size of the heart.

Hello All,

Thank you so much for reading this! My name is Alanna Barnes, and I am currently enrolled in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program (Psy.D.) at Chaminade University. I am seeking participants for my dissertation research study. My study aims to create a novel measure of psychological safety. This measure would be used in the psychotherapeutic setting to assess if a client/patient perceives their therapist to have created a psychologically safe environment. To participate, I am asking for individuals to complete an anonymous ten-minute survey. There will also be a raffle for one of three $50 Visa gift cards for any participant who would be comfortable sharing their email address. The email address will be kept confidential and only used for the raffle. Upon the completion of the raffle, all email addresses will be deleted.

To qualify as a participant, here are my inclusion criteria:

• Must be over the age of 18
• Must be located within the United States
• Must be English-speaking
• Must be currently receiving psychotherapy from a licensed mental health professional OR it has been less than a year from your most recent session with a licensed mental health professional 
• At the time of the study, one must have completed at least two sessions with a licensed mental health professional

If you know someone or a group that would be interested in taking this survey, please forward. Lastly, if you qualify to participate and want to participate, please use this link.

This study was approved by the Chaminade IRB on September 30th, 2024 with Protocol Number: CUH 449 2024.

https://preview.redd.it/z6yql7u3ax0e1.png?width=1545&format=png&auto=webp&s=39cda0128076747e1b62bb52f3425ae58604be3b

https://preview.redd.it/sn0xwts5fxzd1.jpg?width=723&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=daf96b18c7db6dc5357befc3320e5cc3cb223fb1

In the summer of 2022, our world turned upside down. Sera Jay, my beloved wife, was hospitalized for over a month with acute pancreatitis. We had dinner together every night she was in the hospital. Shortly after, a tumor appeared on her neck, accompanied by a sudden change in her voice. A biopsy confirmed our worst fears: cancer. Since that diagnosis, our lives have been constant hospital visits, ER visits, and difficult news.

I put aside hopes of restarting my career to support Sera. We are currently living off my 401k, but our resources are quickly depleting. Sera and I began radiation five days a week for three months in 2023. In early 2024, a pet scan revealed the devastating news: the cancer had spread, and her diagnosis was now terminal. Despite the diagnosis, Sera wanted to keep working, she worked through 5 rounds of chemo with reduced hours, but her income disqualified her from receiving SSDI support—a benefit she paid into for 25 years of her working life, working as a hair stylist and they make it impossible to use when you need it. We went to the Social Security office multiple times, waiting an average of 3-4 hours each time for answers, but ultimately received no help.

Since then, Sera has endured 12 rounds of chemo, but it’s become life threatening for her to continue. Now, she can only receive immunotherapy, and the cancer is progressing rapidly. This journey has been a heartbreaking and lonely one, especially knowing she can’t access the support she worked so hard to earn.

We are reaching out for help because we cannot do this alone. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in our lives as we navigate this. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us in any way you can.

With gratitude and love,
Sera and Dan

#CancerAwareness

#CancerSucks

 #FightCancer

 #StandUpToCancer

#HopeForACure

 #EndCancer

 #CancerResearch

 #CancerCommunity

 #CancerWarrior

#fuckcancer

#CaregiverSupport

#CancerCaregiver

#CancerSupportCommunity

#CancerSupport

#CancerFamily

#CancerCommunity

 #TogetherWeFight

 #CancerSupportGroup

In my job I drive around a small little town just south of Tulsa Oklahoma a lot. (like a lot a lot) and as I was making a turn into one of my usual stops today, I noticed a little ball of fur in the road. Because I work/live in a small town I am used to lots of roadkill but for some reason today I swung wide, and decided to pull over and check to see. (it initially looked like a fluffy puppy).

Turns out it was a raccoon. Probably adolescent. It had a gash on its forehead, clearly a recent wound. I thought maybe it was dazed after a run in with a vehicle. So I tried to shoo it off the road but when it tried to move it was obvious that that the poor thing couldn't move its back legs... "Ah..." I thought to myself. So I called my boss, hoping for an easy cop out on what to do. "Call animal control, maybe they'll send someone maybe not."

So I called, and to my surprise they said that they would send someone. I didn't really have a lot of time to wait so I drove down the road to my original destination (maybe a 1/4 mile up a neighborhood road) I did what routine work was required of me (maybe 15 minutes) and started making my way back up the road to my next stop.

The raccoon was still there ears flinching with each passing car. So I pulled over, and waited. All the time trying to get up the nerve to do what was right on my own. I checked for the right kind of gloves (I assumed it would try to bite, I mean, wouldn't you? Even if you knew? Especially so young?) I didn't have what I needed, or what I did have was covered in shit (I work in waste water). So I sat there, and just waited. Hoping the city employee really was on their way. I wish I had gotten closer. I wish I had offered a gentle touch or a kind word.

It only took another 10 minutes. In turned a truck, burly guy rolled the window down and asked "Is it dead?" "No." I said "Well it will be soon." before I could get more out. "Thank you for coming out." my quick reply.

I put my truck in drive and headed off. I said what I think was a prayer as I drove away, to Mother earth, "ease its passing, thank you for it's gift of life and thank you for mine. Sorry it was so short."

This really hit close to home for me. A friend of mine passed a few years back. She fell out of her wheelchair at home. It took hours and hours for someone to find her, how long exactly I am not sure. Its a harsh truth to face, that no one was there. How scared, and lonely she must have been, death on its way in a truck labeled "Code Enforcement".

I'm glad I waited. I would like to believe that if that city employee hadn't shown up I would have gotten up the guts to be able to do it myself. And I hope that wherever they are, if anywhere, that its more peaceful than the world that they left behind.

“The report sparked an outpouring of support – from offers of help with the English language and training to jobs and meals at restaurants.”

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stateless-unemployed-youth-who-has-never-gone-to-school-lands-job-offer

If I have an opportunity to tip a woman for something, either a waitress, or any tipped service, I'm leaving a $47 dollar tip. I hope she wins. Not really political, but just some solidarity for women at a time when I think it's important

This is the third year in a row I’ve done this. We’re starting to get a reputation. I’m pretty sure I heard a kid exclaim “We have to go here, this is the best house in the neighborhood!” I loved seeing and hearing the kids’ reactions. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that. Many mistakenly called them king-sized bars; I guess compared to the mini ones they look pretty big. There’s nothing better than seeing a kid’s eyes bug out when you give them a full-size Snickers or M&Ms. We had well over 200 trick or treaters this year and I still had to give some kids the backup candy. I’ll make sure to be prepared next year for at least 250. I’ve decided to leave work an hour early next year, to have more time for taking my own kids trick or treating and to get back home in time to catch more of the younger trick or treaters.

I can’t believe it’s been a whole year. Last year, Halloween came just a few weeks after my world was shattered and I was just trying to take it one day at a time. I’ve been slowly glueing and taping it back together this past year. My life is still not great but it’s a lot better than where I was and getting better as time goes on. Giving out full-size bars is honestly one of the highlights of my year, I just love seeing how happy it makes the kids. I also don’t mind the teenagers, I’d guesstimate about half of my trick or treaters were 13+. Childhood is so short, I’m more than OK with letting them try to hold onto it a little longer. My own kids are growing so quickly, I’m afraid to blink.

I’ll update you next year with my new numbers. Until then, be kind to one another and treat yourself to the full-size bar every once in awhile.