Well, hello there. My name is Morgan Harper-Nichols. I'm an artist and a writer, and this is a space where I share words that I hope can make a little room for you to slow down and take a few deep breaths as you prepare for whatever lies ahead. Thanks for being here today. And now on to today's episode.

When we find ourselves at the beginning of a new week, we may feel overwhelmed at times by all that it will ask of us. It may be hard to find excitement or joy, and it may be hard to feel inspired by a long

to-do list. Instead of being able to invest our energy into people and activities and projects that we

love, we may feel pressure to invest all of it into the busy work of life. But when we are in this place and when we are

lacking energy or inspiration, it is important to remember this. Kindness is always a strong,

inspiring gift. In moments of stress, kindness can make all the difference. As individuals

within a wider community, one of the best things we can do in our daily lives is to take the time

to give kindness. Perhaps kindness is a word that we hear a lot, and because we hear it a lot, it starts to lose its meaning.

But even beyond its buzzword status, kindness is an action that has power and presence.

Whether we give it to our loved ones or to strangers we never meet or to ourselves, we move

with love by moving with kindness. And just as important as it is to give our kindness to others,

it is equally as important to allow ourselves to receive kindness in return.

Kind words are so much more than polite expressions.

They are so much more than just nice words and phrases.

They are a source of warmth in the form of words,

and they are a way of reflecting on what

is beautiful about someone's heart and soul. A kind word has the power to point to the forgotten

goodness that exists within someone, and can even highlight the goodness that has been previously

unnoticed.

So if someone says something kind to you, take it in, allow yourself to receive it.

Instead of questioning it or dismissing it, let the words find you wherever you are.

Let it be a reminder that even here, no matter the busyness of life,

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