What the world around me was in early 2020 will never return. My rising again into this new year must start from within -- from my place of kindness. But how do I rise again in a way that's helpful to me and everyone I connect with, and be relevant to the world that's emerging? 

this Seed of Hope & Kindness has "germinated" into this message: “I like to envision the whole world as a jigsaw puzzle…If you look at the whole picture, it is overwhelming and terrifying, but if you work on your little part of the jigsaw and know that people all over the world are working on their little bits, that’s what will give you hope.“—- Dr Jane Goodall

This Seed, 8th in the Seeds of Hope series, has “germinated” after running around my head and conversations for some time. As part of this Seed, I have invited my nature photographer husband, Rob, to share one of his stunning photos with you for this blog. What gives me joy? That surge of pure delight from my heart?

This Seed has “germinated” from a different place to my last Seed of Hope – it arose from a panel discussion which I attended earlier this year. After the event, as I turned on the key of my car and drove away, one of the questions to the panel lingered… What would you say to your younger self?

Here is the 6th Seed which has just been “germinated” for you: That which we search for is looking for us, sending out a constant call, shining a beacon. If we can be still and awake, if we can find the courage to call out and listen deeply, we will find our way home.—Oriah “Mountain Dreamer” House in The Call, one of the readings for the 7 Keys of Kindness Journey.

Here is the 5th Seed which has just been “germinated” for you: The future belongs to those who show up.—Annimac.

Here is the 4th Seed which has just been “germinated” for you: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us… As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." — Marianne Williamson from her book 'A Return to Love', and quoted by Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech.

Welcome to the 3rd Seed of Hope. Here is the 3rd Seed which has just been “germinated” for you: The meaning of life is to know your gift, the purpose of life is to share it.……Pablo Picasso.

Welcome to the 2nd Seed of Hope. Here is the 2nd Seed which has just been “germinated” for you: Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds that float a

Welcome to this very 1st Seed of Hope. I am writing this Seed to you with the hope that it brightens your day with kindness. If it is helpful to you, please feel free to share it with others who need some help too. Here is the 1st Seed for you: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference….Reinhold Niebuhr.