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Words of Kindness Challenge.


I'm a people watcher. Josh and I both are. Maybe we're a little silly, but we like to people watch and talk about what we think they're doing, where they're going, who their family is, who they love, etc., etc. We pass by thousands of people in our lives as strangers, but to someone, they are a friend, a sibling, a child, a lover. It's crazy to think we pass by thousand of stories and never get to be a part of their lives. 
A few weeks ago, I was thinking a lot about giving compliments to strangers. Hear me out for just one second. Say we gave two separate strangers a compliment each day for a year; that would be 730 compliments. Now, imagine if ten percent of my readers for a day (roughly 8,000 a day) participated in this challenge, that would be 584,000 words of kindness given out to strangers that might not have happened otherwise. Too often I'm in a restaurant or out and about and think, "what an adorable family", or "she has a beautiful smile", etc. and go on about my day. Why not share that with them? You never know what they're going through and what you say might change their perspective about themselves.

So here's my challenge: Start today making a point to share words of kindness to the people you would normally walk right on by. I'm going to try and give two compliments a day. And I'm not implying just throwing out halfhearted compliments, but genuine, thoughtful ones. I've been trying to do this the past few weeks, and it really causes you to be more aware of those around you and also to look for the good in people. I'm sure there will be days I give more and days I don't give any at all, but just remember the principle of the matter. We have the ability to affect lives for the better right at our fingertips. Why not start with the little things? 

And on that note, we are in St. Louis for the weekend to photograph a wedding. Hope you all have a lovely weekend! 

Overalls, thrifted/restyled // boots, thrifted // neon crop top, XXI // bandeau, Pac Sun // necklace c/o Urban Peach Boutique 

Comments

  1. I am the same way! I'm such a people watcher but this is a great challenge, a compliment can really change a person's day! And you look lovely! i love the overalls :)

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  2. It really is crazy to think that we pass by millions of people without realizing they to are happy or sad or stressed or whatever emotion. I think this is seriously a beautiful idea! Definitely will make a point of doing this. Oh and I love your overalls!

    xoxo
    Juliette Laura
    http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
    www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop

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  3. What a beautiful challenge. It's on!

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  4. This is such a lovely post. I adore your overalls. (I've been meaning to style mine lately too!)
    And I love your idea about kindness and complimenting others. I know when someone compliments me it really makes my day, so why not try to do that for those around us!

    Hannah
    http://myrunawaystyle.blogspot.com/

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  5. Wonderful idea. I will start trying to do this.

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  6. Thank you! I just started reading your blog yesterday and I already love it! You write very well and you have great photography! You are also a very beautiful person. Keep up the great work and thank you for making a difference.

    M

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  7. Such a wonderful idea! I am going to try (even though I'm reaaaally shy and I might not always dare to speak to strangers :P )

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  8. So true! Genuine compliments can have such an impact. And by the way, your butterfly tattoo is absolutely gorgeous. :)

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  9. I adore this idea. I think it's really a ground anchor, to really look into ourselves for that greater perspective. Thank you Kinsey for the inspiration. I cannot wait to go start spreading some kind words xo
    Bre'an
    www.steightofmind.com

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  10. Great idea. I need to get better at this. My husband really values encouragement and I've never really stepped up to the plate. Time to start for him and any other person that comes into my life! Thanks for the reminder! :)

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  11. This is a very sweet idea and I will definitely try to incorporate it into my own life more from now on. Also, I had never heard of Urban Peach Boutique before but I just browsed their site and it's amazing and so affordable!

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  12. this is so amazing!!! I'm definitely going to start trying to do this!!

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  13. I often think about this, the stories we pass each day. This is a really a great idea.

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  14. I love this! I've been the recipient of some sweetly unexpected words over the past year and you're right-- it completely changes your day for the better!

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  15. Super gorgeous!

    http://plainlysophie.com

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  16. I have been doing this for years, not because I am a good person, its just a weird compulsion. The responses are often so interesting - surprise, bewilderment, embarrassment, delight, crying, shyness, lots of talking, I've been fascinated by how many people find compliments deeply affecting - either making them uncomfortable or sometimes bringing them to tears. I read recently that many people who survive suicide attempts say if only one person had seen them, acknowledged their existence, they wouldn't have tried to kill themselves. So your compliment may just save a life. :-)

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  17. Wonderful idea! :) I'm in also!

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  18. You my lady are SO thoughtful! Thank you for sharing this inspiring post and making me conscious, once again, of what is truly important!

    - Kelsey @ Applewood Road

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  19. What a beautiful thought, it's people like you that'll make our world a better place. Also, beautiful outfit - love the overalls!! And you're tattoo is pretty damn sweet!!
    x

    7thand52nd.blogspot.com

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  20. I can't believe these overalls are thrifted - they look spanking brand new! I think the concept of complimenting strangers is fantastic, but I don't think I'd have the strength to talk so randomly to strangers. It'll take a lot of practice but it's such a great idea!

    Lubna | ELLE VOX | GIVEAWAY

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  21. What a pretty outfit! Love how they're photographed as well!

    http://LOLitsMelda.blogspot.com

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  22. love love love this idea:) I always try to compliment strangers too as it means so much to me when others compliment me! Sometimes I wonder if it will be awkward, but I suppose that's a risk we should take:) thanks Kinsey!

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  23. Love your idea! Sometimes using the courage to tell a complete stranger a compliment all pays off in the end when you see how happy it makes them :) I'm in for the challenge. Love your outfit by the way :)
    Yasmine xx
    www.yasminebrooke.blogspot.com

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  24. great idea kinsey! i try to do this whenever possible. at first i felt silly telling someone random they had beautiful eyes or whatnot, but now its a very natural thing. And I can always tell it makes them feel good about themselves, which is a wonderful thing! thanks for sharing this post. i think if more people did this it would be a wonderful wonderful thing!

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  25. This is such a beautiful idea! I'll deffo have to start doing this!
    www.thelifeofmaisie.blogspot.com

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  26. Overalls are adorbs! Wish I could pull them off!! xx

    In the Mean
    In the Mean

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  27. I think this is such a great challenge. So many people don't know what it means to be loved, and this is a perfect way to show them a little bit of love =D

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  28. Brilliant! I am going to spread the word:)

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  29. You are truly inspiring, Kinsey.

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  30. you are a phenomenal human being

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  31. This is such a good idea! I'm always doing the same... commenting to Matt about a someone's adorable outfit or cute children. I know it would improve my day so much to hear those things from a stranger, so why don't I make more of a point to do the same for others? Thanks for the inspiration. :)

    Lyric
    lyricalbits.blogspot.com

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  32. I love this idea. You truly are an inspiration (both creatively and spiritually).

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  33. What a beautiful thought! Thank you for sharing, and I am looking forward to spreading the love!

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  34. That's a great idea! I'm going to make sure to do that as well! I always notice people as well, and wonder what their lives are like, and if they look nice or have a nice haircut, or cute baby, etc. too.
    I've made compliments, or I've been trying to reach out to people more, and be more open, and this is another great reason to do so! :)
    Thanks for the inspiration!

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  35. I am exactly the same when it comes to people watching.

    This is a such a sweet idea, I've given compliments to strangers in the past and received them to, it really does brighten up your day.

    Hannah
    x
    www.daintyandivory.blogspot.com

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  36. This happened the other day at my sister's bachelorette party/vacation to Charleston. We all looked horrible after being in the water (beach waves do not exist in real life) and in the sun and sand all day, but as we were leaving a woman walked right up to my sister and said she was beautiful. It made not only her day, but mine as well. How touching that someone should step outside of her comfort zone just to make my sister feel special. I love this challenge!

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  37. This is a beautiful idea. I love giving compliments, look you said, I feel like if I'm thinking something kind about someone, why not tell them, even if they're a stranger.

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  38. We MUST start with the little things! They make such a huge difference. I love this idea! I work in retail and compliment customers on their clothing and jewelry all the time, but I will start thinking beyond that.

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  39. We MUST start with the little things! They make such a huge difference. I love this idea! I work in retail and compliment customers on their clothing and jewelry all the time, but I will start thinking beyond that.

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