"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi

Dear :

Thank you for joining our FREE KINDNESS newsletter. Our intent is to provide you with information that brings more kindness to the world. 

Why more kindness?

It makes the world a better place. When we are kind to others, it creates a ripple effect of positivity that can spread throughout our communities.

It makes us feel good. When we help others, it releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine. These hormones can help to reduce stress, improve our mood, and increase our sense of well-being.

It sets a good example for others. When we are kind to others, we are teaching them how to be kind too. This can have a positive impact on those around us and help to create a more compassionate world.

It makes us more resilient. When we are kind to others, it helps us to build resilience. Kindness can help us to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and self-compassion, which can make us more resilient in the face of adversity.

We are honored that you share in our vision for a kinder world.

Please enjoy our first newsletter that features highlights from our inaugural trip of Kindness + Adventure in Newfoundland and Kind Recommendations.

 

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Kindness + Adventures

At Kindness Adventures, we are committed to fostering a culture of kindness and compassion, and to creating a supportive and inclusive community of like-minded women who are passionate about making a positive impact. Destinations are chosen to provide a service of KINDNESS + a spark of ADVENTURE.

DESTINATION: Exploits Island - Inaugural Program

KINDNESS:

Lighthouse restoration. Building painting. Trail Maintenance.

ADVENTURES:

Hiking. Kayaking. Jigging for cod. Whale watching.

 

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What We Learned On Our Inaugural Destination to Exploits Island

A few words from an inaugural Kindness Ambassador

Laurie Coryell, MD is the epitome of KINDNESS and ADVENTURE. She is an "almost" retired physician who has dedicated her life to helping others around the world. Laurie has traveled to many countries and helped those in need. Most recently she traveled to Haiti with a surgical/medical team until the civil unrest made it too dangerous for their team.

"I always felt privileged to get the opportunity to help people less fortunate than myself. I enjoy the adventure of traveling and learning from different cultures."

Laurie was the first person to sign up for Destination: Exploits Island.

"I have traveled with Jacqueline Stanford on many women's trips. When I heard about the inaugural trip of Kindness Adventures, I wanted to be part of it."

Little did Laurie know that the weather and the task were to become an EPIC adventure in kindness.    

"I and five other women joined together. The projects included chipping off the old paint of the cast-iron lighthouse; and prepping and painting several of the outbuildings. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. We were able to paint two of the outbuildings and prepped the other for a future painting crew. The lighthouse has YEARS of paint to be chipped away. We did our part to get the project moving. Despite the "never before seen" inclement weather, we still had so much fun and good laughs. And I learned a bit about "waterproof". What is the brand of the only true waterproof hiking boot?! A KNEE-HIGH RUBBER BOOT! Note to self: no boot is waterproof when the rainwater streams over the top of the boot."

Laurie's generosity and talents make her the BEST addition to our crew of Kindness Ambassadors. We look forward to tapping into her vast wisdom, exceptional talents, and life-saving sense of humor!

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A few kind words from those we served

From Paul & Joanne Langdon owners of the Lighthouse on Surgeon Cove on Exploits Island:

"With the goal of assisting in the restoration of the original cast iron light tower constructed in 1911 as well as helping scrape and paint the lightkeeper's residence and three outbuildings, this project, in its totality, was a monumental task for even several days of the best of weather. But the rain, drizzle, and fog that descended upon us for nearly the whole week did nothing to dishearten these incredible women. Even the daily 4 km walk through the soggy boreal forest trail to the site was unable to lower their determination

Armed with chipping hammers, a needle scaler, paint scrapers and pruning shears for the trail, Jax and her team of Kindness Adventurers set out to do as much as possible. By Friday evening, the light tower was another step closer to having its old paint removed, three outbuildings were scraped, and two were actually painted. Also, the annual tree windfalls were removed from the trail and many sections were groomed to facilitate an easier hike.

We are overjoyed with the success of their first project and feel honored that we were chosen for their first project.  It's hard to fathom that there are people in the world so kind as to pay to go on a vacation and actually work in these conditions to deliver such an enormous act of kindness. We wish them all the best with their future destinations!"

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Kind Recommendations

What to watch

Maiden  - Documentary available on Prime Video and Starz

In 1989 Tracy Edwards leads the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling yachting competition that covers 33,000 miles and lasts nine months.  

What to read

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie MacKesy
#1 New York Times Bestseller and an Academy Award-winning animated short film available to stream on AppleTV+

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the mole.
“Kind,” said the boy

"This book is for everyone, whether you are 80 or 8. I hope this book encourages you, perhaps, to live courageously with more kindness for yourself and for others.” - Charlie MacKesy

What to cook

It’s cold in Newfoundland. Their food is on the heartier side and soups are at the top of the list. Particularly, pea soup!
Here’s a quick and easy recipe that can be enjoyed cold during our warm months of summer and hot in the chill of winter. Serve it with some traditional Newfoundland Toutons, a pan-fried yeast dough that has been likened to a pancake crossed with a donut.

Pea and Mint Soup

Can be served both hot or cold and comes together quickly. Serves 4

Adapted from It’s not complicated recipe

Ingredients

• 1TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion - chopped
• 2 cloves garlic - roughly chopped
• 3 1/2 cups (500 g) frozen peas
• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) vegetable stock (can add 1/2c more for thinner soup)
• 3TBS lemon juice 
• 1/4 cup packed fresh mint - finely chopped 
• 2 TBS nutritional yeast
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook the onion slowly for 5-8 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure the onion does not burn.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
3. Add the frozen peas and vegetable stock and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer for 5-8 minutes.
4. Add the fresh mint and nutritional yeast to the mixture, and blend until smooth. (immersion blender or standard blender)
5. Season with salt and pepper and fresh lemon juice. 
6. Serve warm or chilled, with a garnish of your choice. I Swirl a spoonful of unsweetened coconut yogurt or an infused herb de Provence olive oil and a few chopped fresh herbs 

 

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Closing Thoughts on Kindness from Jacqueline

"Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity to make a difference." - Kevin Heath

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Travel with us as we combine Kindness + Adventures. Visit DESTINATIONS

We have two spaces open for Destination: Tijuana Mexico & San Diego, California

Hit reply and let us know you are interested. We will reach out with additional details and schedule a time to chat!

Become a Kindness Ambassador to travel along with us -- from wherever you are! Visit COMMUNITY

When you join the Kindness Adventures membership community, you will receive an exclusive "Cup of Kindness", updates on our work, opportunities and ideas to spread kindness in your communities, and much more! Our program is kicking off soon.

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Send us your thoughts, ideas, and stories of kindness.  Hit reply and send us pictures, videos, and stories of kindness.

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