A few days ago, I saw a documentary on the Al-Hawl Refugee Camp in northern Syria. And it is so obvious and still heartbreaking to watch how hate, revenge and hard-heartedness are cultivated and growing there. And I am sure in many other places where atrocities take place. Whole new generations grow up traumatized and full of hatred. In our close surroundings too, we can witness hate or ourselves be carried away by hate.

Hate is a pernicious poison that's been destroying countless lives. The question remains: why haven't we found a way to transcend hate knowing that kindness can be a more powerful tool in the journey of life? [Rhetoric].

Isn't it time to break free from the cycle of hate and start building bridges instead of walls? Hate has caused many to lose opportunities in life, and it's time to break this cycle. We can break this cycle of hate by simply by realizing that hatred destroys the hater.

Do you often find yourself held back by self-doubt? You're not alone. Many of us possess the innate ability to reach extraordinary heights, yet self-doubt often holds us back from achieving greatness. When we allow doubt to cloud our minds, we diminish our capacity for success. It's time to break free from this limiting mindset and unlock your true capabilities.

Throughout history, remarkable individuals have attributed their accomplishments to an unshakeable belief in themselves. From visionary leaders to pioneering innovators, their journeys to success were marked by a steadfast confidence that overshadowed fear and doubt.

By embracing this mindset, we can overcome fear and doubt, and achieve remarkable things. Remember, confidence is the catalyst for greatness – let it propel you towards your dreams.

Humility and kindness often have become rare gems in a world where leadership qualities like decisiveness and charisma often take the spotlight.

Yet, it is precisely these traits that can set exceptional leaders apart, creating a lasting impact on their teams and organizations.

In this article, we explore how the seemingly soft skills of humility and kindness have a profound influence on leadership effectiveness. By embracing these virtues, leaders can build trust, nurture inclusivity, and cultivate a positive organizational culture that thrives on compassion and collaboration.

“Kindness fills and envelops you in authenticity that will make a greater first impression in seconds than you ever could without being kind.” - Adrienne Bankert

It is my mission to shift the current perspective on Kindness and teach that Kindness is an evolved way of Being, that kindness is only perceived as weakness by the weak, the imbalanced and the insecure (and let’s never lose our compassion for them).

It requires self-discipline and a very strong sense of self-understanding, self-confidence and self-esteem to stay kind to a rude person, to stay outside the negativity of the unkind one, and to not be triggered by it.

Kindness is a sign of a person who has dealt with his inner demons, his insecurities and old wounds, who has done a lot of personal work and has come to a great self-understanding, a deep compassion and wisdom.

In our relentless pursuit of greatness, many of us find ourselves entangled in the suffocating web of perfectionism.

We strive to project an immaculate image, often at the expense of our mental well-being. This unyielding quest for perfection can lead to a life plagued by constant stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Yet, by acknowledging the damaging nature of perfectionism and embracing our imperfections, we can liberate ourselves from its confines and foster a deep sense of self-acceptance and self-love.

Perfectionism is often rooted in profound fears of inadequacy, rejection, and failure, creating a cycle of relentless self-criticism as we chase an unattainable ideal. It is time to challenge this mindset.

By embracing our mistakes, practising mindfulness, and cultivating self-compassion, among other key strategies, we can break free. The journey towards self-acceptance is a journey towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Strive for Excellence, not Perfectionism. - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

The journey of life comes with setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt that can leave us feeling broken because we often get unprepared for the unexpected turns that it throws at us.

If we look at success and failure more closely, we can see that success and failure are two sides of the same coin, what seems as success for one person might be a failure for another.

So mostly life is all about embracing your journey, overcoming challenges, and finding the strength within yourself see every challenge as an opportunity for growth.

You possess the ability to transform setbacks so they can give you a new direction in life. Let's discuss embracing your path, overcoming obstacles, and paving the way for fulfilment.

Here are eight ways to repurpose your broken pieces for fulfillment.

1. Consider your past mistakes as a teaching moment and a chance for personal development: Are you aware that failure is part of life? Yes, it is. But most of all, failure is no more than a label you put on an experience.

2. Acknowledging your story and maintaining focus: Every person's journey is unique, filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks.

3. Develop a coping mechanism for resilience: Resilience is the essential skill for assembling broken pieces.

4. Take the time to be still and reflect: What happened really? What you consider to be a failure is merely a situation that turned out differently than expected.

5. Celebrate small achievements: During your quest to pick up your broken pieces and join them for greatness, acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest successes along the way. By celebrating your progress, you build confidence to face greater victories to come.

6. Seek Support: Yes, there may be times when we find ourselves in some awkward situations that require more than just our coping mechanisms.

7. Maintain a positive mindset: Try not to let past setbacks get in the way of your current mood. Instead, concentrate on the steps you've taken.

8. Practice self-care: Many people tend to wallow in their situation when broken. They end up exacerbating their problems by neglecting themselves. Make self-care a priority by obtaining enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and partaking in enjoyable and relaxing activities.

One of my favourite quotes about failure and success comes from Winston Churchill where he says: 'Success is moving from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

Wishing you a day where you don't lose your enthusiasm regardless of the situation you are in!

Much love, Barbara

PS read the full article in my latest newsletter Positivity and Kindness Insights.

Life is a magnificent adventure, full of twists and turns that can leave us breathless. Yet, the journey seems effortless for some, while others struggle to find their footing.

It's crucial to recognize that life's challenges are inevitable, but it's how we respond that truly matters. These challenges, whether they be chronic illness, job loss, the death of a loved one, divorce, or other adversities can leave us feeling lost and hopeless.

However, in these moments, we must draw upon our hashtag#innerstrength and hashtag#resilience. Believing in oneself is the key to weathering life's upheavals.

Here are ten ways to find hashtag#balance in the eye of the storm:

1. Live Within Your Means and Avoid Unnecessary Extravagance

2. Believe in Yourself

3. View Adversity as a Learning Opportunity

4. Practice Kindness

5. Build Resilience and Stamina

6. Practice Mindfulness

7. Avoid Alcohol and Illicit Drugs

8. Seek Support

9. Let Go

10. Embrace Positivity and Gratitude

By striking a balance in all aspects of our lives, we can transform our struggles into opportunities for hashtag#growth and hashtag#transformation. Balance is the harmony that allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and agility. It's the equilibrium that enables us to find hashtag#peace during chaos and to emerge stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.

Wishing you a day where you can cultivate peace and inner calm midst of the hectic of life!

Much love, Barbara

As I am reading another biography of one of my biggest inspirations, Albert Schweitzer, I can only be in awe for his courage to follow his own course and live a life completely dedicated to serve Humanity and be a source of love, kindness and compassion towards all living creatures.

Kindness and love are essential qualities in the world, sustained by those who possess a profound sense of humanity and persistently strive to server others. Contrary to what we might think, small acts of kindness—such as complimenting others, volunteering, giving flowers, expressing gratitude, using polite language, feeding the hungry, and opening doors for others—can have a profound and lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Reflecting on my own journey, one pivotal question I often pondered growing up and especially after being diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer was: "What legacy can I leave in this world after I am no more?" The answer that resonated deeply with me was to leave a legacy of love and kindness, as my contribution to making the world a better place for all of us.

And although we might feel overwhelmed in the beginning thinking about building a legacy of kindness and compassion, I have learned to not overcomplicate. Our legacy starts in our nearest circle, with every living creature we encounter.

Read the full article of my latest newsletter Positivity and Kindness Insights to discover 10 reasons how small acts of kindness can change the course of history.

#thepathofpowerfulkindness #kindnessmatters #barbaravercruysse

The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them. – Thomas Crum

Conflict is an inevitable part of our daily lives that can impact our personal growth and mental well-being. Whether it is internal or external, conflicts can be stressful events. As a manager, mentor, and coach, I have worked with people worldwide who are struggling with conflicts.

Based on my experiences, I strongly believe that exhibiting kindness and compassion is one of the most powerful ways to respond to conflicts.

Here are seven ways to manage conflicts better with kindness and compassion:

1. Identify the source of the conflict

2. Practice forgiveness

3. Be empathetic

4. Be non-judgmental

5. Respect and tolerance

6. Be an advocate of peace

7. Learn to apologize

In conclusion, managing conflicts with kindness and compassion can lead to positive outcomes and be an effective strategy to improve relationships and promote mental well-being. Displaying kindness and compassion in conflict is always a sign of a noble and strong character.

Wishing you a day where you choose peace, maturity, and kindness over perpetuating conflict.

Much love, Barbara

PS you can read the full article in the latest edition of my newsletter 'Positivity & Kindness Insights'.

hashtag#choosepeace hashtag#powerfulkindness hashtag#barbaravercruysse

How can we deal in a more mindful way with our triggers? How can we become aware that many times we operate from impulse, from a programmed reaction?

Let's say your manager gives you an unjustified comment on your work, or your spouse/husband starts criticising your spending patterns and you get very upset; you start defending yourself in both situations and add some harsh words to stress your anger.

There is a more mature, peaceful and less dramatic way to deal with this kind of situations which will not only make your daily life more harmonious but also take away the fear of being criticised or rejected.

Were you blessed with people in your life who believed in you and your dreams? If the answer is yes, I would suggest to never skip an occasion to express your hashtag#gratitude for their support.

In a world that often seems inundated with skepticism and doubt, the value of having individuals in our lives who genuinely believe in our dreams cannot be overstated.

Let's delve into the profound impact of these believers on our journey towards realizing our aspirations. From providing unwavering support during challenging times to fueling our persistence with their hashtag#unshakeable faith, we will explore the multifaceted roles such supporters play in our lives.

One of the reasons kindness is often perceived as weakness is that kindness is confused with pleasing. And nothing could be further from the truth: kindness is not about people pleasing at all.

People pleasing is operating from a place of weakness.

You give your power and authenticity away to chase approval from someone else. Desperately looking for outside approval, being overly dependent on the appreciation of someone else, is a sign that you think that without that approval or appreciation, you are not worthy.

Kindness is very different. Kindness is a choice, kindness comes from a powerful place within you.

The belief you hold about yourself shapes every experience.

Never underestimate the power of your thoughts, what you think about yourself you become. Therefore only hold the highest possible vision of yourself.

If you think of yourself as an inferior person, an unworthy person, because you had some experiences in the past; your mind will look for circumstances to confirm that belief. Let's say, someone gives you a bad comment and tells you that you're not good at your job. When you think that you're unworthy, your mind will blow up that comment from someone to confirm your unworthiness.

In the dynamic landscape of modern businesses, leadership qualities like decisiveness and charisma often take the spotlight. humility and kindness often seem like rare gems in those environments.

Yet, it is precisely these traits that can set exceptional leaders apart, creating a lasting impact on their teams and organizations.

In this article, we explore how the seemingly soft skills of humility and kindness have a profound influence on leadership effectiveness. By embracing these virtues, leaders can build trust, foster hashtag#inclusivity, and cultivate a positive hashtag#organizationalculture that thrives on compassion and collaboration.

Read the full article to discover the eight major reasons to show humility and kindness as a leader.

As a caring person, we want to make sure to refresh our empathy towards others, even though some people may not appreciate our conscious efforts.

Therefore it is very important to make sure that our batteries are always charged first before we dedicate our energy and time to the wellbeing of others.

A crucial step to not getting mentally exhausted is setting boundaries for people who sap our positive energy.

Read the article to find out six ways of setting boundaries that will empower you.

When we look up to inspirational leaders, they embody qualities that seem like they have been born with and we are not. Sometimes it might seem like we will never embody the confident, calm, and mature leader we aim to be.

Embodying leadership, confidence, calm, peace, and grace can be a daunting task, especially when we feel inadequate when we keep insisting on negative self-talk, and keep comparing our journey with others.

Read more.

According to the Roman philosopher Cicero, gratitude is not only the greatest virtue but also the parent of all other virtues.

Walking the Path of Powerful Kindness includes walking with an attitude of reverence and gratitude for life.

Gratitude can be expressed in various forms. It does not cost much to show gratitude. This includes appreciating little things, devoting your time, smiling as much as you can, offering sincere compliments, and so on. Statements like “I couldn’t have made it without you” or “thank you for everything you have done for me” alone are enough for a person to feel appreciated.

Positive psychology holds that feeling thankful increases happiness and fulfilment.