There’s something that’s been sitting in my mind for a while now. Not in a dramatic, life-epiphany kind of way. More like a quiet, consistent little tap on the shoulder. The kind of thought that returns when you’re in a checkout line, or out for a walk, or waiting for your coffee to cool so you don’t burn your tongue like you always do even though you know better (don’t you hate that!?).
The thought is this:
Kindness isn’t extra. It’s essential. We just forget, sometimes.
Not the Pinterest-curated, inspirational-quote, “live laugh love” kind of kindness.
I mean real, street-level kindness.
The simple moments that can so easily go unnoticed. Easily forgotten because they barely register in the first place.
The catch someone’s eye and smile kind.
The let someone merge even though you’re late kind.
The tip the barista because the morning rush looked like a battlefield kind.
The pay a compliment to a stranger because you really do love her jacket
When you help a mom struggling with her hands full, because you just know how hard it all was.
The steady, unglamorous, humanity-holding-us-together kind.
And somewhere along the way — between algorithms, news cycles, productivity hacks, and just the overwhelm of everyday life — that flavor of kindness got treated like… an optional extra. Something nice, if you have the time. Something sweet, but not necessary.
Except it is necessary.
It’s the thing that reminds us to exhale, maybe smile and hear yourself say, hmm, yeah.
It’s the thing that softens shoulders and slows heartbeats.
It’s the thing that makes people feel like maybe the world isn’t as sharp as it seemed this morning.
The little thing that brings us to say to a friend, ‘well, that renews my faith in humanity…’
So I started something.
I’m calling it The Kindness Project.
No committees.
No meetings.
No strategic plan or owner’s manual.
Just one idea:
Kindness is something we do on purpose.
Not because we’re trying to be perfect.
Not because we’re trying to get applause.
But because it makes the world better in small, actual ways.
And, if we’re being honest, it just feels good.
Being kind can be fun.
And I wanted to create things that remind us.
Not preach at us — just nudge us.
Because sometimes we need the reminder.
On your desk.
In your bag.
In your hand when you’re rushing to your car and thinking about your day and maybe not breathing as much as you should.
A notebook that says “Kindness looks good on you.”
A mug that says “Life’s short. Talk fast. Be kind.”
A morning candle that says “Kind AF.”
(because honestly, kindness can have a little attitude and still count)
These aren’t slogans.
They’re anchors.
Tiny touchpoints back to who you actually are when you’re not overwhelmed or exhausted or feeling lost scrolling your phone.
The Kindness Project is not about being perfect.
It’s about remembering your softness on purpose.
It’s about reclaiming gentleness as a strength, not a weakness.
It’s about choosing to be someone who brightens rooms, not drains them.
And yes — it’s a little bit about joy.
Color. Play. Humor.
That internal wink that says: ‘Hey, that was fun’
In Daniel Pink’s book, “Play”, he writes:
“We are happy when we can live an expansive life, one in which we are aware that we are actively participating in something greater than ourselves….an intellectual, social or spiritual community.
If any part of you has been feeling tired, guarded, or a little crispy (I can admit it, can you?) around the edges — this is your reminder:
You’re allowed to be soft again.
You’re allowed to play.
You’re allowed to make someone smile because you saw them and you lightened their load, even just a little bit.
The world actually needs your kindness.
And if you want a little help remembering, The Kindness Project is here.
Not as merch.
Not as “content.”
But as gentle armor.
Something you carry that says:
I’m choosing who I am.
And I’m choosing kindness.
Everywhere I go.
An Invitation
Today, let’s choose one small act of kindness — toward a stranger, someone we love, or ourselves. Not to be perfect. Just to be present. Just to be human.
And if you want a little reminder along the way…
The Kindness Project collection is now live.
I hope you have fun exploring it — truly.
If you’d like first access to new drops + a free Kindness Bingo printable (and yes, it’s way cooler than it sounds)...use the link below:
→ Get the Kindness Bingo Card + Join The Kindness Project
We’re building something warm here.
Something soft-but-strong.
Something that spreads.
Join The Kindness Project.
Let’s make kindness the thing that catches on.
Not because it fixes everything.
But because it shifts something.
Small gestures. Big ripples.
And that matters.
Cheers to you, Cheers to Us.
Cheers to Kindness in any and all forms.
The Tethered Line
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