On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about what happened when I finally decided to stop grumbling about the trash I kept seeing on my running route and actually do something about it!

I share how my sweetie and I run or walk in our rural neighborhood, and how seeing litter along the road always bugged me.

Instead of just judging others for it, I remembered my own past (hello, former cigarette-butt-flicker here! 🫣) and realized it was time to take action myself.

I also dive into the story of how a wicked fun childhood memory - being part of the Thompson Tigers Clean Team in fifth grade - came rushing back to me.

I even found my old “clean team” patch and wore it proudly as I set out with trash bags and gloves to clean up my neighborhood.

Along the way, I met some wonderful people, like Jessie, an older woman who told me she tries to "do a kindness every day", and who said I inspired her to go out and do the same at her end of the street. Yay!

That moment reminded me how our actions can ripple out and encourage others!

Throughout the episode, I reflect on how easy it is to focus on what others are doing wrong, but how much more powerful it is to look at what we can do ourselves to create change.

Inspired by a teaching from Swami Kripalu, I talk about the importance of focusing on strengthening new positive traits and virtues, rather than just fighting against the old negatives.

Whether it’s picking up trash, spreading kindness, or simply being a little more compassionate, we all have the power to make a difference - no matter how small it seems.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Someone ought to do something about that,” maybe that someone is you!

I encourage you to look for the good, "do a kindness", and leave every place and person a little better than you found them.

Thanks for tuning in, and if this episode inspired you, please share it with someone and help me spread a little more love in the world. ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Noticing a problem in your community might be a sign that you’re the one to help fix it.

• Taking action, even in small ways (like picking up trash), can inspire others to do the same.

• It’s easy to judge others, but a little self-reflection can reveal our own past mistakes and help us to act with more compassion.

• Focusing on strengthening new positive traits and virtues - is way more effective than dwelling on past negative

• When you feel frustrated that “someone” should do something, remember that someone might be you

• Sharing positive actions and stories can encourage a ripple effect of goodness in your community.

• Everyday acts of kindness, no matter how small, can make a real difference for you, your family, your neighborhood and the greater world!

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KAREN KENNEY BIO:

Spiritual mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development.

Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality.

Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatics, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.

A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches individuals and groups.

With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility.

KAREN KENNEY LINKS:

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