Every living being needs rest. We feel like we’ve been conditioned to power through exhaustion instead of honoring it. Choosing to hibernate or take sabbatical in December felt perfectly in line with the natural world.
So what did I do on sabbatical?
I gave myself permission…
During World Kindness week, I got a call from a USA Today reporter asking for my thoughts on a new California neighborhood, Silverwood, where every new resident is invited to sign a Kindness Pledge.
What if kindness at work isn’t just about being “nice” but about building stronger teams, improving performance, and creating workplaces people actually want to be part of?
Kindness isn’t just healing. It’s powerful. It’s practical. It’s sustaining. And it belongs in our workplaces.
One thing I’ve learned? If you’re looking at your culture of kindness, it starts with leadership, but don’t let titles be the only thing that defines who can lead the way. Sometimes your best kindness catalyst is a CNA, a nurse, or the server who remembers every resident’s birthday and favorite dessert.
Some weeks, like the one I recently spent in Vermont and Pennsylvania, leave you full in the best possible way.
In the fast-paced, high-pressure work environments of today, acts of kindness often seem like a luxury. Yet, as I’ve shared countless times as The Kindness Catalyst, kindness is no longer just a “nice to have” trait in the workplace—it’s a critical ingredient for thriving organizations.
Whether leading a team, running a business, or managing client relationships, one simple question can make a huge impact: What can I do to ensure people aren’t left guessing?
With everything going on in our world, I had to make a conscious effort to unplug. Miracles of the island made it easier.