In order to encourage readers to believe in their own power to effect positive change, the editors of ‘Self Magazine’ once challenged readers to keep a journal recording their acts of generosity for 100 days.

The magazine suggested that those who chose to participate directed their selfless acts towards four categories: friends and family; difficult people in their lives (people from the first two categories might overlap); the general public; and themselves. The editors said it was important to focus on all four categories, “Otherwise you might spend several hours a week serving soup in a homeless shelter but snap mindlessly at your mother”, they wrote.

The magazine encouraged readers to begin by showering loving kindness, based on an ancient meditation, on themselves, “This may seem self-indulgent, but the practice is based on the belief that we can’t share our bounty or care for others when we feel uncared for ourselves.”

Thank you for all the wonderful people and places in Bulwell that show commitment to loving kindness day in and day out.