Hello and welcome to another episode of the Perception Podcast with me your host Caroline Partridge. In today's episode I talk to the extraordinary author, storyteller, playwright, hopepunk and happiness activist Bernadette Russell. In this beautiful and thoughtful conversation we discuss Bernadette's 366 day kindness journey, which was ignited by the London riots of 2011. Bernadette talks about how she charted her journey, noting acts of kindness given, received and observed and how this daily practice can benefit us emotionally and psychologically. We also look at the notion of joy as an act of resistance and Bernadette imparts some brilliant tips on how to bring more joy into our own lives. Please join me as we look at life through the lens of kindness. KEY TAKEAWAYS Doing small, regular acts of kindness like helping strangers can greatly boost your mood, resilience, sense of hope and faith in humanity. Consciously noting down moments of kindness you give, receive or witness helps retrain your brain against negativity bias and build psychological resilience. To change the world, focus kindness on your own communities - online or local. Small acts collectively can be very powerful. Creative pursuits that bring joy are acts of resistance against bleak news and should be nurtured. Assumptions about people based on appearance limit connections. Curiosity and chatting can lead to pleasant surprises. Try a week of small kind acts for others and self-care. Notice impacts on mood. Build from there. Children love incorporating kindness creatively e.g. hiding inspiring notes. This fosters imagination and compassion. BEST MOMENTS "A riot is the roar of the unheard." - Martin Luther King Jr. "The variety of creative responses to this thing that I discovered is really wide and really sort of broad." "Anything that contributes to joy is, is an act of resistance." "People do want to connect with each other. Yes. They're happy to do so." "Every day, just check in with yourself and think how can I...make myself better." "I think it's interesting to have another word introduced, which makes you look at things in a slightly different way." "We kind of do kind things every day. That's the truth." ABOUT THE GUEST Bernadette Russell, author, storyteller, hopepunk, tree planter. Co-director of White Rabbit My plans in 2024.... I'm a super grateful recipient of Arts Council England's Develop Your Creative Practice grant- throughout 2024 I will be developing my storytelling business in various ways! Many thanks for ACE for this opportunity I'm very excited to also begin the Permaculture Design Course for Artists and Creatives with www.smallthings.org.uk This years shows include me creating and performing a new riverside storytelling show for Deptford Literature Festival in collaboration with Friends of Brookmill Park and Spread The Word. I'll still be telling stories in forests, woods, parks, and beaches- get in touch if you'd like to work with me! Socials & Contact: Twitter @betterussell IG @bernadetterussell Website http://www.bernadetterussell.com   Linktree for more info on shows, books, audio & workshops @bernadette.russell | Linktree   ABOUT THE HOST Bio Caroline Partridge is a unique and creative individual. She is an actress, puppeteer, educator, and artist with funny bones. She loves a story and is an expert at conveying wit and wisdom with warmth, understanding, and empathy.   CONTACT METHOD FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/caropartridge LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-partridge-03131520 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/partridge_caroline