Ep.43: Cultivating Kindness & Connection With The Growing Kindness Project
Learn how the Growing Kindness Project is spreading kindness through flowers in communities throughout the world.
What if the Simple Act of Giving Flowers Could Change Lives?
In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia welcomes Deanna Kitchen, the founder of the Growing Kindness Project and the heart behind Twig and Vine Farm. Deanna shares her inspiring journey from a kindergarten teacher to a flower farmer, revealing how flowers became a source of healing during a challenging time in her life.
Deanna’s Journey: From Teacher to Flower Farmer
Deanna begins by recounting her transition from being an elementary educator to a stay-at-home mom. During this period, she grapples with feelings of isolation and postpartum depression. Gardening becomes her sanctuary, allowing her to reconnect with nature and find solace. As she nurtures her garden, she discovers the joy of sharing her flowers with others, which ultimately leads to the creation of the Growing Kindness Project.
The Power of Kindness and Community
Throughout the conversation, Deanna emphasizes the importance of community and the ripple effect of kindness. She references a Harvard study that highlights how a single act of kindness can impact up to 125 people. This insight inspires her to use flowers as a medium for spreading joy and fostering connections within her community. Deanna explains that when people hold flowers, it gives them a sense of purpose and confidence, making it easier to reach out and connect with others.
The Growing Kindness Project: A Global Movement
Deanna discusses the mission of the Growing Kindness Project, which aims to create opportunities for individuals to grow and give flowers as acts of kindness. She shares her vision of establishing a Growing Kindness garden in every community around the world, emphasizing that both individual gardens and community gardens can have a significant impact. The project has already touched the lives of many, and Deanna is excited about its potential for growth.
How to Get Involved With The Growing Kindness Project
Tune in to the full episode to be captivated by Deanna’s heartfelt stories and her passion for creating a movement centered around kindness and flowers. The Growing Kindness Project offers various ways for individuals to get involved, whether through becoming a Growing Kindness Ambassador or simply sharing flowers in their own communities. Deanna encourages everyone to embrace the joy of giving and to connect with others through the beauty of flowers.
Tune In for the Full Conversation
This episode is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of kindness and community. Tune in to hear the full conversation with Deanna Kitchen and discover how you can get involved in spreading kindness in your own community!
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:
00:00-04:20: Cultivating Kindness Through Flowers
04:20-07:29: From Gardening to Community Impact
08:31-12:23: Growing Kindness: Creating a Nonprofit
12:24-15:04: Ripple Effects of Kindness: Creating Connections Through Flowers
28:26-31:42: Finding Purpose and Healing Through Giving
37:08-41:37: Community and Connection through Gardening
42:15-44:14: Envisioning the Future of Growing Kindness
45:13-48:46: Embracing the Power of Asking and Giving
50:45-55:33: Balancing Generosity and Profit in the Floral Industry
55:33-58:13: Community Generosity and the Value of Flowers
58:27-01:02:05: Flowers as Tools for Kindness and Community Connection
01:03:17-01:04:27: The Impact of Giving
Learn More About The Growing Kindness Project:
- Web: https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/
- Holiday Cheer: https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/holiday-cheer-sign-up
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingkindnessproject/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066888799511
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