From Buy Nothing to Boundless Kindness: Alicia Myers Leifheit on Growing Kindness by Starting Where You Are

From Buy Nothing to Boundless Kindness: Alicia Myers Leifheit on Growing Kindness by Starting Where You Are

When we think about making a difference, it's easy to believe we need more time, more space, or more resources before we can begin. In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Myers Leifheit, whose story is a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful acts of kindness often begin with simply using what we already have. What started with sharing extra flowers through a local Buy Nothing group blossomed into deeper community connection, countless moments of giving away flowers, and a life rooted in the mission of Growing Kindness. Her story proves that every short kindness story has the potential to become part of something much bigger. In this episode, we discuss: * How giving away flowers through a Buy Nothing group became an unexpected source of joy and community connection * Why one simple short kindness story can inspire others to begin serving their own communities * How the Growing Kindness mission encouraged Alicia to start where she was and trust that small acts matter * The unexpected relationships, conversations, and opportunities that grew from consistently giving away flowers * Why building community connection begins with showing up, sharing what you have, and believing that kindness spreads Alicia’s story reminded me that kindness doesn't require perfect circumstances. Whether you're inspired by Growing Kindness, looking for your own short kindness story, interested in giving away flowers, or hoping to create deeper community connection, this conversation is an invitation to simply start where you are. The smallest act of generosity may become the beginning of something far more beautiful than you ever imagined.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Full transcript available at this episode’s webpage. [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/podcasts/growing-kindness-stories-of-kindness-generosity-and-community-that-inspire-hope/episodes/2149229395]   JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Join our free community of Growing Kindness™ Gardeners [http://growingkindnessproject.org]  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Donate [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-growing-kindness-project] to help kindness grow Sign up for our newsletter [http://growingkindnessproject.org] for inspiration and updates Explore free resources [http://growingkindnessproject.org] like our Growing Guide and bouquet tags  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/growingkindnessproject/]: @growingkindnessproject   CONNECT WITH ALICIA MYERS LEIFHEIT: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dragonflybloomswa/]

Planting Seeds That Last: Jenny Pirto on Kindness, Motherhood, and Community Connection

When I think about the power of flowers, I often think about the connections they create. In this conversation, I’m joined by Jenny Pirto, a longtime member of the growing kindness project, who shares how cut flower gardening became a pathway to deeper friendships, meaningful service, and lasting community connection. From raising her children with a heart for generosity to finding belonging through flowers and neighbors, Jenny's story is a beautiful reminder that the seeds we plant today often bloom in ways we never expect. In this episode, we discuss: * How cut flower gardening opened doors to friendship, belonging, and authentic community connection * Why the growing kindness project inspired Jenny to begin giving flowers away and serving others in simple ways * The role flowers have played in raising kind kids who understand the value of generosity and helping others * How small acts of kindness can strengthen community connection and create lasting relationships * Why cut flower gardening is about so much more than growing flowers—it’s about growing people, purpose, and connection As I listened to Jenny’s story, I was reminded that kindness often starts with something simple: a bouquet, a conversation, or an invitation to connect. Whether you’re involved with the growing kindness project, interested in cut flower gardening, focused on raising kind kids, or simply looking for deeper community connection, this episode is a beautiful reminder that the smallest seeds often grow into the most meaningful relationships.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Full transcript available at this episode’s webpage. [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/podcasts/growing-kindness-stories-of-kindness-generosity-and-community-that-inspire-hope/episodes/2149220687]   JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Join our free community of Growing Kindness™ Gardeners [http://growingkindnessproject.org]  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Donate [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-growing-kindness-project] to help kindness grow Sign up for our newsletter [http://growingkindnessproject.org] for inspiration and updates Explore free resources [http://growingkindnessproject.org] like our Growing Guide and bouquet tags  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/growingkindnessproject/]: @growingkindnessproject   CONNECT WITH JENNY PIRTO: Website [http://www.birdsandsoap.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/birdsandsoapandblooms] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/birdsandsoap]

Growing Kind Kids: How Seraphine and Aliana Are Stitching Kindness Into Their Community

As a mom, one of my greatest hopes is to raise kind kids who understand that even the smallest act of generosity can make a difference. In this heartwarming conversation, I’m joined by sisters Seraphine and Aliana Hernandez, two young girls who are doing exactly that. Through crocheted bookmarks, handmade gifts, flowers, and simple acts of service, they are actively growing kindness in their neighborhood and showing all of us what it looks like to care for others. Their story is a beautiful reminder that age is never a barrier to making an impact, that teaching kindness starts at home, and that sometimes the best lessons in how to build community come from the youngest among us. In this episode, we discuss: * How Seraphine and Aliana began growing kindness through handmade bookmarks and gifts for seniors in their community * Why teaching kindness through everyday actions can help raise compassionate, confident, and caring kind kids * Simple ways families can practice how to build community through service, generosity, and meaningful connection * The powerful impact that kind kids can have when they are encouraged to use their talents to help others * How growing kindness creates ripple effects that strengthen relationships and inspire others to give back Listening to Seraphine and Aliana reminded me that we don’t have to wait until we’re older, have more resources, or feel more prepared before making a difference. Whether it’s through teaching kindness, looking for opportunities to serve, or learning how to build community right where we are, every act matters. Their story is proof that kind kids can change the world and that growing kindness often begins with one small act of love.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Full transcript available at this episode’s webpage. [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/podcasts/growing-kindness-stories-of-kindness-generosity-and-community-that-inspire-hope/episodes/2149217726]   JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Join our free community of Growing Kindness™ Gardeners [http://growingkindnessproject.org]  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Donate [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-growing-kindness-project] to help kindness grow Sign up for our newsletter [http://growingkindnessproject.org] for inspiration and updates Explore free resources [http://growingkindnessproject.org] like our Growing Guide and bouquet tags  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/growingkindnessproject/]: @growingkindnessproject   CONNECT WITH SERAPHINE AND ALIANA: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yarnandbloom_sisters/]

Your Nothing Is Someone Else's Everything: Dr. Barbara Rembiesa on the Ripple Effects of Everyday Kindness

When I first heard Dr. Barbara Rembiesa share the phrase, “your nothing is someone else’s everything,” it stopped me in my tracks. How often do we underestimate what we have to offer? In this conversation, Dr. Barbara Rembiesa shares why the smallest gestures can create lasting ripple effects, how everyday kindness has the power to transform lives, and why there are always meaningful ways to give, no matter our circumstances. Through personal stories, professional experiences, and powerful reflections on human connection, she reminds us that what feels ordinary to us may be exactly what someone else’s heart needs today. In this episode, we discuss: * Why everyday kindness often has a greater impact than we realize, and how small moments create powerful ripple effects * How recognizing that your “nothing” may be someone else’s everything can change the way you move through the world * Practical ways to give your time, talents, encouragement, and attention without needing more money or resources * The lasting ripple effects that happen when people choose connection, generosity, and compassion * How everyday kindness creates belonging, strengthens communities, and reminds someone else’s heart that they matter As I listened to Dr. Barbara’s story, I was reminded that there are always ways to give, even when we feel like we have very little to offer. The truth is that what seems small to us may become someone else’s source of hope. If this episode encourages you, I hope you'll look for one simple act of everyday kindness today and trust that its ripple effects may reach farther than you ever know.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Barbara Rembiesa’s Book: My Nothing is Someone Else’s Everything [https://drbarb.com/book/]    Full transcript available at this episode’s webpage [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/podcasts/growing-kindness-stories-of-kindness-generosity-and-community-that-inspire-hope/episodes/2149212111].   JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Join our free community of Growing Kindness™ Gardeners [http://growingkindnessproject.org]  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Donate [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-growing-kindness-project] to help kindness grow Sign up for our newsletter [http://growingkindnessproject.org] for inspiration and updates Explore free resources [http://growingkindnessproject.org] like our Growing Guide and bouquet tags  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/growingkindnessproject/]: @growingkindnessproject   CONNECT WITH DR. BARBARA REMBIESA: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iaitam/] Website [https://drbarb.com/]

The Garden as a Place to Heal: Author Elizabeth Brown on Creating Gardens That Nourish Us

There is something profoundly healing about putting your hands in the soil, slowing down long enough to notice what’s blooming, and remembering that beauty does not have to be productive to be meaningful. In this episode, I’m joined by author and therapeutic horticulturist Elizabeth Brown for a deeply honest conversation about therapeutic gardening, grief, motherhood, burnout, and the powerful role our gardens can play in helping us reconnect with ourselves and our communities. Elizabeth shares how growing cut flowers during the pandemic became a lifeline through loss, anxiety, and overwhelm, eventually leading her to write The Beginner’s Cut Flower Garden and help others create gardens that truly nourish them. Together, we talk about why flowers for beginners can become more than a hobby, how gardens can shift from places of hustle back into places of healing, and why the smallest acts of kindness often leave the deepest impact. This episode is full of gentle wisdom, encouragement, and the kind of kindness stories that remind us we don’t have to grow perfect gardens to grow something meaningful. In this episode, we discuss: * How therapeutic gardening  supports emotional wellness, grief, anxiety, and self-care * Why growing cut flowers can create connection, healing, and purpose in everyday life * Simple advice for flowers for beginners, including what to grow first and how to avoid overwhelm * The pressure many women feel to turn hobbies into productivity, and how to reclaim the garden as a place to rest * Beautiful kindness stories about family, community, motherhood, and the people who first taught us to love flowers If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend who may need a reminder that healing can begin right outside their back door. And if you’ve ever wondered whether your small garden could make a meaningful impact, this episode is your invitation to start where you are, use what you have, and trust that it is already enough.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Full transcript available at this episode’s webpage. [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/podcasts/growing-kindness-stories-of-kindness-generosity-and-community-that-inspire-hope/episodes/2149205923]   JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Join our free community of Growing Kindness™ Gardeners [http://growingkindnessproject.org]  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Donate [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-growing-kindness-project] to help kindness grow Sign up for our newsletter [http://growingkindnessproject.org] for inspiration and updates Explore free resources [http://growingkindnessproject.org] like our Growing Guide and bouquet tags  [https://www.growingkindnessproject.org/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/growingkindnessproject/]: @growingkindnessproject   CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH BROWN: Website [http://www.foxglovefarmhouse.com/]