Kindness is one thing we all have the ability to share. It’s free, it feels great, and it’s within our control. So, why is it so difficult to be kind at times? How can we become less judgmental of others and ourselves? We tend to only see what we want to see, hear what we want to hear, and surround ourselves with people who share our own experiences and tastes. Countless scientific studies, newspaper articles, religious texts, and self-help books have tried to help us become kinder people, but how often do we really put that advice into practice?

We've all heard popular sayings like, “Treat others the way you would like to be treated” and “Don't judge another until you've walked a mile in their shoes.” Tim and Jessie wanted to take these sentiments and literally apply them to their own lives. Based on 12-step programs designed to change behaviors, they created a 12-step experiment as a way to confront their own apathy and selfishness. For 12 months, Tim and Jessie attempted to open their hearts, eyes and minds to become kinder, more empathetic people. Will kindness rub off on them? Or will they fall back into their regular, disconnected habits?

Stop by Monday to Friday, from January 13th to March 15th, to follow their story. Also, feel free to use the artwork / quotes in the stories to share your own story on social. You can download them all on the 12 Kinds of Kindness Tumblr.