In this powerful episode of Balancing Life's Issues, host Wendy Wollner welcomes Kath Koschel, founder of the Kindness Factory, to share her extraordinary journey of resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of kindness. From surviving personal loss and physical adversity to sparking a global kindness movement, Kath’s story is a testament to the strength found in compassion. Together, Wendy and Kath discuss the science of kindness, the courage required to choose optimism, and how small acts can transform lives.Key Takeaways:* The Science and Impact of Kindness: Kath shares insights on what happens in the brain when we give or receive kindness, inspiring a ripple effect that can touch both familiar faces and strangers.* Turning Adversity into Action: Kath reveals her journey from enduring life-altering injuries and profound loss to building the Kindness Factory, a global movement celebrating acts of kindness.* Choosing Tough Love Over Sympathy: Wendy and Kath explore the importance of “strong skills” like compassion and empathy, which require both honesty and courage, and how they’re different from simply being nice.* Finding Optimism Through Gratitude: Kath shares her practical approach to overcoming tough days through gratitude and choosing to focus on positive influences, which sustains her resilience.  Links Mentioned:* Learn more about Kath Koschel and her work: https://kathkoschel.com (https://kathkoschel.com)* Log an act of kindness and join the movement: https://kindnessfactory.com (https://kindnessfactory.com)The world is changed by your example, not by your opinionGot an idea for the show? Email producer Kai kai@balancinglifesissues.com