​Kindlandia: The Frequency Illusion, Telegrams & Confetti

Dearest Edythe,

Did you ever notice when you bought a new (or new to you) car that suddenly it seemed like every other car was your make and model? In my youth, the common name for this was “The Blue Volkswagen Effect.” It now has a formal term coined in 2006 by Arnold Zwicky, a linguist from Stanford University, “The Frequency Illusion.” (Also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon invented in 1994 by a commentator on the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ online discussion board.) This refers to our mind watching out for newly learned information because it’s still super fresh and interesting to us. At the same time, when we see these new items/issues everywhere, our minds try to make it fit into some rational system.

I especially noticed this when I bought my brand-new silver 2006 Toyota RAV4. I love that car! I thought it was unique, the most comfy vehicle ever made. What was my astonishment when I saw scores, hundreds, thousands of them on the road?! Once I was aware of the RAV4 I then realized it was a popular car and had been for years before I purchased mine. By the way, I still refer to my RAV4 as “my new car,” even though it is coming up to twelve years old this summer. And I hope to keep this new car until I am 104 and the DMV takes away my license. But I digress.

Growing up, I had my own phrase for the Frequency Illusion. I’ve often said, “I believe God sends telegrams.” It was uncanny how, whenever I was struggling with an issue, researching for a presentation or working on a creative project, it seemed that the item of interest kept popping up in myriad places: TV news segments, radio programs, billboards, magazine articles, newspapers, conversations among friends or strangers. Hence, my phrase, “God is sending me telegrams!” The information I want is there, “Pay attention!”

Edythe, this is exactly what is happening with our precious “Kindness!” The abundance of Kindness—in actions and attitudes—has been astounding! From the very first week I decided to begin our Kindlandia Blog when I saw the Billboard for Kindness along Highway 99, each day I am sent a new telegram highlighting a Kindness. There has been no shortage of items to write about for this blog. If my time and energy permitted, I could write daily about the newest Kindness brought to my attention.
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This week I saw a church reader board with a quote by Bob Goff, author of Love Does and Everybody Always, “Throw Kindness around like confetti.” I loved the image! It has captured the hearts and creative juices of many people. When I Googled the phrase, pages of artistic works (bulletin boards, banners, memes, calligraphy, paintings) came up displaying the many ways the powerful phrase and whimsy of confetti inspired creativity.

The other unexpected gift occurred when I Googled the phrase and began following links connected to the author, his art works and other writings.

Bob Goff has dedicated his life to the well-being of others. His website bio reads:
Bob calls himself a “recovering lawyer” because after practicing law for 25 years, then becoming the Hon. Consul to Uganda, he gave up his law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. The best part has been connecting with so many people … His programs support people in Uganda, India, Iraq, and Somalia.

Google also linked me to a blog post by Meagan Ruffing. She shared how during a recent flight a young mother traveling alone with a toddler and baby struggled at baggage claim with a stroller that refused to open. Meagan was able to assist. She knew firsthand how challenging traveling with children could be even in the best of circumstances. Meagan ended her post, “‘Throw Kindness around like confetti,’ says Bob Goff, author of Love Does.” She concluded her message with her reply, “Okay, I will :)”
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Edythe, Meagan ended her post with a call to action. Let’s invite our readers to consider, “What act of kindness did you show today?” Please share in a comment to this blog or on my Facebook Page. Who knows, your act of Kindness may inspire and encourage someone else!