I've decided this year I want to be a nicer person.
Generally, I think I'm nice. Compassion is my passion, and I hate to think I could have hurt someone's feeling by being unkind. I even hurts me when I know someone has been hurt by another's unkindness. I don't understand why anyone would intentionally want to be mean to someone else. Call me extremely naive, but I truly feel deep down everyone has some good in them. I don't know what turns that good bad, but maybe kindness can help heal even a meanie's soul.
If everyone cared about each other more than we cared about ourselves the world would be such a better place.
I want to try to do my part this year by finding a random act of kindness to execute once a week.
When I set this goal the only random act I could think of was paying for some one's food behind me in the drive through (and pray they aren't ordering for a family of 10). I couldn't think of much else, so I had a chat with Mr. Google and came across HelpOthers.org where I found a plethora of ideas!
They have this cool list called a "smile deck" of cards sorted with acts of kindness for people you know, for strangers, for our world, and for yourself.
I'm already eyeballing a couple ideas for this week. I love the idea of doing things for strangers, but I think it's almost even better to do things for people I know too.
I'll let you know what I decide to do this week. Right now I'm leaning towards calling or writing a letter to a mentor.
Have you ever done anything like this? I don't think I've ever made such a conscious effort to try something like this.
I'm a big fan of Anysoldier.com. It's a site that puts soldiers who need something in touch with people who'd be willing to provide (I dare you to read through it and not be moved. SOme of these soldiers are really in the middle of nowhere and need things like deoderant and shampoo and bedsheets!). It's a great activity to do with kids. We'll pick a soldier, go to the store to get items for a care package, draw pictures and cards and then mail it together.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be able to provide help for people who really have needs and are doing a great service for this country.
Great idea! I love doing small kind things, everyday, for someone. Be it....stopping in the middle of a busy street - throwing my hazards on - and helping an old man catch his dog who got loose. Yep, that was me a week ago! Layla told me, "That was soooo nice mommy!" Best.reward.ever!!!! And what a great teaching tool? I know she won't forget that and has actually brought it up a few times since then. It warms my heart....
ReplyDeleteI think this is a lovely idea for anyone to participate in! :) I have sent annonymous flowers and recently, I hung this (http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2011/11/kindness-mission-are-you-in.html) kindness sign around my work place (college campus). It is amazing. I have heard people who are taking a bit of kindness from the sign, and it really seemed to make a difference. :)
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago, I had a lot of depression going on in my life. I kept praying and praying for answers and I was really frustrated. I thought my Heavenly Father had kind of forgot about me, and then I realized I needed to stop focusing on myself and do things for others... It really made me feel good about myself, and it really helped me out of the black icky hole. The awesome part was I was able to help others out of the same hole and now I have met a variety of people whom I call some of my closest friends :) I stand tall knowing My Father in Heaven knew better and allowed me to learn the importance of loosing yourself to find yourself. :) Im going to check out this list too!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. @Kira, that's how I have been feeling lately, so I like that you said this. I feel ashamed to be feeling so sad sometimes when I actually feel EXTREMELY blessed to have my kiddos and hubby. I purchased one of our patients prescriptions for her son, she couldn't afford both. It was only like a little over $3.00, but if she didn't have that she was worse off than me. My co-worked told me this woman was a "seeker", I was well aware she is recovering from RX drug abuse, but what SHE does with that act of kindness is between her, God and her conscience. It may just be the thing that helps surge her along, as well. You NEVER know. Thx Jennifer for the link.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the link...When you help other, it does make you happier and sometime it makes you realize how blessed you actually are.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link...I am going to look through it and do some with the kids♥
I love your idea. And thanks for sharing the sites. I am going to link arms with you on this one and carry it out as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful goal for the year! I once read somewhere to make sure you smile at everyone you see during the day, because that could be the only smile they receive all day. Your post reminds me that I haven't been so diligent in doing that.
ReplyDeletemelifaif, you make an excellent point that this is a powerful example we set to our children to be kind and generous to others no matter what else is going on in our lives.
Thank you all!