One thing that doesn’t go out of style is kindness. It doesn’t matter which political party is in office, or what month or day of the year it is. Looking at the (wo) man in the mirror, kindness may need to start with focusing on you. Everything “2020” has been tough for all of us. But don’t get stuck there. Showing kindness to others may be just what you need to get you “unstuck.” Your one act can start radiating outwards to inspire others. Whether planned or a RAOK (Random Acts of Kindness), doing something nice for someone else can be the super spreader variant we all need right about: spreading joy.
My morning prayer and meditation included the passage from Hearts on Fire by Jesuit, Leo Rock, SJ. A stanza from “An Examination of My Use of Time” stood out for me:
“By concern over what’s in it for me,
rather than what’s in me
for it.”
Flipping our perspective allows us to move from serving me to serving we. Allows us to move from dwelling in what is, to paying it forward. Don’t get me wrong, our self-survival instincts are fierce (do I have enough toilet paper and Lysol wipes?) Though once you start connecting to other through kindness, you’ll realize how much we need each other for human survival and happiness. And how rewarding it is to your soul.
Sometimes we don’t realize the impact of one small act of kindness we do for others. Even simple acts can measure up big in someone’s eyes. Like checking in on an elderly neighbor or friend, a phone call, placing a painted rock by someone’s doorstep, sending a note in the mail or sharing a good book in a Little Free Library.
Or step up a bit more and think about those who have influenced you or taken care of you or a loved one and show them they matter. Drop off a note of thanks or send a basket to the hospital nurses who took care of you or a family member, tip $20 for a cup of coffee at your favorite small business to help them through COVID or pay for the person in back of you in the drive-through line are just a few examples. Or if you are a business, help make kindness accessible like Daddio’s Diner in downtown Batavia, giving people a concrete way to $pay it forward to someone.
As it is nearly February, I’ll share a story about my annual ritual of sending Valentines. Some may view Valentine’s Day as a “Hallmark holiday,” however I look at it as a focused opportunity to spread kindness. Even in middle age, I still like delivering, sending, and receiving Valentines. Though I don’t cover an old shoe box with construction paper and cut a slot in the top of it for deposits, I do get excited about my ritual. January find me scouring stores for fun ways to share kindness and love with my family and friends (before all the elementary parents’ clear the shelves). Yes, the kinds of branded Valentines you exchange in primary school are my go to as I’m craft challenged. Sometimes I’ll add conversation hearts, or chocolate hearts or some cool stickers or props to go with it. Not because it’s an overwhelmingly generous gift, but rather a way to say, “I’m thinking about you” and “I value our relationship.” This RAOK was performed with an elderly neighbor over 20 years ago and she showed up on my doorstep with tears in her eyes saying it was the first Valentine she had received in decades. One. Silly. Valentine.
kindness made by hand
As a mom and now a Mimi, I have always loved receiving hand-made Valentines. Here are some of my recent favorites.
What act of kindness can you perform to brighten someone’s day? If you are inspired to focus on kindness, I’m personally inviting you (in my newly minted role as a GWLF “Kindness Ambassador”) to join us in “100 Days of Kindness.” My brilliant friend, Maureen O’Brien was inspired with her business, Global Wisdom and Leadership Forum to be the source of light for this campaign. Click on this link join us in helping to create a kinder neighborhood, community and world.
Won’t you join us spread kindness? #100daysofintentionalkindness
