Day 15-Protecting the Protectors

Day 15-Today is day fifteen of my journey on this trip of kindness and I am having more faith each day that the universe will deliver an act for me to be engaged each day. I received a notification in my email today for different types of Groupon offers and decided to scroll through to see the deals. Of course, since the holidays are still upon us I wanted to see what good deals might still be hanging out in cyberspace for the pickings :). Little did I realize that my act of kindness would be included in the list of "deals." The last one in the list caught my eye, and it's not one I have seen previously. On my list of possible "likes" was the ability to give a charity donation to provide K-9 unit dog officers with life saving protective gear. The contribution goes to a charity that provides bullet and knife proof vests to protect K-9 furry officers. Being a dog owner, and general animal lover, I thought this was a nice contribution and donation to give. Certainly we consider our human officers and provide for their protection,and I believe the K-9 officers should be protected as well and I am sure that others, including human oficers feel the same way. What a wonderful organization and idea to use social media to reach out to citizens to get others involved in providing for the protection of these important officers. 350 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 14- Making it Right

Day 14- Today, my act of kindness certainly found me. While visiting with neighbors, remembering that one of my resolutions is to get to know them better, my high energy toddler slightly tore a page in a book of the hostess. She profusely told me "not to worry about it", but of course I did. I decided to order and have delivered a replacement for the damaged book. Although it was an accident, and certainly that is how she viewed it, I still felt as though the kind and appropriate thing to do was to replace the book. It may seem like an act of common courtesy, but how often do we accept others attempts to "let us off the hook." Well intentioned others often give us permission to engage in behavioral patterns we are trying to change without realizing that they are giving us the opportunity for continued engagement in negative behavioral patterns. Others may give us permission to "cheat on a diet" or to "not worry about" a situation that we should repair, or may even give us permission to hold on to anger or resentment when we really should be providing encouragement or forgiveness. We all know these well intentioned people. I do appreciate, however, the friends I have who not only validate my feelings, but also spurn me to repair those situations in which I have contributed to bad feelings. Although today's act may be small, I feel like in some ways it's large. I'm not letting myself off the hook, nor am I letting anyone else do this either. This will be a new year of being me and doing those things that may be difficult. 351 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 13-Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Day 13-On day thirteen I chose a neighbor for an act of kindness. Neighbors have been on my mind a lot lately. Perhaps it is because I gave my father a book by Mister Rogers as part of his Christmas gift, or the fact that I have been contemplating how people can live so close in proximity with others and not know much about them, or maybe neighbors have been on my mind more because I am more focused on community responsibility in general due to this project. I know my neighbors, most of them, and have spent time talking in yards, looking after each other's homes when someone is traveling, and generally just spending time together. The time spent together has been brief since moving into our new neighborhood, and I hope to get to know my neighbors better in the new year. In fact, I'll go ahead and say, this is going to be one of my resolutions for the new year. My resolution will be to get to know others living around me better and provide more support to them than I did this year. The word neighbor is an interesting one to me. A neighbor does not have to just be someone beside whom one lives, but the person who is in near proximity at any time during the day, an office-mate, or even just a fellow human being who happens to be part of one's experience of living. Neighbors are more than just next door. Shouldn't we try to improve the human experience of every person with whom we interact? I wonder what gets in the way. Perhaps the disconnect between humans has grown as a result of technology and the "faceless" communications available to us. Perhaps we are just more self sufficient and our survival does not depend on those around us, nor them on us. Either way, I am going to work throughout 2013 to improve, or at least try to improve, the experience everyone has when I interact with them. I will smile more, rush less and be more mindful in my interactions with others. With that in mind, I decided to get my son in on the kindness today and he helped me to prepare and bake pumpkin bread for our neighbors across the street. I thought this might be a nice gesture and thoughtful gift from us that was prepared with kindness and the idea that we are reaching out to our neighbors for their continued friendship and provide an invitation for more time together (we do not know them very well). My son was really excited about helping in the kitchen and thoroughly enjoyed the project this afternoon. Not only am I doing acts of kindness but I hope I am raising a kind, generous and empathic young boy. His future wife can thank me later :). 352 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 12-Carry On Soldier

Day 12- Today is day twelve in the year of kindness journey and today I got a little help. Knowing that 365 acts of kindness were before me starting this journey, I knew that I would need suggestions, help and encouragement to keep going as some days this idea seems a daunting task. A daunting but also exciting task, and somewhat overwhelming too :). Today I walked into a local CVS, purchased a simple but beautiful thank you card and began to write. I wrote a heart felt and encouraging thank you note to a soldier and his wife. I have never met this family, but my friend Melissa (the same sweet lady I have written about before) gave me their information and told me that the husband is to be deployed to Afghanistan in January of this upcoming year. I told them that although they don't know my family, we are forever grateful for the sacrifices that they both make to protect and serve families like ours. I have several family members who have served and currently serve in the military, and understand that the life of military members and their families are uncertain, difficult and full of generosity as they give of themselves every day to protect our rights and freedoms. No matter what anyone's political leanings are, I challenge that we should all support active and veteran military families. I will keep this family in my thoughts and prayers and will hope for his speedy and safe return to his own family. Thank you seems like such a small thing to say for such a generous act, however they are the only words I can find, so I say thank you and carry on soldier in the duty of our nation. This family may receive more acts of kindness from me this year...stay tuned to find out :). 353 days of kindness...are you in?

Day 11-Pass It On

Day 11-This morning as I hustled out the door to head to work I managed to recognize my dysregulated state and began breathing more deeply and being aware of the experience of driving to work. I noticed other cars, their speed and how many were honking their horns with drivers throwing up their hands at one another, and cutting each other off in traffic. I, in turn, took my time and avoided negative interactions on the highway. I stopped to get a cup of coffee and thought about the scene I had just experienced on the road. As I paid for my coffee, I asked to be charged for two coffees and for the next person who came in to be provided with "one on me". The barista looked confused because she said "she couldn't figure out how to do that." Another employee came over and explained what to do, and I left the interaction actually hoping the coffee would make it to another person. While leaving the store I left hopeful it might give a little joy to an unsuspecting person who might be in a rush to get to work on this cold Thursday. Today did not have a magical feel to it as some of the days have had, but I know that I am still trying to put good energy out to impact others in a positive manner. If nothing else, perhaps I was sowing the seeds of kindness with the coffee shop employees who helped me today. Sometimes we do not get to see the fruits of our labor and we have to trust the process and continue to forge ahead. 354 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 10-Peace on Earth

Day 10- As I moved through day ten of my challenge I began to notice things differently. I realized that this journey is changing me and the way that I interact with my surroundings. Today I find myself more at peace and I just notice that I am noticing what is going on around me and with me without judgment. I notice and realize that things are what they are and am mindful in a way I have not been in quite some time. I am not as hurried, even though I am busy, and am in a state of peaceful bliss despite feeling like there is a tornado of activity around me. Today I did several acts of kindness, although they may be considered common courtesy, but they are not acts I would always do for others in my "busy"ness. I lent an ear to a co-worker who needed to vent and process a situation that occured and hurt her feelings. I offered no advice or words of wisdom. I merely listened and provided empathic responses to her plight. Most days, before beginning this challenge I might would have disengaged too suddenly or would have provided only divided attention while worrying about getting my tasks done for the day. Instead, I offered my listenting ears to her with full presence of mind and hope that I made her day go a little more smoothly. In a similar fashion while shopping at two different locations today, I allowed two sets of shoppers ahead of me as I could hear them sighing and puffing about having to wait in line. I smiled and offered my place in line stating, "I notice you have only a few items, and I am in no hurry...please go ahead." At first they appeared surprised, but then gladly accepted my offer. I also took time at a craft store today to teach two ladies how to knit using a particular type of yarn. I could have just directed them to the books or to a YouTube video, but instead took the time to show them myself. They both were friendly, warm and provided me with a laugh during the interaction. I am learning to be less hurried, more mindful and aware of how each little interaction creates a sort of energy that gets passed on, moves through relationships and impacts the environment. I am learning to spread peace. I am learning not to forget the smallest acts may have the most impact. 355 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 9-On Fire

Day 9-On Christmas day there are populations of the work force who must report to duty despite the holiday. One special group of these professionals, I hold near and dear to my heart. Fire fighters must work despite holidays, missing time with their families on Christmas mornings and I remember the scenario all too well. I remember getting up extra early on Christmas mornings when it was my father's shift to work. By doing so he could see what Santa brought us and spend a few minutes opening packages with us before reporting for duty. You see, he was a career fire fighter and missed many holidays, big games and special events as a result of his passion for the work that he did. For Christmas Day I knew that I wanted to do an act of kindness for a station of fire fighters. I stayed up late on Christmas eve and browned sausage and put together a lasagna. After we got up, opened presents and had a nice family breakfast, I put the lasagna in the oven to bake. I had a particular station in mind as it was one that my father had been a batallion chief, however as I pulled the dish out of the oven to deliver, my husband stopped me. He asked me which station I intended to take the lasagna to and when I told him he offered another station. He went on to identify a station where first responders would be working who saved his father's life when he had a heart attack more than 10 years ago. He asked me if I would consider taking it to that station instead. My husband is getting in on the kindness now :) and I accepted his influence. I agreed to the station he chose and when we arrived with the dish, I stayed in the car with our toddler son and allowed him the experience and opportunity to deliver it. I could see smiles, laughter, an animated conversation, and handshakes. He got back in the car with a smile on his face and told me that one of the firefighters was joking about being son-in-law to my father. It's a brotherhood that will always exist for those who choose that line of work. Even though it was a small gesture, I hope they know how appreciative we are of the sacrifice they make every day. 356 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 8-Remembering Granny

Day 8-Today is the eighth day on this journey of mine, and it is Christmas Eve. As I reflect on the holiday season I am reminded that it has been seven years since my granny passed away. My husband never got to really know my granny as he only knew the woman the Alzheimer's and delirium had changed her into. My granny was a hard woman in many ways, but she doted on the grandchildren and challenged us to be the best people we could be. I think she would be proud of the grown up and mother that I am. My act of kindness today was to honor her. While I was at JoAnn Fabric looking for some fabric and craft supplies, I noticed that they had their no sew fleece blankets on sale. I was drawn to a particular one that was black with paisly elephants on it, possibly because Dumbo is on repeat at my house right now. I spent time cutting and putting the blanket together and decided that I would donate it to a local nursing home for the workers to give to a resident who might be in need of such a comfort. As I left work this afternoon and pulled into the center with the blanket, I realized that it said "Memory Care Facility" on the marquee. I had no idea when I chose this particular location that it was a facility that specialized in such conditions such as delirium and dementia, the same conditions that ravaged the mind of my granny. I teared up when I saw the sign and quickly parked outside the front door. I ran through the rain as not too get to wet and entered the foyer. I would not be allowed past the foyer and into the living facility, I knew, because I was not an approved visitor for any particular resident. The receptionist at the desk was on the phone and I had to wait for about two minutes while she smiled at me apologetically for not being able to assist me immediately. When she hung up from helping the caller she apologized for my wait as she opened the window. I explained this mission of mine and explained that I was donating the blanket for a resident in memory of my grandmother who had been plagued by Alzheimer's disease. A patient care professional entered the office while I was handing the blanket through the window, she heard my statement and smiled. The receptionist lovingly ran her hand along the blanket and asked, "Did you make this? It's beautiful" to which I replied, "yes and I hope someone will really enjoy it." She smiled at me and said, "I know we can find a good home for this and thank you so much." I thanked her for her kindness and then walked back out into the rain to my car. I could not help but call my mother to tell her about the serendipidity of my choice. I am reminded that knowing where we are going depends on looking back and reflecting on where we have been. It is interesting to me how the pieces fall into place if we just trust that they will. 357 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 7-Let's Kick It!

Day 7-As I considered my kind act today I thought I would wait and let the universe unfold before me the act for me to do. Most days, at this point, I am attempting to plan somewhat what my acts may be in order to have a game plan for myself. Today, however, I decided to wait and see what might be in my path for the day. My husband helped me cleaning our home today to get ready for the Christmas holiday and company we are expecting and then we began our Christmas family running around. We drove about an hour away to have dinner with my step-father's family for the holiday and on the way back I realized I might not be out again this evening once we arrived home. After all, my son would need a bath and help with bed time routine. Also, I hoped we might have a special visitor for a little while once we arrived home and knew the act of kindness would have to come from my home. This was a new adventure. I sat down with my computer and began to investigate. As I looked at charities and other organizations I came across World Vision's website. You can donate just about anything to others around the world and it is not very expensive to do so, depending upon what you decide to donate. As I scrolled through the list of items, one immediately caught my eye. I saw that I could donate two soccer balls to children in another country. My own son asked Santa for a soccer ball this year, and this just seemed like a nice thing to do that would parallel my own child's wishes for Christmas. As I entered my information and submitted the request I was filled with wonder. I began to consider what the children might think when their soccer balls arrive and with whom they might share them. Although a small act, I think this one might impact more children than just those who receive the gifts directly. I hope that not only am I giving the gift of soccer balls but of childhood fun, laughter and friendship. The gift, I hope will be much greater than just the balls themselves. I, of course, also have alredy delivered a substantial stack of gifts for a young angel from my company's angel tree. This time of year, I think all children should be given the gift of Christmas and I always donate to others' children who may be in need. 358 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 6-Thank you for your protection and service

Day 6- Today I reflect on the power of the collective unconcious. At work this week a co-worker shared with me Ann Curry's work in the world of kindness and her tag line is the same as mine...."are you in?" I like Ann Curry but had no idea she had this project going or how it originated. I am pleased to know that others think of kindness in the same way in this pay it forward style. My friend Melissa put $10.00 towards another lady's haircut yesterday to help brighten her day because it looked as if the stranger had a difficult one. Of course, I knew others must be doing this too after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. Again, I saw a friend's post (same Melissa just mentioned, with a heart of gold) on FaceBook that many across the country are doing 26 acts of kindness for the innocent 26 who lost their lives in the school that terrible day. I say "rah rah rah", but why stop at 26? Keep it going if you can, and see how far it can go! Again, the power of the collective unconcious is a beautiful thing :). Today I decided to make cookies and find a security officer to give them to with a note of thanks and a challenge to pass along the kindness if at all possible. I set out to finish up my Christmas shopping with the container of cookies and note in my purse. Obviously, I have a large purse ;). As I scoured the mall looking for a security officer, I had much difficulty. The mall was packed with shoppers bustling about. As I moved through the mall with my bags, one of the vendors from a kiosk approached me wanting to offer me some sort of information about a hair curling/straightening product. Usually, I would have snapped or ignored this person who I find to be similar to a telemarketer. Instead, I turned to her, smiled and politely said, "thank you for asking, but right now I'm looking for someone." She politely and gratefully smiled back. After all, it can't be an easy job to have approaching strangers all day for a service they most likely are not interested in and having to recoil each time a person is not polite in response. I realized in this moment that my project is not only impacting others, but me as well. Now mind you, I am a generally pleasant and polite person, but I do have my limits. I am a busy working mother after all and a human being. As I continued walking I thought to myself, "I bet there will be someone in the food court." As I approached the food court I saw not one but two officers at the far end of the corridor. Both of them had their eyes trained on the busy crowd but looked as though they were having a friendly discussion. One officer was a Campbell County Deputy and the other a Lynchburg City Police Officer. As I got closer they both turned to look at me. I gently said, "Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you, but I am on a mission of kindness to do a kind act for others every day, and you are my people today" as I passed them the container of cookies with the note. They both tipped their hats and said "Thank you ma'am." I laughed at their unison in doing so and responded, "make sure you share with each other" and turned back into the crowd. I appreciate every day those who put others safety and well being ahead of their own and am glad that I got to say "thank you" in a real and active way today. 359 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 5-Getting Over Myself

Day 5: As I made my blog entry last evening, my husband approached me. He said, "If you are going to do an act of kindness tomorrow, I've got one for you." I looked up hesitantly wondering what challenge he was prepared to offer. I knew this would be no act of random kindness but a targeted one instead. He told me that our son's daycare has a decoration next to the water fountain of stockings with all of the teachers' and aides' names in the school on them. He went on to explain that a cup of paper strips and pens were stationed nearby and the purpose was to write kind messages, well wishes and thank you notes to the teachers and put them in the stockings. I usually drop off and pick up our son and I had noticed the stockings but did not know that parents were supposed to write notes. He went on to tell me that a particular teacher did not have any notes in her stocking. Now, I need to give you a little history lesson here so that you will understand the situation. This particular teacher, the one with no notes in her stocking has not always been kind to my son or to me. As he went on talking about the situation I had a visceral response. There was a tightening in my stomach. Now mind you, I am kind and pleasant to this teacher, and have given her gifts at appropriate gift giving times such as teacher appreciation day, Christmas, and end of the school year but the thought of doing this extra task gave me pause. My initial response to my husband was, "How do you know her stocking wasn't so full that it had to be emptied and put up for another go 'round?" That question was quickly answered for me this morning when I walked into the building. I looked at the overflowing notes in other stockings and knew that it could not be the case that this one had been emptied. Some of the other stockings were so jammed with notes it looked as though the seams might burst. I knew her stocking had been skipped over and realized that I needed to get over myself and do this kind deed. I checked my son in, dropped him off in his classroom and headed to the slips of paper and pens. I wrote a heartfelt thanks for the care she gives my child and the lessons that she prepares and signed the note from our family. How many times do we hold on to negative feelings waiting for someone else to make it right? If I am to have a year of kindness it should also include forgiveness and new beginnings for damaged relationships. Although a small feat, today was by no means easy, but by taking this step and completing an act of kindness I am mending old hurts. I hope it will be well received. My intention was good and I am not responsible for the interpretation by the recipient, but hope she will be provided with some warmth and accept my gratitude. What have you been waiting to do or need to get over yourself to complete? 360 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 4-Didn't See It Coming

Day 4: As I headed off to work this morning I thought about acts of kindness for the day. Today I felt more tired than I had the other days and I started to think about the level of energy it would take to keep this project going. It is not going to be easy, but like anything great, it wouldn't be great unless it was marked by the struggle to go on from time to time. This morning I put several candy canes in my purse "just in case" I might need them. As I pulled out onto the major highway I saw a disabled car on the other side. There was no way to get to it and I thought "You know...I might have just missed a great chance" but had to forge ahead for safety reasons. As the day progressed I was unsure what I would do, but knew I had the candy canes in reserve in my bag. I had to go out to grab some things for work and entered a retail store. Of no surprise it was busy due to holiday shoppers looking for deals and last minute gifts. I got my items pretty quickly and headed to the register. A tall man and his son blocked my way unintentionally and when the father saw me, apologized and allowed me through to the counter. As the cashier began ringing up my purchase a line quickly and unexpectedly formed. I saw the concern on her face that others may have to wait quite some time and heard her say "Oh wow...I'm going to need some help" under her breath as she stopped checking me out and reached for the intercom system. She paged for help, that never arrived before she finished my purchase. This was the moment. I realized I could give her a little encouragement and kindness to help with her busy day. As she handed me the receipt for my purchase I slid a candy cane covertly across the counter as I made eye contact and said "Merry Christmas." As I walked towards the door I heard her say "Oh my...where did this come from" to which the gentleman and his son who had previously blocked my way said "that lady just left that for you." Her response...."How kind." I smiled and kept walking. Imagine what would have happened if I had been sighing, huffing or puffing about the business of the holiday season or had engaged in a negative conversation with her rather than providing just a little pick me up and acknowledgment of her presence and current plight. I just wanted to send the message "I see you" and "you are valuable." 361 more days of kindness are you in?

Day 3-A Note

Day 3-As I began my day I was unsure of what my random act of kindness would be today. I was meeting my husband for dinner and childcare was secured for pick up and dinner for my little guy, so I decided I would do some last minute Christmas shopping to get a few items I still needed for people on my list. As I drove through the parking lots I saw lots of grumpy faces, cars cutting each other off and a general lack of holiday spirit. When I pulled into a space at the shopping center I saw her. A woman about my age rummaging through her car looking distressed and in a hurry. To say she looked flustered doesn't even begin to describe the situation. It was like the universe had delivered her to me. She was the person I needed to help today with an act of random kindness. I knew it the moment I saw her. I was unsure of what to do. I didn't want to startle her. Again, this is my journey, but others may not quite understand or believe the kindness is genuine. Today was going to be more delicate. I looked around and began to think. As I started to get out of my car I saw it. A stack of Christmas cards was sitting on the passenger seat of my car. I got back in the seat and closed the door. I looked through my purse until I found a pen and I began to write. My words filled up both sides of the inside of the card. I wrote about enjoying moments and providing well wishes. I ended the card with a statement of hoping that I had possibly provided her with a moment of Christmas cheer and peace during the busy holiday season. I sealed the envelope and got out of the car. I walked to her car and gingerly lifted the windshield wipers and left the card underneath. I didn't see her when I returned to my car after grabbing a few items, but her car and the card were still there. I didn't get to see her face, but I am trusting that the card made a difference in her day. I hope that knowing another person noticed her and through offering encouragement to her provided her with some happiness. How often do we go through our days not noticing or being fully present with others? Today's act reminded me that you do not always know what others are facing in their lives and how much a kind word could mean. 362 more days of kindness....are you in?

Day 2-Just a Little Pick Me Up

Day 2: So I decided to move a thread out from my coffee shop experience yesterday and take a cup of coffee to an unsuspecting person. In my area there is so much construction going on right now and I notice how tired the workers appear every morning. I decided I would take a cup of coffee, write a note on it and give to one of the sign holders for the "slow" and "stop" traffic. I ordered my coffee and the barista smiled and said "You want two today?" to which I just smiled and affirmed. Of course, my little guy got his cookies too :). After I dropped Owen off at daycare I headed to work. As I approached the construction zone I realized my arm would not be long enough to reach the passenger window to pass the coffee. I realized he would have to reach inside my car. Now, just so you know, I am a person who is not sure of others being in my personal space when I don't have a relationship with them, and I started to rethink my plan to make myself more comfortable. Then I realized, this is what my project is all about. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone to do something for another person. Sure, I'm a kind and thoughtful person, but this exercise...this journey that I am on, is bigger than that. It's about stretching and growing and that is what I determined to do. Next, I looked up in my rearview mirror to see all of the traffic behind me. It is rush hour in the morning after all, and I thought people behind me might become impatient. They might honk their horns or say not so nice things. I decided they would have to wait...this was too important. As I pulled up and rolled my window down the construction worker approached my car. I smiled and held out the coffee with the kind note and said, "I got this coffee for you this morning." He looked at me quizzically and then it happened. The biggest smile I have ever seen formed on his face and he exclaimed, "Really?!". Then he said it. The seven magic words. An invitation for a challenge. He said, "I don't know how to thank you." I smiled, took a deep breath and replied "Just do something kind for another person." He tipped his hat, took the coffee and I hope had a great day. As I drove away my phone buzzed. I later learned that a dear friend, Jessica, bought breakfast for strangers at McDonald's on her way to work. We are off and running folks...changing the world with one kind act at a time. 363 more days of kindness...are you in?

Day 1-How Sweet It is

Day 1: I had no difficulty deciding who I wanted my first act of kindness to reach. There are a group of important people with whom I spend time almost every morning, yet, I do not know their names. They are the friendly and warm baristas from a locally owned coffee shack who not only make my morning brighter many mornings, but also my son's mornings as well. When they see me coming they almost always have a small cup of animal crackers or (this time of year) Christmas cookies at the ready for my little guy. They are always smiling and kind. It got me to thinking, "How can I spend so much time with other people and not know their names?" How often does this happen? We run through our days in a mad dash and forget the relationship parts of interacting with others. Sure, I'm paying for a service and I could just leave it at that, but what if there have been times that they needed an encouraging word or other support I could have provided, even during our brief contact, and I missed it. I was so excited I had difficulty sleeping...this was actually going to happen...my plan! I set my alarm and got up early. I made cinnamon rolls and wrote a card. In the card, I thanked them for their friendly dispositions every morning, explained this mission of mine and apologized for not knowing their names. I challenged in the card to pay it forward with another kind act and to come to the blog to share once they do. Maybe they'll do this and maybe they won't, but the process is beginning :). I packed up my car, strapped Owen into his car seat and headed to the coffee stand. As I neared the stand, my heart started to race. I was getting nervous. What if they didn't understand my intention? What if they thought I was some weirdo who was bringing sticky buns laced with some kind of chemical? I pushed the doubts aside and turned on my blinker. As I pulled up I saw a familiar face. A very tired familiar face. When he opened the window I simply stated, "I'm not getting a coffee today. I stopped by to give you these" and I passed him the sticky buns with the card. He looked bewildered and then smiled broadly and said "Hey, thanks. Good morning to you!" I simply returned the greeting and headed to day care to drop off my son. I already know it's making a difference, my husband left me a note this morning on my dashboard with the following message "I love you!" Amazing! 364 more days of kindness...are you in?

So it begins at the beginning

Today is December 16, 2012, and it is two days after the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. As I look at the innocent big blue eyes of my three year old I begin to ponder. I said to myself, "I wish there was something I could do." Well, why can't I? What is stopping me? Sometimes we have to get out of our own way and put the doubts, worries and insecurities aside. I doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be and it has to happen. So, I have decided I am going to do something. Beginning with people in my own community, I am going to start a year of kindness. A no holds barred effort to change the lives of others and to share joy, peace and happiness in a world that seems a little darker these days. I'm not sure how this is going to work exactly, but I plan to do an act of kindness for others, every single day for an entire year. Obviously, I am going to need some help. This idea seems too big for just me, so I texted two friends who are kindred spirits, "So I have this great idea but I am going to need help...u in??" To which, without hesitation I received, "yep" and "Haha. I like the sound of this already. What is it?" Without hesitation two friends have enlisted. I love my friends :). This is the start of a revolution of soldiers of love and making a difference. Anyone can enlist and the only thing it will cost you is some time and compassion for others. I will share photos and stories and hope in return you will share your photos and stories. Send them to me and I will post them and share them for you! Let's start a ripple effect and see how far it goes. A year of kindness...are you in?