Saturday, May 10, 2008

Everyday Kindness


It's a small thing, really. To be kind. Easier said than done, though, especially when you have been in a funk like I have for the last (almost) two months. I sometimes think I need to see a doctor for my moodiness, then I have a good day and think I'll be okay. So, I am going to take another approach, or at least give it the good ol' college try.


I am taking the challenge - the challenge to do at least one small act of kindness every day. I got my inspiration from Everyday Kindness, the title of this post. Here's the challenge:


  • Make the commitment to do one small act of kindness daily. This doesn’t require that you let anyone know what you do. This is a personal, individual challenge.
  • Feel free to blog about your commitment on your weblog or on the community weblog.
  • If you would like to join, please send me an email to everydaykindness at gmail dot com.

Here are some recent things I did that made me feel good:


  • I gave the last bit of Bath & Body Works bubble bath to my step-daughter - the really yummy smelling stuff - so she could enjoy a hot soak with her new book. I have not been particularly generous with her lately, so this was a small way for me to get back in the habit.
  • Giving $2 to a homeless person. I don't always give money to the guys on the corner, but this one struck a chord with me, and I don't know why.
    When a neighbor's car was in the shop, I let her borrow mine to make a delivery - she provides the most elegant desserts to two area restaurants.
  • I took a neighbor's daughter to church with us. She reciprocated and picked them up after youth group, so the kindness doubled.
  • Every other week, I rush from work to pick up several kids and take them home from school so their moms don't have to worry about them walking home with their band instruments. Another mom takes the week I don't have.
  • I helped a lady out to her car because she had two full shopping carts of items from Mardel.

I know it sounds like I'm just patting myself on the back, but that's really not the case. I hope that blogging about this will help pull me out of my depression and cause me to make a conscious effort to be kind even when I don't feel like it.

Opportunities to perform a simple act of kindness present themselves on a daily basis. We can look for the "big" ones, or we can focus on the small ones, a pat on the back for a job well done, a simple smile that lets the receiver know you have faith or confidence in him or her, holding a door open for someone, letting someone go first when it is clearly a tie as to who got to the checkout counter first, or reaching down to pick up something someone has dropped. Those little kindnesses mean more than we probably realize. This can't help but have a positive effect on a person's mood, including my own.


* Image designed by Harlekwin.

10 comments:

  1. These were all such loving and lovely things that you did for people - REALLY!! I think it is wonderful that you are making an effort to do these nice things. I'm sorry to hear that you are depressed - I hate to hear that and hope you feel better - I will keep you in my prayers. Take care and have a good Mother's Day tomorrow. See you soon - Kellan

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  2. daily acts of kindness. what a lovely thought. i think it is awesome that you are taking a moment to recognize the small things you do for others...i think its an important part of kindness....

    that feel good feeling!! good for you!!

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  3. You are a complete sweetheart! I love this idea!!! I hope you have a fantastic Mother's Day!

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  4. This is a very touching post. Very inspiring. I have visited Everyday Kindness too! I am inspired.

    By the way, thanks for the visits and for the link.


    Thanks again. I am happy to meet you. Your blog is nice and inspiring.

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  5. What a wonderful thing to do. :)

    Happy Mother's Day!!!!

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  6. I think it's wonderful what you're doing. Brag all you want! Maybe it will help someone else realize how such simple things can lead to other's doing simple things, until everyone is just nicer. Yeah, I live in a dream world, but I think you know what I mean.

    HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

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  7. it may sounds simple to you, but who knows what it meant to the one you helped? I bet it meant A LOT!
    you are very kind...

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  8. My husband and my daughter have both suffered from medication-requiring depression for the past 15 years. Consequently I have done a bit of studying on the subject. Two things recommended for a depressed person are to do something worthwhile every day and to do something for someone else. I think you've taken care of both of those with your "Everyday Kindness." I hope this pays off for you in increased feelings of joy and satisfaction.

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  9. When we give these simple gifts we get the greatest gift of all, the knowledge that we are good people with good hearts.

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  10. I hope you had a good Mothers Day tho, and I am sorry to hear you are down. Just remember moods come and go, some just take longer to leave and longer to come. Hang in there, and remember that us bloggers love ya ! ! XO

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