On The Kindness Campaign

I believe that people come into our lives for a reason. A person may come and go quickly, or may travel with us for a lifetime. It doesn't matter. Each person is significant in unique ways.

 Life is short (trust me, I got this hint in a big way) and we don't always share the positive things that we think of others because we take for granted that there is always another day. So, in that spirit, I decided to start a kindness campaign.

 For this past month of March, each day, I chose a new person to send five things that I like about him/her. For the recipients of my five things, I have challenged them to spend one week doing the same - to choose a new person each day and send him/her five things they like about him/her. Small things or large, it doesn't matter.

 My intentions are not all selfless. It is true that I wanted to make people feel good by allowing them to know what I like about them. And, I also did it so that I would feel good. I feel amazing when I make others feel good. I wish more people understood this. It is such a simple concepts, and it is one that could change the world.

 I did not start doing this with the expectation that I would receive anything back. The thought behind it was really just to pass it along, keep the kindness going, and feel good knowing that I may have brightened someone's day. However, I have received several messages with five things that the individuals I chose, like about me. Wow! I can't tell you how humbling, heart-filling, and just plain lovely these things have been to receive. I hope others have felt the same.

 Everyone deserves to hear something good about themselves. Shouldn't we all stop every once in a while, take a deep breath, and focus on what really matters - the people in our lives. And, shouldn't we do it when we have the chance - like now?

So, since I know I haven't gotten to everyone (at least not in March), I am going to write five things I like about you, my blog readers:
  1. I like that you read my blog, like it on Facebook, share it with others, and comment on it.
  2. I like that you have shown kindness and have supported me in this journey, not just once I started writing the blog, but many of you followed along on my mom's Caring Bridge posts. Thank you. Your support has buoyed me and I am beyond grateful.
  3. I like that many of you share your own stories as part of your comments - especially when that comment is admitting you like Taylor Swift too. :)
  4. I like that you encourage me to keep writing.
  5. I like knowing that so many people care so much.
And now that you have received your five things, take a week and send five things to the people who mean something to  you: one person, each day. It doesn't take long, and it will make at least eight people feel good - the seven you choose, and you.

 I am so lucky in so many ways. And, I hope this idea brings you some joy, either in receiving five things that I like about you, or in passing along five things you like about someone else.


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