“Do good for others, it will come back in unexpected ways.” ~ Anonymous
I’m happy to announce the winner of the 2-pack brownie from Send Out Cards. Cathy V. did good for others by donating clothes to Care Closet. She definitely Made Someone’s Day (Challenge #17). Indeed, I had so much fun with Bibi and Dez from Hope Tree Village! https://hopetreevillage.com/ Check out one of the ideas for our Random Acts of Kindness challenge with ding dong: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-zab8qV5frs.
Doesn’t that look like fun? Feel free to take this idea and “run” with it for Challenge #18: Good Deeds. Choose any act of kindness to help someone in need. Share your experience for this challenge. (Extra chance for your name in the drawing for telling us how it made you feel and/or posting a picture). As you share your experiences, it may inspire someone else to be kind. Either way, I will draw a name from all social media and email responses to win a container of MetaPWR beadlets. They help support metabolic health and function. When we are kind to ourselves and have more energy, we are more apt to be kind to others. Join me as we start ripples around the country…maybe even the world!
Last night I stayed up quite late spending time with some friends who have been depressed and needed some support and care. While I didn’t sleep too well after, it makes me feel good knowing that they trust me and that I can be there for them.
Wow, you’re a true friend! Remember to care for yourself, so you can continue to be there for your friend.
Oh my God, this fills my heart with joy. Depression is something I deal with and it is humbling, in the best sense of the word, to hear about people caring to uplift someone. Thanks, Jonathan!
I carry cans of dog food with flip top lids in my car. I give them out to unhoused people who have dogs.
I love your acts of kindness for our furry friends! Thank you for sharing!
Challenge #18 submission
The Woman’s Club accepted my donation of a diamond painting set for the activity table at their inaugural Autism Walk. Because of art and kindness, a young girl was motivated to try out the diamond painting set she had at home since she was inspired by the activity during the event. Awesomely, the art table broke the ice for me to be able to network with other vendors. It made me feel relieved to form human connections in the face of my efforts to reduce isolation, let go of pain and feel useful to others. Participating in Challenge #18 revealed a surprising route towards healing, connection and further opportunities to create art. Thank you, Donna, for inspiring your community to find and nurture what is good in humanity.
Photo in my Instagram, @brolesque_llc
I apologize for the length of my post, but I think it bears mentioning some valuable insights I learned about kindness.
Something odd, but definitely a learning lesson, happened in relation to an act of kindness. A man outside a gas station was in distress. I asked him if he was okay, at which point he revealed his partner had left him stranded and his phone was dead. Perhaps I should have been more hesitant, but I offered him a ride to buy a phone charger. In my car, my clinical training indicated to me that he was perhaps under the influence of a substance. At the store, he came back too quickly with the charger. I asked him if he stole it, and he said yes. In the span of minutes what had started as a random act of kindness turned into someone turning me into a getaway car.
I let him know I was not comfortable with his actions and he left my car.
Then I went in the store in the event cameras saw him get in my car. They heard me and said they had recognized him from the past, and that I was good.
I share all this sordid tale because the phrase “random acts of kindness” was going through my mind when I first interacted with the guy. I learned, however, that I need to be more cautious and utilize my better judgment. More personally, however, I realized that I was not being 100% selfless. Unconsciously I had written some sort of Hollywood script where by happenstance I help someone and make a new friend during a very lonely time. While that sounds noble and harmless, my desire to live that script created a hazardous situation. Kindness for kindness’s sake should be my mantra in those moments that I am tempted to wish for something more.
I hope that the man I tried to help finds peace and I am glad I learned what inner dialogue I need to have to ensure I am taking care of my safety and that of the community when trying to help someone. That being said, safety first and all, I do think kindness can breed friendship in the right circumstances.
Kindness and Safety First!
Wow, that is quite an experience! Thank you for sharing your story! Absolutely, safety first and foremost!