Thanksgiving is almost upon us! It is almost time for turkey naps, all day football, and #thankful to be trending on all versions of social media. I have so much to be thankful for. I have an amazing husband of almost nine years who is truly my best friend, and the calm to my storm. I have a sweet little fur baby whose snuggles get me through the toughest times. I have our little miracle baby who brings so much joy to my life. Plus I have amazing parents, friends, and co-workers, not to mention a job a love and a roof over my head. I am so thankful for every thing I have, big and small!
With the season of thanks top of mind, I want to do something different this year. I want to spread my thankfulness to others, and get my son involved so he can see the value of showing support for others. This November I will be doing 30 random acts of kindness. Most are simple, almost all are free (minus a few quarters), but the impact they can make is huge.
- Write a “just because” thank you note to your child’s teacher or caregiver
- Volunteer to serve a meal at a local food bank
- Help another mom that you see with her hands full: push her cart, hand her something that was dropped, or just tell her she is amazing!
- Bring in treats to your local fire or police station
- Put change in the vending machine to buy a snack for the next person
- Have your child help sort through old toys, and donate to a shelter or donation center
- Leave a sticky-note with positive messages on a mirror in a public restroom
- Work with your children to create get well cards for children in a local hospital
- Put a note or joke in your child or spouses lunch
- Text someone in your life just to tell them how much they mean to you
- Offer to take a photo of people you see trying to take one of themselves
- For an entire day, post and comment only positive things on all social media
- Get up early and bring your family breakfast in bed
- Make two lunches for the day, and give one away
- Compliment a stranger
- Sign-up to be an organ donor or donate blood
- Strike up a conversation with someone standing or eating alone
- Email a former teacher or mentor to share the impact they made on you
- Volunteer to play games with the residents at a local senior center
- Find the self-help section at a library or book store and leave positive notes in a few books
- When you receive great service, take the extra minute to tell the manager what a great job they did
- Donate an old item of clothing for every new one you purchase
- Help out your neighbor: Bring in their trash can, rake their leaves or shovel their sidewalk
- Make a CD or playlist of memorable songs and send it to an old friend
- Put a quarter in an expired meter
- Make it a point to introduce yourself to someone you see often but haven’t formally met
- Invite a friend over for dinner that you know will be dining alone
- Write positive messages in chalk on the sidewalk
- Be supportive to a friend trying to reach a goal. Ask how it’s going, and how you can help
- Smile at everyone you see
Will you join me for the challenge of sharing what you are thankful for? What is your favorite way to give back? I challenge you to pick at least a couple from this list this Thanksgiving season!
