Ready or not, November is here. Which means you have probably already started thinking about the holidays. I know I am already looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving for my family this year. Thinking of all of the yummy food has my mouth watering. But there is more to the holiday season than just food and fun. This time of year is a great chance to remember to not only be thankful for what we have, but to also give to others as well. And sometimes the best ways we can do that is in small very practical ways.
Growing up my parents helped to set a great example of this. When the holidays rolled around they took the time to help us be intentional, reflect, and think of others and their needs as well. We volunteered, we gave gifts to others, donated to worthy causes, and included others. I am so glad that my parents took the time to help teach us those valuable lessons, and I hope to pass that along to my own girls as well.
I want my girls to be able to look back years from now and now just remember what they got out of the holidays, but also remember how they were able to give and help others. My oldest is almost 4, and I think she is old enough to start to get it. I want to instill in her a love for others and eyes that can see others needs. I want to raise up girls that are genuine and kind.
Sometimes its just the little things that can really show kindness to others. Opening a door for someone. Giving someone a smile. Or giving someone a compliment can make their whole day! I can remember the times when a stranger took the time to help me load groceries in my cart or hold the door as a try to fit my double stroller inside. Those little things made my day! When someone shows me even a simple act of kindness it makes me feel valued and loved.
One of my favorite things about kindness is that it tends to be contagious. It’s hard not to spread it once it starts. One simple act of kindness can cause a chain reaction of kindness to spread, and pretty soon its an epidemic! Just like negativity can spread and infect people, kindness can do the same thing. But I would much rather help spread kindness than negativity!
Where to start? I like lists and very practical applications, so I came up with a list of 22 ways to help spread kindness. This list has things on it that I know my family can do to practically and easily show kindness to people around us. This season of giving I want to give others the gift of kindness!
Honestly, it’s easy to sometimes get so focused on ourselves that we forget what’s going on around us. We can miss opportunities to better love our family, our friends, and even complete strangers when we aren’t aware. But I know when I make the effort to look beyond myself I see so many opportunities to show kindness and love.
Will you join me in helping show others a little extra kindness? Imagine our community if we made the effort to spread kindness. Use this season and be intentional and give generously the gift of kindness.
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