I didn't even know that was a thing! Lol! However, it makes me smile and I am totally on board!
All this week, Febraury 9-15th, 2019, people everywhere are celebrating ways to step out of their comfort zone and perform a random act of kindness.
According to the internet ;-) a random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by kind people to either help or cheer up a random stranger, for no reason other than to make people happier.
The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has shone a spotlight on one couple who are giving back in the kindest of ways:
Bonnie and her husband have found an incredibly sweet way to honor her mother's Legacy of Kindness... This is her story, shared on Roswell's Cancer Talk Blog:
Turning tragedy into kindness is no small feat, but one woman does just that every year at Roswell Park and throughout her community.
Bonnie Hoag's mother was a patient at Roswell before passing away on September 9, 2015. "Everyone says this when someone dies, but my mom truly was a thoughful, generous, amazing person," Hoag says. "She did kind things for people she didn't know and for people she did know. Her birthday was coming up and I was dreading it, so I thought, What if we made it a day of happiness?"
So it was decided that on June 12, 2016, Hoag and her husband, would do 59 random acts of kindness, marking the fact that her mother would have been 59 on her birthday that year. Every year since, the tradition has gotten bigger and bigger. "We did 61 acts of kindness last year and over 80 this year," Hoag says. "We do them all over - at nursing homes, fire departments. We do anything we can think of, like paying for people's lunches. Other people have gotten involved. I have a good support system in the community. My mom was so loved by so many."
At Roswell, Hoag has left bottles of water, baskets of snacks, and blankets in different locations for people to enjoy. "It can be cold in the hospital," she explains. "We stop and talk to families in the Intensive Car Unit, and it's easy to form bonds with people there. We leave envelopes with meal vouchers for the staff at the front desk to give to people." The Hoags have also left money at the parking garage to surprise patients and visitors with free parking on their way out.
"I think everyone can relate to it," Hoag says. "Most people have been touched by cancer in their life, unfortunately. My mom fought and didn't win, but if there was any place she had a chance to win, it was at Roswell."
As far as setting out and doing the random acts of kindness, Hoag said it's something anyone and everyone can do. "Everyone has a helpful heart, but people don't always think to actually do those types of things. It makes you feel good when you're doing it, and people aren't used to having something kind done for them. The world needs more of that."
Yes! Oh, how the world needs more of that! I believe we have been challenged!!
Our turn to share kindness with the people in our own corner of the world. May we find that performing a selfless act of kindness, not only brings happiness to those around us, but cheers our own hearts as well!
The world desperately needs more of that!!
Grace and Love tonight,
Always,
Jane
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