Just last week, we all shared a Thanksgiving we are not likely soon to forget. A beloved family holiday amidst a pandemic, with another holiday coming right around the corner. Some of us chose safety, only gathering with those we live with on a regular basis. Others chose to spend the time with loved ones. This, however, is not the time to judge others for the choices that they make, rather it is time to keep showing kindness as much as we can.
Just as all of the negativity, stress and anxiety have a cumulative effect on our well-being, so do all of the small acts of kindness. I know for me, I have seen much of both. People around me have been snappy and short, simply because they are tired and overwhelmed. Others have showered me with love and kindness. As we enter the Christmas season, you need to figure out which person you want to be. A few things to think about...
Small kindnesses have a cumulative effect. In other words, you receive enough small kindnesses (or better yet give them), it feels just as good as doing a big, dramatic kindness. So far today I have received homemade tamales, a jar of homemade muscadine jelly, a diet coke from Taco Bell and a Baby Yoda eraser. Guess what? I feel amazing and loved. I truly don't believe I would feel any better if someone showed up at my office with a brand new car!
Christmas time is the perfect time to throw kindness like confetti! If you think something nice about another person, say it! If you are thinking about someone, reach out to them and let them know you are thinking about them. Give them the opportunity to experience the cumulative effect of small kindnesses.
Maybe it is time to become a hometown hero. When is the last time you volunteered to feed the homeless or started a winter coat drive? What is the need in your community? What is the need for your neighbor, cousin or best friend? What can you do to make the world a better place?
Lets all try to remember to keep giving the small kindnesses rather than the small frustrations. We are all in this together to make this Covid Christmas the best Christmas ever!
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