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21-Day Kindness Project: Day 18
– Steve Marboli
Generosity is another version of kindness and it comes in many forms. There are so many ways to give in the world – and so much need. Chances are that you are already giving in many good ways. This day you are encouraged to think of a new way to add to your giving habits. Look around and let the “need” you see around enter your consciousness. Feel what you are drawn to help. There are many avenues – it might be a monetary donation, but sometimes the best way that truly connects us is to give iwith a warm blanket, or a cup of coffee, or a listening ear.
You may want to help a refugee family trying to make a new home having left their all that is familiar behind in another country. There are shelters for women who have been abused, housing for disabled or learning challenged people, centers that assist veterans. – most of which welcome household items, kitchen ware, and warm winter clothing. You might go through your drawers and find a coat or blanket that you don’t use that would be greatly appreciated. You could call a shelter, community center, food bank or refugee support group and ask what is needed. Or drop by and check it out yourself and make a connection.
If the homeless situation call you to do something, you may have felt that there are so many homeless people asking for money that it is easier to shut down with the realization that we just cannot give to everyone. We may hold unconscious prejudices against the homeless that we don’t realize. Whatever your situation, today is the time to pull down any barriers you may have, and give – beginning with warmth and acknowledgement.
Often people on the street become used to being invisible, so you might want to give them the gift of conversation and ask them about their life, what moves them, or what they need. See if you can help in some way, physically or emotionally.
Kindness can heal both the giver and receiver. Lady Gaga famously said, “I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.” Take time today to remember everyone is a part of the whole, a part of the body of humanity. Acts of kindness often mean more than we realize.
