Be the Good
For those of us in the United States, this Monday is a somber day, marking the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our country. Without a doubt, I remember the fear and uncertainty that enveloped me after that day; but I also remember the national unity that roared up following that attack on our community.
We were kinder to each other; we felt a kinship with complete strangers because we knew that we were all struggling with what had just happened. We were ‘in it together’ with our fellow countrymen; regardless of race, religion or sex or political bent.
What if we channeled that goodwill towards each other every day, without having to first face the crisis that caused it?
A couple of weeks ago I heard someone say something to the effect of ‘Right now America doesn’t have a glue that holds it together,’…what if we just decided to ‘be the glue?’
As the daughter of a career Naval officer, I have always had a soft spot for those who ‘choose to serve’; be it military, police, firefighter, etc… As a result, every anniversary of 9/11 when I am reminded of the incredibly brave servants who raced into the buildings while everyone else was trying to get out, I am humbled by their selfless acts…they show up every day hoping to ‘be the good.’
I decided to channel my emotion and started to take some sort of food gift to my local fire station just to say ‘Thanks…I appreciate you.’ Some years, when I had my act together I baked treats and other years I picked up several dozen doughnuts and a container of coffee from Dunkin Donuts.
No matter what I took and despite my efforts not to, I would end up blubbering my way through thanking these brave men and women…
I will be taking something to my fire station again this year, but in addition, to honor of all those who ‘chose to serve’ on 9/11, I am choosing to ‘be the good’ every day, but especially the week of 9/11.
Little ‘random acts of kindness’ have a way of causing ripples of kindness…I want to initiate some ripples. Wanna join me?
This is what I am thinking…
- I will keep bottles of water/soda and some candy bars/bags of chips to put out for the trash collectors and mailmen/women who come to my home. I plan to continue to do this year ’round.
- I will keep candy bars in my purse with a kind note that I can hand out to random folks I come in contact with throughout my days…the cashier in the store, a police officer I see, a receptionist in the doctor’s office, the crossing guard at school and the harried sheriff’s deputy who manages the traffic around my son’s high school.
- I have made up very simple tags, that you are free to use, that I will attach to whatever I give.
- I do think I need to purchase as opposed to giving homemade goodies…the whole food allergy thing.
I invite you to join me next week…and longer if you wish. And I’d love for you to share the ways you will ‘be the good’…we can all more suggestions.
You know when you are wrapping Christmas presents and you are so excited to give your gift? That’s how I felt when I was tagging all my treats. If you are in a bit of a slump, I can pretty much guarantee that this will help you get out of your slump.
I am so excited to start gifting my little treats!
I hope you will join me in sharing a little kindness and I’d love to hear what you do and what were the reactions of the people you gifted. Share this post with some of your friends who might want to join us!
Many hugs,
Lynn, this is so sweet and I love to do little acts of kindness like this! Your tags are so pretty. Thanks for the reminder and I will be joining you.
Oh Yippee! I can feel that ripple coming all the way from Texas and there are strength in numbers!
I hope all is well with you…did you stay dry? We’re looking at Irma heading our way now…Ugh.
Wishing you a beautiful day my friend.
Hugs, Lynn
A great post!
Aw…thanks so much! It has been on my heart for a couple of weeks now and thought now is the perfect time.
I hope you’ll join us and I wish you a beautiful day.
Hugs, Lynn
Lynn, I just loved this post and the reminder it gave. I will certainly join you in this effort of doing little random acts of kindness. The anniversary of 9/11 is the perfect time for everyone to focus on ways to spread a little kindness to others. I was working as a nurse in an inner city hospital in NJ when the 9/11 attacks happened. From our hospital we had a view of the NY skyline and the smoke that remained after the towers fell. I remember feeling so helpless. The drive home that day was so eerie as the roads were empty and businesses were closed. At a time when it is too easy to get caught up with all of the unpleasant things that are going on in the world, it was great to have you remind us that we can all do little things to brighten the day for others and spread a little kindness around. Thank you for this post and for sharing your beautiful tags.~Hugs~
Oh Dorene, I can only imagine your memories from that day are still so fresh and raw..you were right there! And that hopelessness…truthfully I’ve been feeling a bit like that with all the negative ‘stuff’ that surrounds us right now as well, which is why I want to do anything that makes a positive impact…no matter how small.
I am thrilled to know you’ll be joining me! Many little ripples make for a big wave.
Wishing you a beautiful day my friend.
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Lynn, This is such a fabulous idea! When the world around us seems to focus on the negative, we can use this positive reminder to be the good! Thank you!
And everyone say “AMEN”, not only on Monday-we have fantastic opportunities every day!! Love your suggestions and I am sure that we can all take some actions, especially in light of what is going on in our country today. Thanks so much ??
Hey Laura…I am just thrilled to have you join in! And so true…no reason we can’t ‘be the good’ every single day…ESPECIALLY when our country is hurting so. Thanks for taking a minute to write back…it is appreciated more than you can know.
Many hugs my friend,
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
I am so very touched by this. I too am a service brat and have that same respect for all who serve. This is such a beautiful and wonderful idea and will be joining you.
I have to say it again, I so enjoy reading what you write and the intense wisdom behind it is amazing. I know for sure I am at the least 15 to 20 years your senior and you have more wisdom in your hand than I do in my whole body. I learn from you and am better for having met you through your site.
I wonder if you wouldn’t mind if on Monday, I posted some of what you said here? (I promise I would only use your first name.) I would never do this without your permission. I just feel in my bones that if your message is shared it will make a difference. I would be happy to post a draft or e mail you a copy for your approval prior to posting anything.
Bless you for your generous and wise thinking! You make me want to be better.
Sincerely,
Joy
Oh my sweet Joy,
You just brought tears to my eyes! Wow, talk about making a girl feel good! I would imagine that #1 we are closer in age than you think and #2 that you are wiser than you give yourself credit for.
And absolutely, PLEASE share this on Monday or any day! With each little ripple we can make a big wave…I would love nothing more than to know that there are folks spread out throughout our great country practicing everyday kindesses to complete strangers! What a wonderful feeling that will be.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely note and for joining in this little crusade.
Many, many hugs,
Lynn
Oh Lynn,What a wonderful idea this is, and I think it is evident by reading all of the lovely comments you have received so far that you are the good! Cheers my friend, and keep doing the wonderful things you do!
Aw thanks my friend…I feel a bit like it’s Christmas eve…so excited to start giving.
Thanks for stopping by
I’m having troubling typing because of my tears of joy! Count me in! I am new to your post, but love it. Lori , from New Mexico
Oh Lori…you just gave me goosebumps! I am thrilled you will be joining me! It feels a bit like Christmas eve…I’m so excited to start my gifting.
And I’m also so happy to have you on board with the blog! The more the merrier!
Hugs, Lynn
What a fantastic and caring thing to do! I love where your heart is and I will try to follow suit! Thanks for a loving and thoughtful post!
Thanks Janine and I’d love to have you join in!
Lynn this has to be the best idea ever!!! I will be joining in with you and be doing it from the other side of the world. Your post filled my heart!! Thank you so much for inspiring me!!
Aw thanks Sam! I’d love to know that my friends across the world are joining in…a bunch of small ripples can make a big wave.
I just love this, a small act of kindness can start a ripple. Way to be the good in your community and inspiring us all to do the same where we live.
lynn, this is so wonderful!! thank you for sharing this with us!