Kindness in small, simple forms is contagious and fun
The sidewalks outside of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School were chalked with positive messages and good wishes before school as an act of kindness earlier his year.
Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche
Kindness is fun. Kindness is contagious. Kindness is infiltrating the Castle Pines community this summer. Be a part of the kindness campaign and see how a month of giving can change your life.
The premise of Cami Walker’s book, “29 Gifts” is that by giving 29 gifts in 29 consecutive days, you begin to focus on what you can offer others, as opposed to what you want or do not have. The act of giving is positive, and the momentum it creates builds, which eventually shifts the energy around us. Walker suggests starting over if a day is skipped to reset the process.
Daily gifts (or kindnesses) do not need to be material things. The trick is being aware of our surroundings and opening ourselves up to see how we can make positive contributions to everything around us. As you go about your day, notice if someone is struggling with packages or if there is trash that needs to be picked up while you are at the park, and help.
If you are in a position to help financially, make a cash donation to a cause dear to your heart, buy a cup of coffee for a stranger, or leave a lottery ticket on a co-worker’s desk. Ideally, kindnesses should not be planned; rather, they should be spontaneous as the day unfolds.
Be creative with ideas for your family, neighbors and community. Your acts of kindness will inspire others to do their own. Walker suggests journaling your 29-day challenge, so that you can reflect on deeds. If you would like to share something you have done or have seen, send pictures or a note to editor@castlepinesconnection.com and be sure to let us know if we can share your name and story with our readers. (If you prefer to remain anonymous, we will not include your name.)
Kindness comes in all forms, and it should be a way of life and not just something we do. Spend this summer becoming aware of simple things you can do to help and inspire others. Make 29 gifts a fun, personal challenge for you and your family. Together, we can spark a revolution of benevolence!
