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One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2022 is to do more acts of kindness throughout the year. In January, I chose one volunteer project to do from home each week. During February, I decided to reach out to specific people (or groups of people) whom I felt could use some kindness.
Ordinarily, I don’t broadcast the acts of kindness I do for other people. After all, anonymous acts can be the most fun of all. However, this year I’m sharing what I’m doing, hoping it will prompt my readers to reach out with acts of kindness of your own.
Here’s what I’ve been up to so far this month:
Act of Kindness #1
Early in the pandemic, we hailed healthcare workers as heroes. It wasn’t unusual to see people cheering for them as they arrived at work, and we posted signs of gratitude outside their workplaces. Businesses treated them to meals, and many people sent thank-you notes.
As the pandemic drags on, I think we’re beginning to take our healthcare heroes for granted. Yet, their work has gotten no easier.
That’s why I wanted to do a little act of kindness for the staff at the oncology unit where I go for my cancer treatments. I realize they may not experience the same stressors as staff working directly with COVID patients. Yet, they face their own challenges while helping cancer patients and their families deal with issues such as fear, side effects of treatments, and difficult end-of-life decisions.
So, I brought a little snack for all the staff when I went to my oncology appointment last week. During the pandemic, I know people may be hesitant to accept homemade treats. With this in mind, I ordered individual packs of mixed nuts to share. I included a thank-you note describing how much I appreciate every one of them for their kindness, support, and excellent care throughout my cancer journey.
Besides healthcare workers, lots of other frontline workers out there could use an act of kindness right now. Even if you can’t send a gift, I know they’ll appreciate a simple card of thanks.
Act of Kindness #2
We rarely think of our church staff as frontline workers during the pandemic. Yet, COVID brings extra challenges for these folks, too. Imagine all the extra hospital visits, funerals, and counseling sessions they’ve done during the COVID outbreak.
Also, consider the many difficult decisions they’ve had to make when trying to keep people safe while enabling us to worship together. Since I can’t currently attend church because of my impaired immune system, I especially appreciate the online services and daily devotions, as well as the phone calls, they provide for those of us who need to stay at home.
With this in mind, I also treated the staff at my church to individual snack packs of mixed nuts. I included a note thanking them for their hard work during these “nutty times”.
Act of Kindness #3
One of my sister-in-law’s best friends recently received a cancer diagnosis. I’ve met her a few times, but I don’t know her well.
Under ordinary circumstances, I probably wouldn’t have sent her a card or a get-well gift. However, during my own cancer journey, I realize the preciousness of every card, email, text, note, and gift I’ve received.
Early in my diagnosis, one of my daughter’s friends (whom I’ve never met) sent me a prayer cross. I brought it along to each of my chemotherapy sessions, and it was a beautiful reminder that God was with me during those tough days. So, I’m sending a similar prayer cross to my sister-in-law’s friend.
In the future, I plan to make a real effort to reach out in kindness to people experiencing challenging situations. Rather than simply feeling bad for them, I want to let them know I truly care.
What acts of kindness are you doing this month? I would love to see you share them in the comment section!
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