On August 27th National Just Because Day offers up an opportunity to do stuff…just because. Feel free to celebrate this day any way you choose. Just because!
Every day we all do things that are expected or required of us. Sometimes we even do things because we have to do them, we don’t know why. Well, on this occasion, that does not apply. This day is a chance to do something without rhyme or reason.
It could be that there is an outfit at the mall that you are admiring; buy it…just because.
Maybe you want to use a vacation day just to go fishing; do it…just because.
Perhaps you would like to pay the tab for the table next to you at your favorite restaurant; do it…just because.
Possibly you want to sing really loud while you’re in your car, by yourself, with your windows rolled down; do it…just because.
Surprise someone with flowers…just because!
Make something up…just because!
Or maybe, just maybe, do something just because Mom said so.
In the late 1950s, Joseph J. Goodwin of Los Gatos, California created Just Because Day. It began as a family holiday and grew into an annual celebration across the United States.
August 22 is Be An Angel Day. Established in 1993 by Jaune Howard Feldman, the day encourages people to be angels to those in need.
In many religions, angels are supernatural spirits that are thought to be responsible for protecting humans.
Are you an Angel? This day reminds us that even though we can’t be actual angels, we can create the kindness they are known for. Showing kindness and goodness to our fellow human beings is not hard – all we need to do is to stop thinking about ourselves for a while, and to think about how we can make the world a nicer and kinder place.
Be kind to others. Do something to help a stranger.
If you know of someone who is going through a difficult time, give them your support and let them know that you are there for them. Help them out in their difficult times.
The person you make smile today may need it far more than you know.
In today’s world we have the opportunity to be anything, be kind!
If you decide to give to a charity there are a lot of choices out there. I try to give to charities who spend more on the people they help than administration and CEO’s. Here is a listing of my favorites.
The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever and however we can. When you give locally, you ensure that the people in your community get the help they need.
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
Animal Allies Florida – was founded in December 2010 to help animals in our community. Many of us have been doing this work for years on our own, out of our own pockets. By creating Animal Allies , we can apply for grants, fundraise and join programs that support our efforts. We can combine forces, share knowledge, and support each other, instead of trudging along on our own. Originally called Emerald Coast Animal Allies or ECAA for short, we changed our name in 2015 because many people though ECAA meant Escambia County Animal Shelter. Although we support the county animal shelter’s efforts to become no kill, we don’t wish to be associated with them because we ARE NO KILL meaning no healthy animal is put down.
Whatever you choose, know that you are making a real difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the biggest gift you can give another is to simply be there and listen. Each of us makes an impact in the lives we touch. I always compare it to touching the surface of a pond. Those ripples will be felt by others, I try to make my ripples count. I hope this inspires you to get involved, give, and simply be kind in a world that so often is not. Together all those positive ripples add up to shape our world.
When we observe kindness in others, we are often inspired to offer kindness ourselves. Someone set a good example for us to follow, and we must continue those good examples for others in our lives. National Set A Good Example Day on February 26th encourages us to set a good example that inspires others.
Everyone influences others. The influence could be positive or negative. Even from a young age, we experience good and bad behavior. Parents can positively influence their children at an early age. Additionally, many others, such as our extended families, educators, mentors, community leaders, and even organizations, can positively influence us in many ways. Some of the ways we can easily set a good example include:
Demonstrating kindness.
Being compassionate.
Acting with fairness.
Practicing tolerance.
Being just.
Treating others with respect.
These good examples reflect a person’s values and positively affect them and others. Setting a good example can be applied in every setting, including home, school, work, and in the community at large.
Set A Good Example Day encourages individuals of any age and from any background to contribute to the well being of others. A simple act of kindness, consideration, or good conduct enhances the person and the whole community.
The Way to Happiness ® Foundation International founded National Set a Good Example Day on February 26, 2022, to celebrate those who are setting good examples for others and to encourage more people to do the same.
HOW TO OBSERVE SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY
National Set a Good Example Day encourages everyone to demonstrate thoughtfulness, courtesy, graciousness, and common sense values and virtues in their daily lives.
Get caught helping another person. Wear an attitude of respect for other human beings. Develop the tools in yourself to be efficient, productive, and responsible, and let others see you using these tools. You can also:
Celebrate others who set good examples. Let them know how their leadership impacts your life.
Be a good example. Demonstrate positive virtues every day so others can benefit. They will be more likely to set a good example themselves.
Recognize good examples at work, home, school, and in your community.
Share the good examples you find valuable in your life.
Follow the conversation and learn more by using #SetAGoodExampleDay on social media.
Each year on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day grows in popularity. It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.
The movement of Random Acts of Kindness inspires people every day. As a favorite celebration for many, people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness. Not only do the acts of kindness bring joy to the receiver, but they spread positive reactions to the giver, too!
“I was a recipient of the kindness but more glad to be a contributor!” (Unknown)
Our research found that the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness.
In New Zealand, where this day originated, Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on September 1st. However, it is also recognized by some on other days throughout the year. Nevertheless, doing random acts of kindness is something that can be done every day of the year. In every day lives around the globe.
A Few Quotes of Kindness:
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” (Mark Twain)
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop)
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” (Scott Adams)
“Kind words and actions can seem so small, but their effects are truly endless.” (Author Unknown)
Make a note to do nice things throughout the day. Are you looking for ideas? We’ve collected a few that will get you started.
Pay for the coffee or meal of the person in front of you in line.
Leave a kind note for someone, no explanation needed.
Share words of encouragement. You never know who might need them.
Put your skills to work for someone in need. For example, offer to create a résumé for someone seeking a new job.
Drop off a load of groceries at the local food pantry.
Mail a “thinking of you” card to someone you’ve not to talk to in a while.
Order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to anyone in the hospital. That means, call the florist and tell them to pick a hospital or nursing home and deliver flowers to the person the front desk thinks needs it the most. It could be a sick child, an elderly person with no family or college student down on their luck.
Send a thank you note to the local fire department, police departments or any military personnel.
Just smile.
Share your random acts of kindness using #RandomActsOfKindnessDay to post on social media.
National Compliment Day on January 24th offers a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day or to give credit for a job well done! Give an extra compliment annually on January 24th and any time one is deserved.
A compliment has a powerful effect. It can instill confidence in a child, or validate someone’s hard work. A compliment not only improves the receiver’s mood, but it also says something about the giver. It tells them you noticed. Whether we recognize someone’s achievement or their classic style, a compliment can go a long way.
A compliment costs the giver so little yet can mean so much to the reciever. If you want the world to be a better place strive each day to make someone, even a complete stranger smile. Not only will it make them feel good but you will too.
People touch our lives even if just for a few moments. Make that a happy memory for you both. Even if you never know it you can make someone’s day. I strive to brighten the world even if I only reach one person a day, and you should too.
To give a great compliment, first be sincere. People have a way of knowing when we are fake. If you don’t mean it, it’s worse than getting a thoughtless birthday gift.
Complimenting character versus a new haircut are different rewards. The first says you respect the person and the other tells them you paid attention. Sometimes the receiver needs to hear one or the other, or both.
Human beings like to be unique, original. Strive to give a compliment about what makes a person stand out above the rest. Take the time to reflect on what you admire about the person.
NATIONAL COMPLIMENT DAY HISTORY
Kathy Chamberlin of Hopkinton, NH and Debby Hoffman of Concord, NH created National Compliment Day in 1998.
Make sure to compliment someone. Share the compliments you receive that make your day. Do they improve your day? Make a list of different ways to give a compliment and use #NationalComplimentDay to post on social media.
