NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE

During April, buds come into full bloom brightening our days, and the National Month of Hope also lends a hand in lifting our spirits.

Bringing hope to someone can take many forms. Being a positive role model in a child’s life or providing a community a foundation for future endeavors both provide hope for the future. Lift the spirits of a friend suffering from a medical issue or volunteer at a local homeless shelter. We are each able to bring a ray of hope in our own ways by contributing wisdom, time, kindness, and when possible, donating to charities that make the impossible possible.

NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE HISTORY

H.O.P.E.

Mothers In Crisis, Inc. founded National Month of Hope to help spread hope around the world. Founded by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991 when she was just four years clean and sober, Mothers In Crisis, Inc. supports women and families who are in need bringing them hope and empowering them to find a new path.

On Mothers In Crisis’s 25th Anniversary in April of 2016, they received proclamations from the City of Tallahassee and the Board of County Commissioners acknowledging the significant contributions Mothers In Crisis has made in their region and also declaring Friday as Hope Universe Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMonthOfHope

  • Everyone needs a little hope now and then. Spread a little sunshine their way and bring some hope into their lives.
  • Volunteer by reading to children in schools.
  • Experience meaningful and healthy communication with loved ones, family, friends, co-workers,
    and colleagues.
  • Giving of time, food, and money to help families in need.
  • Minister to those incarcerated by writing letters and visiting.
  • Post on social media words of hope.
  • Sharing your story of overcoming with those who are going through hard times.
  • Lending a helping hand to those in need.
  • Cleaning up areas where there is trash such as parks and beaches.
  • Spend a day with the homeless whether on the streets in shelters, etc. “Unless you walk a mile in their shoes you won’t know how to help!”
  • Use #NationalHopeMonth to share your hope on social media.

NATIONAL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY

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.

NATIONAL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY HISTORY

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.

The Way to Happiness Foundation International

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.

NATIONAL VISION BOARD DAY

National Vision Board Day on the second Saturday in January encourages us to set our goals in a visual way. Get out the sticky notes, markers, and inspiration and start plotting your goals for the new year!

Vision board parties began in 2010 between a group of friends as a way for people to get together in a fun environment to set goals, cast a vision and dream out loud in a tangible way. They then mount on their completed vision boards on their walls where they would see them every day. Seeing their hopes and dreams helps set in motion these visions and ideas to become a reality.

Many actors, musicians, fashion and entertainment-based people have been participating in this since its inception. Vision boards help people remember their goals and concepts on a daily basis.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #VisionBoardDay

Host a vision party for your friends, family or co-workers. Set goals for the coming year and put them where you can see them. They will help motivate you to attain your goals. Do you have a vision board from last year? How well did it work? Share the results and get ready for an outstanding vision board for this year, too!

Post photos using #VisionBoardDay on social media.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE DAY

Every year on January 1st, Polar Bear Plunge Day encourages people to take a dip in cold, freezing waters. It’s also a day for participants to kick off the New Year by raising money for local charities. The day is also known as Polar Bear Swim Day.

Have you ever dived into a swimming pool or lake, only to find the water too cold? It’s not a very pleasant experience. However, thousands of people every year intentionally plunge into icy waters. In some areas, the water is as cold as 34 degrees. Many of these brave souls do it just for fun. Others do it to raise money for charity.

Some even say there are health benefits for taking the plunge into cold water. Some of these benefits include:

  • Boosts the immune system
  • Activates the endorphins and provides a natural high
  • Improves circulation
  • Burns calories
  • Reduces stress
  • Provides an opportunity to socialize and make new friends

Despite the health benefits, there is a risk of hypothermia. To help prevent this from happening, swimmers should not remove their clothes until just before they jump into the water. They should also wear shoes so that the snow doesn’t stick to their feet. This also prevents ice from cutting or scraping the feet. It’s also recommended to only stay in the water for a few minutes. Once the swimmers are out of the water, they should dry off and get dressed immediately.

POLAR PLUNGE DAY HISTORY

Peter Pantages is credited for starting the Polar Bear Swim. Pantages, a Greek immigrant to Canada, swam in the English Bay all year round. The English Bay is located northwest of British Columbia. On January 1, 1920, Pantages encouraged a few of his buddies to take a dip in the frigid Vancouver waters with him. The group became known as the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club. Pantages died in 1971. However, the tradition he began one New Year’s Day lives on. Today, thousands of people take part in part in Polar Bear Plunges around the world.

HOW TO OBSERVE #PolarBearPlungeDay

The best way to observe this day is to find an event in your area. You can also form your own event and use it as a fundraiser for a local charity. Simply grab some brave friends and family members on New Year’s Day and take a dip into the nearest lake or river. No matter how or where you participate, remember to be safe and smart about it. After taking the plunge, share your experience on social media with #PolarBearPlungeDay.