NATIONAL JUST BECAUSE DAY

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.  

NATIONAL JUST BECAUSE DAY HISTORY

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.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #JustBecauseDay

Do something just because.  Use #JustBecauseDay to post on social media.

Be an Angel Day

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.

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How to Celebrate?

  • 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.

NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY

On the first Sunday in August, National Friendship Day encourages people across the country and world to connect with friends. Make a new friend or reconnect with an old one. 

Friendships come in many forms, and we begin developing them when we’re very young. Throughout our lives, friendships and their meanings evolve. Our classmates and neighborhood pals explored the world with us. Together we shared experiences and made plans for the future. Eventually, paths diverge and new friends find a place in our social experience. Our world expands and our culture changes. 

With each new friend, we expand our view of the world. Their experiences contribute to new meaning in our lives. Through friendships, we grow and broaden our horizons. Eventually, the world becomes smaller and more connected. 

NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY HISTORY

National Friendship Day was originally founded by Hallmark in 1919. It was intended to be a day for people to celebrate their friendship by sending each other cards. However, by 1940 the market had dried up, and eventually, it died out completely. Then, in 1998 Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations. In April 2011, the United Nations officially recognized 30th July as International Friendship Day; although most countries celebrate on the first Sunday of August!

The official declaration invites us to “observe this day in an appropriate manner, in accordance with the culture and other appropriate circumstances or customs of their local, national and regional communities, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.”

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFriendshipDay

Celebrate the friends you have and the new ones you have yet to meet!

  • Get in contact with your buddies for a chat or visit. Try Girlfriends Day.
  • Accept an invitation to meet new people. You might make life-long friendships you didn’t know could exist.
  • Share a memory with old friends to spark a fun conversation.
  • Tell your friends how much you appreciate them.
  • Challenge your circle of friends to share an experience they think none of your other friends have had. You’ll discover new things about your friends and find out just how unique each of them is. 
  • Mail a card to your friend. (It was the original goal of the day.)

Post on social media using #NationalFriendshipDay to encourage others to connect with each other.