NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY

August 28th brings with it an opportunity to demonstrate how we value each other. National Thoughtful Day sets aside a celebration meant to bring goodwill in a variety of ways. By serving the day with a spirit of generosity toward others, a ripple effect takes place.

What encompasses a thoughtful day? Sometimes it’s an awareness of fulfilling another’s needs. Whether they are celebrating something already or need a pick-me-up, being aware generates a multitude of thoughts that result in thoughtful acts. It can be a small token or an inspirational word. Either way, your thoughtfulness makes others feel special.

And many times, those special people in our lives will reciprocate in kind. While it is usually not expected when we’re being thoughtful, it tends to happen anyway.

Being thoughtful also creates an interchange of thoughts and ideas that spur even more thoughtfulness. One simple act or word can generate new friendships, cause a plan to develop or a garden to grow. Who knows where your thoughtfulness will lead!

A thoughtful day also gives us perspective. We pause a moment to think of another and not ourselves. Our consideration for others brings kindness to the world that would otherwise be missing.

And while all these reasons matter, one of the most important reasons to celebrate National Thoughtful Day is that it is necessary. Imagine all the lives we touch and how a single thoughtful act can impact them for a lifetime. Thoughtfulness is a necessity we cannot live without.

NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY HISTORY

Thoughtful Pinch founded National Thoughtful Day to celebrate all the ways being thoughtful brings beauty, inspiration, and empowerment to our lives. According to the creator of Thoughtful Pinch, Barb Paton, “By being thoughtful, one size does not have to fit all. In fact, the more unique the celebration, the better!”

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalThoughtfulDay

Put your stamp on the day – your own style of thoughtful. Then put it into practice. Maybe you’ll become the aunt known for her sweet treats or the friend known for surprise coffees at work. Some other thoughtful ideas include:

Mail cards to several people in your address book. A handwritten note means so much since they are rare these days.

Deliver small treats to friends and family. They won’t be turned away, we promise!

Bring fresh flowers to your neighbor. They will brighten the day and make a connection.

Surprise someone with a new book. Inspirational stories bring comfort and joy.

Take a child to the park. Children always appreciate one on one time.

Visit Pinterest for inspiration or Thoughtful Pinch for more ideas.

Most importantly, share your thoughtful day on social media. Include your inspiration and plans while tagging them with #NationalThoughtfulDay.

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.

More to Explore…

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.

STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY

The second Saturday in May is the largest one-day food drive in the nation named Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day. How is it possible? It occurs in more than 10,000 cities and towns, and the food is collected by those men and women carrying our mail across the country. Make sure to participate May 11, 2024.

As they deliver to you mail order parts, bills, and postcards, you get to do your part by filling their mailbag with non-perishable food donations.

Over the last 20 years, one billion pounds of food has been delivered by this drive which is sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers. The letter carriers representing the NALC receive help from rural letter carriers, other postal employees, and other volunteers. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has received a number of accolades over the years, including two Presidential Certificates of Achievement.

National mail carriers association

NATIONAL STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY HISTORY

The Stamp out Hunger Food Drive started in October 1991 as a pilot program. After the initial success of the drive that took place in ten cities across the country, the program was moved to the spring. Food banks during this time of year struggle to meet demand as contributions dwindle after the holiday season.  

HOW TO OBSERVE #StampOutHungerFoodDriveDay

Volunteer your time at your local post office to sort food gathered for the largest one-day food drive. Visit either of the following sites for more information on how to participate: www.nalc.org or www.usps.com. Leave non-perishable food items for your postal carrier to collect and deliver to food pantries as part of the drive. Drop off items at your local post office. Use #StampOutHungerFoodDrive to show your support for this worthy cause!

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.