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.

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.

Explore More…

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.

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.

NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

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)

NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY HISTORY

Josh de Jong of New Zealand founded National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Make sure you check out these too…

Be an Angel Day, Random Acts of Kindness, World Kindness Day, Kiss of Hope Day, National Compliment Day, Do A Grouch A Favor Day, Cheer up the Lonely Day, National Joygerm Day, National Month of Hope, Inspire Your Heart with Art, Good Samaritan Day, National Soup It Forward Day, Make A Friend Day, Do Something Nice Day, Make A Difference Day, National Gratitude Day, National Day of Encouragement, National Brave Day, Care Bears Share Your Care Day, Love is Kind Day, Upsy Daisy Day, Self Care Awareness Month, Self Improvement Month, Universal Hour of Peace, World Smile Day,Happiness, Happens Day, Happiness Happens Month, National Cuddle Up Day, National Loving Day, Summersgiving, National Play Catch Week, International Drop A Rock Day, International Clown Week, International Top Spinning Day, Hunt For Happiness Week, Best Friends Day.  Fill yourself and the world around you with more love and kindness.

HOW TO OBSERVE #RandomActsOfKindnessDay

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 DO SOMETHING NICE DAY

Each year on October 5, people across the nation observe National Do Something Nice Day.

This observance is very similar to National Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is celebrated on February 17.

It would be ideal if everyone lived their lives doing kind things on a daily basis and without thinking about it. We all get caught up in our fast-paced lifestyles. However, kindness should never be sacrificed to get ahead in the world. Kindness doesn’t require grand gestures. Though, when able, those are acceptable, too. 


Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. ~Frank A. Clark

In a matter of seconds, we hold the power to change the course of a person’s day by being nice. The person’s day in question might even be our own. Some things that takes very little time at all and almost no effort include:

  • Noticing someone’s signal in traffic and allowing them into your lane
  • Picking up the neighbor’s newspaper on your daily walk and placing it within easy reach
  • Opening a door for another person
  • Giving your place in line to the person with only three items
  • Tipping your service staff an extra dollar or two more than you usually would
  • Give a compliment
  • Encourage a student with an idea for a solution
  • Read to a child
  • Listen to someone who is lonely

Explore More…

Spread love into the world around you.  Here are some great opportunities, Be an Angel DayRandom Acts of KindnessWorld Kindness DayKiss of Hope DayNational Compliment DayDo A Grouch A Favor Day, Cheer up the Lonely Day, National Joygerm DayNational Month of Hope, Inspire Your Heart with Art, Good Samaritan Day, National Soup It Forward DayMake A Friend Day, Do Something Nice Day, Make A Difference DayNational Gratitude DayNational Day of EncouragementNational Brave DayCare Bears Share Your Care Day, Love is Kind Day, Upsy Daisy DaySelf Care Awareness MonthSelf Improvement MonthUniversal Hour of PeaceWorld Smile Day,Happiness, Happens DayHappiness Happens MonthNational Cuddle Up Day, National Loving Day, Summersgiving, National Play Catch Week, International Drop A Rock Day, International Clown Week, International Top Spinning Day, Hunt For Happiness Week, Best Friends DayNational Find A Rainbow Day,

HOW TO OBSERVE #DoSomethingNiceDay

Do something nice.  The something can be anything from buying a cup of coffee for someone in line at the coffee shop to giving a compliment to the tired clerk. Maybe the day calls for sending flowers with a card that says “just because,” or asking the neighbors over for a barbecue in the backyard or mowing the lawn for someone.   Use #DoSomethingNiceDay to post on social media.