Gratituesday 6.8.21 - The Power of Kindness
A few of you know that my close friend, Jenny went on a Kindness Tour of the US last year. In the middle of the pandemic, she rented an RV and traveled for 6 weeks from Atlanta to LA and back. Jenny, along with her friend Meg, and Meg’s family plus a rotating cast of characters, offered random and intentional acts of kindness along the way. You can read about The Souper Jenny Kindness Tour, here. Or watch a video that Meg’s husband, Jay made, here.
In May, Jenny and Meg were at it again - this time Atlanta to Maine and back. Jenny left her 5 soup restaurants in the hands of her capable staff and hit the road. And after saying no in the fall, I joined them for the middle week of their almost 3-week adventure. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never traveled in an RV, and I’d never been to Maine. Meg and Jenny also had a routine and did the planning, so it was unclear how I would assist or join in.
The trip was an absolutely whirlwind.
Day 1: Manhattan - walking the length of the city offering kindness along the way. 19 miles, 19 acts of kindness. Shake Shack generously donated 600 gift cards for complimentary burgers, fries and shakes. Those were given to first responders, members of the unhoused community and a few teachers (as it was Teacher Appreciation Day!) There were also kindness stops for Meg at Broadway Dance Center, Levain Bakery and a visit to an amazing young man from Nicaragua who could use some furnishings for his first apartment.
Day 2: Ridgefield, CT - meeting with Meg’s friends, and working with 11-year old Ruby and her mom, Patty from Ruby’s Pantry to install suggestion boxes to the sides of their non-perishable food pantries.
Day 3: Milton, NH - Visit Jenny’s son school, and buy pizza for his classmates. There was also a lovely barista who received a generous tip, and some Shake Shack gift cards to take her family to lunch in Boston and a Target gift card to a toll worker as we drove through Massachusetts.
Day 4: Portland, ME - A stop at fellow soup restaurant, Kamasouptra to assist with her food bank efforts, and a chance stop at The Maine Souvenir Shop where there was an impromptu dance party and bubbles!
Day 5: Bar Harbor, ME - This was a day of kindness to ourselves. As we ate Lobster Rolls and hiked in Acadia State Park. This was also where I tweaked my ankle, but kept walking anyway.
Day 6: Lewiston, ME - On our way back south, we found a farmers market and bought flowers for all of the female marketeers. It was Mother’s Day after all!
Day 7: Avon, CT - We stopped at Jenny’s boyfriend’s mom’s house. They provided lunch, Jenny provided a bicycle and helmet since his mom has wanted to get back on a bike for a while. And then we went to Ben’s Bells in Bethel to learn more about their ‘Be Kind’ mission. We supported them by buying merch, and their Regional Manager, Cody gave us 24 bells to hang on the ride south. I took 3. One was given to my dad, I placed one in a local park in Manhattan, and I plan to hang one with my nephew on Long Island.
Day 8: Bronx, NY - The day started with a dance party for my birthday in an RV park in Rhinebeck, NY. And then we took a pothole-filled highway to the Bronx where we had lunch with my parents on Arthur Avenue.
See a whirlwind!
I learned a lot. I also became more aware of those around me, and less afraid to make contact. I continue to reflect on small things I can do that may make a lasting effort. I also embraced just going along for the ride, which is super hard for the planner in me. Just as I consider my gratitudes, victories and desires, I may need to make sure I’m offering kindness. I don’t think it’s going to be a category in my weekly lists, but now that the door is open, I need to continue to be mindful.
Most of the kindness offered during the Kindness Tour was financial. But there are tons of things we can do that cost absolutely nothing.
Heck, I found a list online, and shared my favorites below. I dare you to choose a few this week and join me in DOING THEM!
Pay a compliment.
Leave a positive review.
Give a smile.
Express love.
Return a shopping cart.
Donate items.
Pay a toll.
Support an artist.
Put your phone away.
Give a hug.
Carry someone’s groceries.
Write a thank you note.
Donate your hair.
Bring flowers.
Read to a child.
Forgive.
Pick up trash.
Help a friend move.
Take care of yourself.
Let someone go in front of you.
Say thank you.
Ask someone to dance.
Make an extra dessert.
Offer to take someone’s photo.
Teach a skill.
Let someone else choose.
Tell the truth.
Lend an ear.
Lend a hand.
Donate time.
Offer your seat.
Stand up for someone.
Tell a joke.
Be encouraging.
Be present.
Inspire others.
Offer a ride.
Pass along a book.
Be welcoming.
Pay attention.
Call loved ones.
Making someone a playlist.
Rock a baby.
Hold a hand.
Share the chores.
Be the designated driver.
Play music.
Give up your parking spot.
Cook with someone.
Help someone cross the street.
Be open to change.
Walk a dog.
Help someone study.
Grow a garden.
Let it go.
Stand up for a cause.
Be inclusive.
Because I’m in a reflective mood, and because it’s Tuesday, let’s have a double whammy and add my weekly lists.
Gratitudes
A washing machine and dryer in my apartment
A deepening support circle amongst my neighbors
My yoga students who continually show up - and support my teaching practice
That my fan is sufficient for the time being, and that I don’t have to turn the AC on
Discussions around health and wellness with fellow wedding professionals
Victories
Increased wedding inquiries, and 4 new bookings this week
Social time over the weekend including a row boat ride in Central Park
Almost full healing of my sprained ankle
Prepping for the return of in-person counseling sessions
A plan to start getting rid of the items I no longer need currently taking over my dining room
Desires
Reasonably priced health coverage that doesn’t suck
To catch up on my cleaning and social media content calendar
To get all of the documentation I need this week so I can file my taxes
My cat to stop screaming and biting my face in the middle of the night
To by all supplies for and install my window herb garden
The comment section is always open if you want to share or question, or create and post your own lists!