I created the pictured challenge coin that I plan on carrying with me every day this year. I plan on doing something every day, as I did in my Leap Year of Firsts in 2020, This year it will not be a first every day, although I continue to look for firsts to do. The thing that I am looking to do EVERY DAY this year is to do one Act of Kindness for someone. I will not be documenting these in a daily journal with the intent of writing a book A Year of Kindness. Nope. I’m just going to do this incognito. The coin is there to help remind me. And I have not completely thought this out, but I may hand out these coins from time to time.
If a recipient of my Act of Kindness recognizes my act and shows apperception of the act, I will ask them to Pay It Forward by presenting them with this coin. I may make note of the person I’ve passed a coin onto. I’m not sure. Instead of planning this out, as I am apt to do, I will just let this happen and see where it takes me.
The idea started when I was assigned to present the “Positive Thought” for my Toastmasters meeting late last year. This assignment starts the meeting off, in addition to the Pledge of Allegiance. I scoured over numerous sayings, quotes and thoughts to be considered. I settled on a list of 10 Things to Remember from Author, Singer, Speaker (who lived a life with CEREBRAL PALSY) Anna Grace Taylor. I saw a graphic of this list that was posted on social media during the height of the craziness of the pandemic. I saved it. It hit me and inspired me during my “Leap Year of Firsts.” In light of the hate happening on social media, the news I thought the following list of positive thoughts from Ms. Taylor relevant to provide perspective.
10 Things to Remember:
- 1. Love is the answer. Always.
- 2. Vulnerability is NOT a weakness. It’s a strength.
- 3. Your body is sacred. Cherish it.
- 4. Gratitude shifts everything. Be thankful.
- 5. Forgiveness sets you free. It really does.
- 6. You cannot change others. Only yourself.
- 7. Little acts of kindness are never little. Ever.
- 8. Fun is underrated. Enjoy yourself.
- 9. Age is just a number. It’s never too late.
- 10. Life is precious. Live it now.