Pay it Forward Friday with #26Acts

We have all been dealing with the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Ct. in our own ways. Hugging our kids tighter, speaking out against gun violence and mental illness, and just reexamining what is really important to each and every one of us. I was inspired, like a lot of others, when I heard about the #26Acts movement going viral around the country. NBC news correspondent Ann Curry sent out a message on Facebook and Twitter inviting everyone to carry out random acts of kindness to honor the children and faculty who died at Sandy Hook Elementary.

I'll admit, my motivation was purely selfish. I wanted to feel better-less sad. So I started in. Paying the toll for the car behind me on the pike, donating a coat, holding the door for someone with their arms filled or with a stroller. I wasn't really keeping count, but it was returning a lot of smiles. Today I was at the supermarket and when I came out it was raining sideways. I wasn't happy that I left my umbrella in the car, and got soaked through getting my groceries for the holidays in. Grumbling about how cold and wet I was, I started to pull away, and saw an older women, helpless to get to her vehicle in the weather. As she was checking out of the store, she had been making quite a ruckess, as she was hard of hearing and everyone was yelling at her to hurry up in line. It was one of those awkward moments you just want to get away from. Anyway, I could tell she was agitated as I pulled by, and suddenly I stopped the car, and went with my umbrella to walk her out to her car. She was so grateful of that little effort, and gave me a hug that lasted a bit too long, but was filled with appreciation. Happy Holidays she shouted as I ran away. Well I cried and cried the whole way home, filled with all these mixed emotions, guilty that I was celebrating a season with my family, while others weren't, wondering if that random woman was going home to an empty house or not, it went on and on. The flood gates had been opened, and i was definately having a moment of relase. So if you're asking "what can I do?" -something I CAN tell you, being kind is one of the easiest things in the world to do, and you will feel better as a result!

Photo credit: Fresh Words Market