This Month, Spread Kindness Around You – Anderson Connect

With a busy, blustery fall upon us and winter looming, it can be challenging to see beyond the weather and our work, and view our own lives in perspective, let alone engaging in acts of kindness for others. But with World Kindness Week, Nov. 7th – 13th, around the corner, we’re reminded to pause, take stock of the gifts of our days and discover ways to open our hearts to others. And in this, we too are enriched.

As students you give so much, to your classes, to your families and responsibilities, but there are powerful, scientifically proven, benefits to body, mind and spirit to finding new, yet simple, ways of demonstrating kindness to those around you.

This month, we aim to empower you to recharge your own life by sparking a little extra joy and peace in the life of another.

Today’s read is approximately 3 minutes.

Inside this Edition:

• A Thought to Ponder
• A Short Story to Inspire
• 2 Short Videos to Motivate

A Thought to Ponder

“Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams

There have surely been times in your life, when a kindness offered by another enriched you, inspired you to be more, discover hope, feel seen in the world. No matter how overwhelmingly hectic life can get, we want to find time to show others that we care. Although not the intent, the bonus is that in giving kindness to another you cannot help but get a little on yourself.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and [the stress hormone] cortisol…. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.”

So, compliment the grocery store worker, let that driver in ahead of you, smile, especially when someone looks as though they don’t have the energy to smile back, buy two coffees and ask the barista to give one to a person who could use a lift. Share these ideas with family members, encourage them to take part and then, around the dinner table, have each person share how creative they got in their acts of kindness. This not only has the potential to add years to your life but will most certainly add life to your years!

A Short Story to Inspire – Lunch with God

Jimmy Martin was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, opened the front door, and started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase.

He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. Jimmy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, Jimmy realized how tired he was and got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When he opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face, and he asked, “Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?” She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her son could respond, she added, “You know, He’s much younger than I expected.”

The Moral: You never know the impact a kindness can have on another. Our kindness ripples out, demonstrates the power of love, ignites peace and joy, and can indeed change people, communities, even the world.  -Anonymous

2 Short Videos to Motivate

Color Your World with Kindness

Sharing Lunch

In Conclusion

Let’s find creative ways to be kind this month, together. Be on the lookout for those in need of your smile, your support, and have fun finding simple ways to delight and spread love to those around you. Let’s be the change we want to see and begin with a random act of kindness.