A Random Post About Random Reminders
Random Acts of Kindness month just ended …
Did you know about it? Not many do. It’s probably not as popular as that ‘big game’ that attracts so many viewers and offers several eye-catching television advertisements. Did you watch it? So sorry, so random … so, back to Random Acts of Kindness month. Yes! February is RAK Month. Check out their website. I, for one, find it inspiring.
Speaking of inspiring, February is also Black History month. Are you familiar? Did you learn something new? Did you practice any acts or did you do anything differently because of the reminder(s)? The month just ended; it may not be not too late. Whether or not you’re moved to act, there are others. Well, yes … others were moved to act. But that’s not what I meant. In an article from GoodGoodGood, other worthy causes of recognition or awareness for the month of February included:
- Humpback Whale Awareness Month
- National Cancer Prevention Month
- American Heart Month
- Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
- Low Vision Awareness Month
- National Bird-Feeding Month
- Pet Dental Health Month
- Dog Training Education Month
- National Cat Health Month
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
How ‘bout now? Inspired yet?
Random Tangents
Again, my half-hearted apologies for the random thoughts and tangents. There are probably many more meritable causes every month, but that’s not what this blog is about. Or is it?
Before I get back to RAK, a quick personal story I may have mentioned in a previous blog – my birthday. The story I have told is that I wouldn’t wait until the day of my birthday to start celebrating, I’d celebrate the entire week. Then, upon further review, I realized I should start at the beginning of and celebrate for the entire month. Which, as you can imagine, the very next epiphany was to celebrate every day of the year as if it were my birthday – or someone’s birthday. Don’t wait for the calendar to remind you. Celebrate life!
Of course, we can’t rise to the occasion every day, at least not with the same level of pizzazz we might hope for. This brings me to another random thought, Toltec Wisdom. The Four Agreements, a book by don Miguel Ruiz, outlines basic principles upon which we agree or by which we try to live. (I was never that great at the King’s English, Paul.) Again, random thoughts for the random blog. The Four Agreements are:
- Be Impeccable with Your Word.
- Don’t Take Anything Personally.
- Don’t Make Assumptions.
- Always Do Your Best.
The point of this tangent is the fourth item on the list. Because there are days when you have more energy, strength, and motivation … and you may accomplish more. While other days it’s understandable and acceptable that you may not have energy, strength, or motivation. Don’t let that stop you. Don’t not try! (Sorry, Paul!) So, maybe that’s the point of this random blog. Don’t not try. Or, it’s to always try … always try to do your best … for yourself and for others. And, don’t wait to be reminded. Celebrate yourself! Put yourself first … while being mindful of others. Do your best for those in your circle of family and friends, and even for strangers – when you can. May you be the February that reminds others or may you be the force that motivates someone to make a difference for someone else.
Continue Your Focus
The month just ended; it may not be not too late. Don’t wait to be reminded to be inspired. Find a cause, find a passion, and always do your best to be kinder than necessary. Random timing may very well be what’s remembered most. There’s a quote by Maya Angelou about “people will never forget how you made them feel.” So, whether it’s a scheduled act of kindness or just randomly helping others as you ponder your path, do something … maybe this is your path.
Peace, Love & Kindness
Quotes
“How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway… And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!”
~Anne Frank
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”
~Attributed to J.M. Barry, T.H. Thompson, and John Watson
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
~Unknown
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