Do a Day of Compassion with me!

Katniss · 09-10-2013, 04:11 AM

Sheesh! Took me forever to find this thread again!

So, back with my late-late-breaking report on last Friday. Firstly I wanted to mention that I agree acts of kindness and compassion should not be limited to one specific day. I didn't take that as the O.P.'s intent but rather a gentle nudge for some of us that may have gotten complacent/busy/etc. and had let that particular aspect of ourselves slide. I also agree with the post above that sustainable giving is the ideal as far as planning and continuity for an organization. I think this is why I took this challenge more as an opportunity to do a little random kindness and not a big time commitment. More an easing of the drudgery that can sometimes be life, not a "save the world" moment. I also had a good long look at what I currently do to "give back." Currently the kiddo and I volunteer at a no-kill shelter, during the summer a once a week shift at the local "meals on main street" to feed any in need, I am heavily involved in Girl Scouts and also the craft parent for her homeroom at school. These are all on-going commitments and don't count the hours logged in and checks sent to other groups in need of this or that. I'm not trying to toot my horn here, I am well aware many give back on levels that put mine to shame. I'm sharing this because I hope when I share the following it won't seem so self-indulgent.

Last Friday I called a local elder home and spoke to the manager. This particular home always seemed a bit dreary as I passed it. After a bit of discussion we agreed that when the time is right this fall (gotta' love the Southern heat) I would plant 400 tulip bulbs in the center's walking area for the residents to enjoy. I liked this because it also spoke of the "senseless acts of beauty......"

The "big" kindness for last Friday was this....I cut myself a break. So often I find I run and run and run and in the midst of juggling a full time career, single mom, and all the above plus general life maintenance tasks I can get overwhelmed and burned out. I took the day off work. I read a poetry book in peace and quiet, fiddled with art supplies, ate healthy and not junk and just.... gave.myself.a.break. I think having a kind and generous spirit needs to start with being kind and generous to oneself. Like begets like and if we can't be kind to ourselves and nurture ourselves then we don't have much hope of doing that for others without some burnout.

Pax,

Katniss~~

09-10-2013, 04:11 AM	#23
Katniss Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Dame, doll, twist, dish Preferred Pronoun?: Ladylike ones Relationship Status: ***** Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: We drink sweet tea here Posts: 2,903 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,654 Thanked 10,370 Times in 2,088 Posts Rep Power**: 21474851	Sheesh! Took me forever to find this thread again! So, back with my late-late-breaking report on last Friday. Firstly I wanted to mention that I agree acts of kindness and compassion should not be limited to one specific day. I didn't take that as the O.P.'s intent but rather a gentle nudge for some of us that may have gotten complacent/busy/etc. and had let that particular aspect of ourselves slide. I also agree with the post above that sustainable giving is the ideal as far as planning and continuity for an organization. I think this is why I took this challenge more as an opportunity to do a little random kindness and not a big time commitment. More an easing of the drudgery that can sometimes be life, not a "save the world" moment. I also had a good long look at what I currently do to "give back." Currently the kiddo and I volunteer at a no-kill shelter, during the summer a once a week shift at the local "meals on main street" to feed any in need, I am heavily involved in Girl Scouts and also the craft parent for her homeroom at school. These are all on-going commitments and don't count the hours logged in and checks sent to other groups in need of this or that. I'm not trying to toot my horn here, I am well aware many give back on levels that put mine to shame. I'm sharing this because I hope when I share the following it won't seem so self-indulgent. Last Friday I called a local elder home and spoke to the manager. This particular home always seemed a bit dreary as I passed it. After a bit of discussion we agreed that when the time is right this fall (gotta' love the Southern heat) I would plant 400 tulip bulbs in the center's walking area for the residents to enjoy. I liked this because it also spoke of the "senseless acts of beauty......" The "big" kindness for last Friday was this....I cut myself a break. So often I find I run and run and run and in the midst of juggling a full time career, single mom, and all the above plus general life maintenance tasks I can get overwhelmed and burned out. I took the day off work. I read a poetry book in peace and quiet, fiddled with art supplies, ate healthy and not junk and just.... gave.myself.a.break. I think having a kind and generous spirit needs to start with being kind and generous to oneself. Like begets like and if we can't be kind to ourselves and nurture ourselves then we don't have much hope of doing that for others without some burnout. Pax, Katniss~~