Lent is starting and everyone is talking about what they are giving up. I was raised Catholic and still consider myself Catholic. It always struck me odd that giving up caffeine carries the same significance as say the son of God dying.
Until Owen was born, I probably wouldn’t have paid much attention to Lent. I could make the token gesture but my heart wasn’t really in it. Since his birth and our life changing experience, I want to do something more. Something significant, something to pay back the great gift in our lives. On April 10, 2006 my life changed in a way I never thought possible. I opened my mind to new experiences and learned to let go. I can’t control everything and sometimes you just have to believe it will work out.
So I am challenging everyone of my readers. During the next 40 days, I want you to do one random act of kindess per day. You can’t promote it, this is your private celebration. At the end of the 40 days, I want you to come back and share your experience. Did you feel you learned something? Was it hard? Was it easy? Did you gain a new perspective?
I want to pay back all the wonderful people that have helped us. From the AMC Support group to our friends, family and co-workers. Without this support network, I don’t think I have done so much for Owen.
Some ideas to get you started:
Turn off the TV and really engage with your family. No more absent presence.
Bring up your neighbor’s garbage can on trash day.
Buy the person behind you at Starbucks a cup of coffee.
Hold the door for a mother struggling with packages and her children.
Offer your seat on the train, bus, subway to someone else.
Tell your co-worker or your boss what a great job they are doing.
Think of one positive thought each day and write it down.
Call a relative that you haven’t talked to in months.
Go visit an elderly relative and ask them to tell stories.
Take your kids to the park (unless you live in Chicago…the weather).
Let your dog go for an extra long walk.
Pass on a good book to a friend.
When you call someone, let them talk and you listen.
Just a few ideas. I am not talking big changes, keep it small and simple. Imagine what we could change if we all stayed positive for 40 days. It may be a dream, but one I am dedicated to fulfilling. For me, the next 40 days are a celebration for my 3 unruly and loving boy monsters, a husband I love and a support network I love dearly.
Are you ready to accept the challenge?
