This year we are lucky enough to have A Little Bit of Momsense returning as our resident Kindness Week blogger. Over the course of Kindness Week she will be providing us with her insights on what it means to be kind in Ottawa. Make sure to check back often for new blog posts!
If you like these blog posts check out the A Little Bit of Momsense blog – bitofmomsense.com
February 22, 2013
Kindness Week and Beyond
Kindness Week in Ottawa is officially coming to a close, but that certainly doesn’t mean kindness in this city should stop!
It’s been a busy and kind week around the city.
Did you do any of the challenges I issued in my last blog post yet? I think this weekend I’m going to put pencil to paper and write some notes to put in the mail.
Did you see Hélène Campbell on the Ellen Show? She danced and represented Ottawa so well!
Kindness comes in many forms including putting your skills and talents to use in a way to help others. That’s what a team of designers has been doing for the Youville Centre. Follow the reveal on Facebook thanks to Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition!
What’s next? It’s up to us to maintain this momentum.
What will you do next week or next month to be kind? Better yet, what can we do every day?
February 20, 2013
3 Kindness Challenges
The Kindness Launch was on Friday and it served to excite everyone about all of the events happening this week for Kindness Week.
But what’s important to remember is that we don’t need a special occasion to be kind. Not sure where to get started? Here are 3 ways that you can be kind this week.
Challenge 1
Pick up the phone.
We have become so attached to our smartphones and tablets that we forget the importance of hearing a loving voice on the other end of the line (and frankly, I am beyond guilty of being anti-phone, but I do know hearing someone laugh is far sweeter than seeing LOL)
Call someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while. Ask them how they are doing and really listen.
Challenge 2
Write a letter.
Oh gosh, I really need to take my own advice on this one. Thank you notes and letters are hard to come by. I am far better about signing my name on a thank you card, but sending a hand written letter to someone ‘just because’ is not something I do often enough.
We all love getting mail, now imagine someone in your life opening up an unexpected letter from you at their mail box. Sometimes just a note to say ‘I’m thinking of you’ means a lot to someone who isn’t sure they are being thought of at all. Plus, who doesn’t love to use pretty stationary?
Challenge 3
Ask “What Can I do to help?”
Whether it’s a loved one who just moved into a new home, a new parent, an old friend – ask them what you can do to help. Help with what? Anything. Do they need a babysitter for a quiet night out? Do they need help cleaning the garage? Do they need a ride to the grocery story? Offering your service of help can make a difference.
Not sure where to begin? You could also offer your help to community organizations across the city. Participate in a blood drive. Donate an hour of time at a charity or make a donation that you’ve been hoping to make. Any act of help is an act of kindness.
Will you participate in any of these challenges this week or in the weeks to come?
February 19, 2013
Celebrating Kindness Week
Kindness Week has kicked off in Ottawa! Have you checked out the event calendar to see how you can take part in various events across the city?
Or have you thought about ways to be kind in your own neighbourhood or with your friends and family?
Kindness comes in various forms, and as the 6th annual Kindness Week kicks off, we are reminded that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression.
Offer a smile to a stranger, hold the door open for someone, let the parent with the toddler in line at the grocery store go ahead of you. These are simple acts, ones that we all aspire to incorporate into our day-to-day lives I’m sure but they really do mean a lot to the person we are helping.
Over the course of the week hopefully you will find your own way to participate in Kindness Week. To teach your children ways to be kind, or to highlight the kind work that you are already doing throughout the year.
There’s a lot planned in the City, plus I’ll try to share some easy-to-do ways to be kind on this blog. Follow the Facebook page or the #kindottawa hashtag on Twitter to read stories and updates that will warm your heart.
Be Kind Ottawa!
Source: smartquotesforkids.com via Rebecca on Pinterest
I use Kindness Week every day. I say Thank You when someone does something for me such as holding the door open for me. When I do a an act of kindness for someone I say “Please pass it on”. When the traffic allows it, I let the driver ahead of me know their brake light it out. Most times people appreciate it. I have volunteered in the past and give donations to the organizations close to me. This makes me happy. Andrea.