Some simple gestures, like holding open a door or saying thank you are automatic for us. Sometimes, these simple gestures mean so much more. When you are having a bad day, the simplest things matter. That’s why showing kindness to others every day is so important. You never know what a person is going through.
Mary Latham travels the United States collecting stories of small acts of kindness. She was inspired to start her journey after losing her mother to cancer. For over three years, she’s traveled the nation in her mother’s old car speaking to people. She collects their stories about the small things they’ve never forgotten.
Latham’s desire to document these stories is a tribute to her mother. After she passed on, Latham wanted to create a book to help others in similar circumstances. She said “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a book of hope in [the] room? These stories, whether they’re little-act-of kindness stories or stories of inspiring people who’ve gone through something tragic and turned it into some positive thing, to kind of help these people that are sitting in there next.”
Her example of collecting stories of kindness is inspiring. Wouldn’t it be great if we started recording and sharing our kindness stories? Think of the impact it could have on our family, friends, and others if we shared how and when small acts have lifted us. We think it’s time to start doing a little bit of what Mary is doing. Here’s your #onesmallkindness challenge:
The more often you do this challenge, the more you’ll recognize how often kindness sneaks its way into your day. It doesn’t have to be life-changing. A stranger holding open a door when you are carrying groceries or herding children can be a great help. The more you’ll recognize these small blessings each day, the more inspired you will be to do the same for others. Don’t forget simple, thoughtful gestures. They can mean the most, even years later.