I always look forward to my two weeks off of school during the December holidays. Being able to sleep in and stay up late makes me quite content.
This year our Christmas was a little different than usual. Life with a 14 month old in the house changes EVERYTHING! Everything becomes a toy. Rather than put out our traditional tree and decorations, we had to go a little different route. This year we bought a 4 foot tree and put it up on a ledge in our home. It was decorated very nicely, but ti just seemed a little too far from our view. It just did not feel like Christmas this year. There is just something about all the decorations that just puts you into the holiday spirit. Plus, my heart breaks each year that I can;t see my sister. She live sin Texas and it is difficult for us to get out there for a trip.
While I might be sad and frustrated over our dilemma, I could not help but realize just how blessed we really are. After all the rest of my family was together this holiday season, and we were all in good health.
As I was reflecting on 2016 and deciding what resolutions I will have for 2017, I found myself thinking about how blessed I am. I realize that I need to be thankful for my life and experiences. Like many I will have the usual “get fit” resolutions! That seems to ALWAYS make it to the top of the list! I start out strong but tend to fall short somewhere mid-February! While this is still one of my top priority goals, I thought I would do something a little more meaningful this year.
My blog is a way for me to give back to others, and I take pride in being able to bring things to my readers. This year I was looking at participating in one of the many 52 week challenges that are out there. As I was researching and even creating my own version of a 52-week photo challenge, it dawned on me that I want to do something more meaningful than just a photo a week. I want to engage in something that has a real purpose. I do not want to look back and think I failed in leaving a legacy because right now I feel I have missed the mark in regards to teaching my children what it means to give to others. I believe my family is a little too self-absorbed in this digital age and I if I want to raise givers then I must lead by example. This is not for any credit or accolades, but for the impact that giving leaves on the giver. So this year we will focus on kindness! We will look for ways that we can give back to others whether it be our neighbors or across the ocean. Thankfully there are thousands of ways you can give back!
So here is my challenge to you this year, show kindness and pay it forward each week. Engage in the 52 Week Kindness Challenge, my own little twist on the 52 week challenge. Make time each week to find a way to pay it forward.
There are really all kinds of ways to show kindness to others, and I want to help give you some ideas. Throughout the year I will blog about ways you can pay it forward. In the meantime, check out my Pinterest board with ideas I have found that might interest you as well. I hope that you and your family will embark on the 52 Week Kindness Challenge! In a world so full of chaos, destruction, hurt, etc…, we need a movement of kindness!
I am looking forward to sharing with you my Pay It Forward ideas throughout the year!
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Princess Diana
