13 DAYS UNTIL THANKSGIVING.
A few years ago my family lived in Hawaii, and we were involved with a youth group called Club Beyond. Every Wednesday night everyone would get together and we would eat, play games, play music, and then one of the leaders would give a talk. One night the topic was "I.R.A.K.", or, Intentional Random Acts of Kindness. Hearing about this really had an effect on me, because it was obvious what an effect it could make on the world. The leader that night talked about how important it was to not only think of others before yourself, but to show them that you do. He talked about how performing an intentional random act of kindness has the potential not only to show someone that you care about them, but if people really made a daily practice of I.R.A.K., it literally has the power to change the world!
Think about it. When someone does a random act of kindness for you, doesn't have a huge impact on you? On the rest of your day? Does it make you feel more charitable? Does it make you want to do the same for someone else? Yes. Yep. Sure does. Yes! Now, think of how quickly this would spread if we all performed one I.R.A.K. every day. Kindness is contagious and it's not hard to spread. One small act of kindness, everyday, could make the world a better place. During this most wonderful time of the year, it's the perfect time to start making a daily practice of I.R.A.K.'s. It's almost Thanksgiving, start showing people kindness and letting them know that you are thankful to have them in your life. Just one small, genuine act of kindness everyday. You have the power to change the world. I'm starting now. Will you?
I made a fun list of I.R.A.K.'s to give you guys some ideas!
1. Write a note for someone having a bad day.
2. Tape a quarter to one of those airplanes or trucks that kids always ask to ride on when you walk by them at the store.
3. Call or send a text to someone that you haven't talked to in a long time to wish them a great day.
4. On garbage day, tape thank you signs to the trash cans for the garbage men.
5. Pay a stranger a compliment. (I do that all the time, it's not weird, it's nice. :) )
6. Just smile! All day! At everyone!
7. Pay for the person behind you at a drive-through.
8. Leave some cookies with this note at someone's door.
Since it's almost the day to be Thankful, my family is going to hang up a board in our dining room. It will be called "The Thankful Board". We are going to have a big pile of sticky notes next to it, and every day, we all have to write at least thing that we are thankful for and put it up on the board. This is a great way to get yourself thinking about everything that you have. It's a great way to really SEE how much you have. We all have so much. And we all take so much of it for granted. Let's change that. Let's really know and appreciate what we have, and live with an attitude of thankfulness.
We are starting to make our Thanksgiving menu! I'M SO EXCITED! I love Thanksgiving. We have some family and friends coming over and it will be a great time together. I'm very thankful for them! What will you be doing for Thanksgiving? Do you have any fun traditions? What are you most thankful for?
Remember to start doing one I.R.A.K. everyday, and encourage your family and friends to do so as well! Help each other! Love on another! Do it wholeheartedly! Spread joy! Change the world!
I made a fun list of I.R.A.K.'s to give you guys some ideas!
1. Write a note for someone having a bad day.
2. Tape a quarter to one of those airplanes or trucks that kids always ask to ride on when you walk by them at the store.
3. Call or send a text to someone that you haven't talked to in a long time to wish them a great day.
4. On garbage day, tape thank you signs to the trash cans for the garbage men.
5. Pay a stranger a compliment. (I do that all the time, it's not weird, it's nice. :) )
6. Just smile! All day! At everyone!
7. Pay for the person behind you at a drive-through.
8. Leave some cookies with this note at someone's door.
We are starting to make our Thanksgiving menu! I'M SO EXCITED! I love Thanksgiving. We have some family and friends coming over and it will be a great time together. I'm very thankful for them! What will you be doing for Thanksgiving? Do you have any fun traditions? What are you most thankful for?
Remember to start doing one I.R.A.K. everyday, and encourage your family and friends to do so as well! Help each other! Love on another! Do it wholeheartedly! Spread joy! Change the world!
(Pope Francis is really awesome. He says to go help others, too!)
Thank you for reading, I hope you are enjoying The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year! I know I am!
Check back soon for more!
Rachel Merry
