#20acts #26acts

Before I start, I must say that I went back and forth on writing this post.  I actually wrote it two days ago but then chose not to post it.  Not because I didn't want to share, but because I didn't want people to think I was showcasing my act.  Then I read one of my favorite blogs, Chasing Twins in Louboutins, and she posted on the subject, stating that sharing is not boasting but hopefully inspiring (you can read her post here).  The post inspired me to share in hopes that it inspires others as well.  So here it goes.  This was my original post you would have seen yesterday.

I, like so many others, have been spending the last few days trying to still make sense of what occurred in Connecticut.  There really are no good answers and I constantly battle between the feelings of fear, anger and confusion.  

While at the gym, I heard the report on Ann Curry's #26Acts of Kindness.  The message is that the best thing to defeat evil is acts of kindness.  I was instantly inspired.  Why am I allowing fear control my thoughts?  I could be a part of this movement, spread kindness and firmly believe this world is amazing rather than wallowing in pain.  So, I took action.

Yesterday afternoon three friends joined me at my home to sign 120 Christmas cards in honor of each individual lost at Sandy Hook.  The time spent together doing this cleared our heads, allowed us to share our fears and truly made me realize just how amazing my friends are.  It was therapeutic and allowed us to act when we have all felt so helpless.  

We then shared what we were trying to do with friends, family and coworkers, asking each of them to take a couple cards, place $10 inside and then leave it on a car, in a mailbox or simply hand it to a stranger.  A small Christmas gift in honor of those who were lost.  Within 24 hours 120 cards were handed out for distribution and 120 acts of kindness began in Orange County.  I have been incredibly touched by how excited people were to participate in this when it was mentioned to them.  My community truly is amazing.

As I said, above, I am not telling you this story to showcase what we did.  I am simply sharing in hopes that it might inspire you to do the same.  It doesn't have to be cards.  It can be anything.  Kindness comes in so many forms and has the ability to have a huge impact.  And every act that is done, helps to spread the word that we as a civilization are made up of good people who care for each other and no one act can take that away from us.

So will you join me?