It is currently 70 degrees outside, yet a mere thirty days ago Storm Uri caused the city’s temperature to drop to a chilling 16 degrees. Most of Texas went without power, heat, and/or water for days, even weeks.
During that time, I curled up beside my cat, thankful for the warmth of her tiny body, and I counted my blessings… an old coworker giving me water, my landlord bringing me a headlamp, a friend inviting me to her apartment for hot soup, and finally one of the families I work with opening up their home for me to take a shower.
Disasters often force you to reevaluate your life, but you need not wait for such a big moment to reflect on all the small pleasures you’ve been taking for granted. Start now. Choose to be thankful each day. Begin with simple acts and activities that give you a sense of belonging and purpose. and watch as the world becomes a kinder, more loving place.
Below is a list of ideas for building compassion and practicing gratitude. Try them out:
1. Make a list of things you are thankful for.
Get inspired by watching Kid President’s video. Make your list of 25 items and have your child do the same. Then compare your answers.
2. Donate old clothes.
Go through your kid’s closet and set aside anything that no longer fits them. Look up local donation centers. Depending on their age, use this opportunity to explain why some people are not able to afford new clothes.
3. Pay for the person behind you.
Make someone’s day at Starbucks, a toll booth, the grocery store – anywhere. They will likely pass that kindness on throughout their day.
4. Surprise a foster child.
Contact your local agency and ask if they have a pen pal program. Your child will not only get reading/writing practice but possibly make a new friend! Depending on their age, explain what it means to live in a home with people other than your parents.
5. Leave a generous tip.
Service workers such as nail technicians, wait staff, and valet drivers work incredibly hard. Show your appreciation by giving them an unexpected cash bonus at the end of their shift.
6. Create homemade gifts for local heroes.
Decorate thank you banners and hang them outside for your mail carrier and garbage collector, or write a handwritten card of thanks for the cashier at your favorite grocery store.
Kids are like sponges. They – absorb – everything! So set a good example. As a child, I vividly remember my mom baking Christmas cookies every year for the sanitation workers. She would wrap a handful of them in colored tissue paper, place them inside a pretty tin with a handwritten note and then deliver them while dropping off trash at our local waste facility. Now, as an adult, I experience great joy when replicating similar “random acts of kindness” throughout the year 🙂
With gratitude,
Ms. Jones
Tutor Time Talk 