If you’re thinking it’s been far too long since I’ve shared an update on honeybees, you’re correct. My fingers have still been pounding the keys though, I promise. There’s a very special project I’m working on and it’s consuming 99% of my writing time. & no, you don’t get any additional information on the subject.
I’ve never considered myself a positive person. I don’t mean to say that I’m a “negative Nancy,” but I dwell a little more on situations than I should and I don’t always think of the most optimistic outcomes.
I’d say I’m a realist. I’m usually blunt and honest with myself. I don’t get my hopes up in a lot of situations because the reality is… reality. I don’t watch the news and hope for the best in every situation. I’ve accepted that there’s bad people out there and there’s not a whole lot I can do to control some situations.
Lord help me though. Y’all need Jesus.
The world sucks right now. I, someone who is forever proud to be an American, am struggling with my own opinions and beliefs. I’m constantly being challenged by what I see happening across our great Nation. A place that was founded on equality and inclusion, a country that was meant to be a safe place for those fleeing religious prosecution, a Nation founded on rights and laws, with three branches of government meant to help with our checks and balances – what the hell is going on?
This is not a political post though. Instead, as I gear up for what’s easily the best holiday on the calendar, I realize that I want to celebrate all the good I know is still out there. I want to give shout-outs to the people who have been inspiring me to be a better person lately. I want to encourage kindness as a reminder that America is a pretty incredible place full of pretty incredible people.
Shoutout to the Fab Five for sparking this little bit of light. I totally binged Season 2 of Queer Eye the weekend it came out and I didn’t just cry at the impact they made in people’s lives. I cried because I feel like Jonathan, Karamo, Tan, Bobby, and Antoni are truly just five of the nicest individuals you could ever meet. Thank you for continuing to spread positivity and acceptance through your show, social media channels, and everything else you do.
So, instead of just celebrating Independence Day on July 4th at the lake with friends and a cold one, I’m going to try and promote kindness all month long. America turns 242 beautiful years-old this year, and while we still have a long way to go, I believe we’ve also come so far.
I’m tired of just seeing words like “ignorance, bigot, hypocritical, and greedy” come across my news feeds. I’m ready to showcase the compassion, acceptance, and love that I know the majority of this country has.
So who’s with me?! 31 random acts of kindness are listed below, one for each day in July. If you want to get the party started, feel free to share them on Insta or in your Facebook feed as you do them. If you just want to feel good about doing something nice for your neighbors, that’s fine too.
- Give a stranger a compliment
- Help tutor a struggling student.
- Walk a neighbor’s dog.
- Buy a stranger a beer. (Or lemonade, but freedom should be celebrated.)
- Insert coins into someone’s parking meeter.
- Help an elderly person with their groceries.
- Send care packages to soldiers overseas.
- Bake cookies for your office.
- Send a letter to a good friend instead of a text.
- Volunteer at a local summer camp.
- Reconnect with old friends.
- Mow your neighbors lawn.
- Donate your old clothes to a local shelter.
- Spend a morning at the animal shelter.
- Buy ice cream for a friend.
- Organize a charity drive in your workplace.
- Smile at a stranger.
- Encourage someone.
- Recycle.
- Say “thank you” to a co-worker in person.
- Put change in a vending machine.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
- Support a charity you believe in.
- Be a courteous driver.
- Leave a nice comment on a blog/photo/post.
- Cook dinner for your family.
- Plant flowers to attract honey bees and butterflies.
- Send postcards to out-of-town family members.
- Post inspirational notes around your office
- Remind your friends that you appreciate them.
- Forgive and accept.
BONUS: Need a little more motivation? Country music can get you in the feel-good mood. My current top 5 picks for channeling inspiration are below.
- Get Along – Kenny Chesney
- Everybody – Chris Janson
- Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney
- Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
- Most People are Good – Luke Bryan
honey bees & burnt cd's 