3 years after Sandy Hook, some Newtown families cope through quiet activism

Kindness is important, especially in situation where revenge would be a likely response.

The new normal has settled into day-to-day life for the families of Sandy Hook’s victims in different ways. For some, the tragedy has sparked intense activism and advocacy to promote stricter gun control laws. It isn’t only gun control advocacy that has helped those in the community move forward, though. Some honor their loved ones in private, while others have found purpose by creating small, quieter movements. After the incident in Newtown, people around the country were encouraged to perform 26 acts of kindness to honor the lives of the 26 people who were killed. The idea endures three years later.

Life will never truly be back to normal for people who are impacted by these types of acts of mass violence. There will be a new normal. Recovery can take years, or it can take a lifetime.
Jamie Aten, co-founder of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College in Illinois

Joel and Joanne Bacon, father and mother of Charlotte, a 6-year-old who was killed in the shooting, took kindness advocacy one step further. They head up the organization Charlotte’s Litter, which pays homage to their animal-loving daughter. The mission of the program is to advocate and support therapy-dog programs by connecting those in need with resources. The Bacon family themselves received support through comfort and therapy dogs after the Newtown shooting. "A big part of the healing process is finding purpose in helping others,“ says Jamie Aten, co-founder of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College in Illinois.

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Becky`s random acts of kindness

Monday, January 13, 2014

Random Acts of Kindness

Have you received any random acts of kindness lately? Have you thought about doing any random acts of kindness?

"When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace."                                       The 14th Dalai Lama (1935)

Random Acts of Kindness I have Done:

 

-Sent flowers to friends after they had a hard week, cancer in their family, men troubles

-Smile, even if I don't always feel like it. It is not their fault if I am having a bad moment, just a simple smile can in turn remind others to smile

This beautiful girl is determined to do
something good for others

-Hold the door whenever I can, especially for mom's with young children & the elderly

-Send hand written cards & notes to my friends every few months. Whether they are old friends, new friends, or someone I haven't spoken to in ages. Everyone loves a hand written card & it always brightens their day!

-Send an encouragement email or note. If someone I know is struggling, but I know they are super strong in other areas of their life. I remind them of their strong suits & how proud I am for an accomplishment they have done. 

- Remember friends birthdays & send a hand written birthday card

...and these are just a few of the ones I can think of off the top of my head. 

 

Random Acts of Kindness that have Happened to Me

One of my coworkers is amazing, he is always there with a smile & a hug. Once in awhile, he brings homemade delicious treats out of the blue, healthy snacks and always gives encouragement when my husband is away for travel. This man is like an extra dad to me. I am very thankful for his kindness.

Smiles- When I see others smiling, I in turn remember to smile even bigger. I have been told many times that my smile is contagious. Must be my big dimples! 

Recently, I went out to lunch with a friend. After we were finished eating, we were told by our waiter that another waitress had paid for our lunch. Even though we only had soup for lunch, a huge smile was brought to my face to think that someone would do that for us. 

How I Feel when I Do them & Receive them...

I absolutely LOVE doing random acts of kindness. When I get the phone call, text or email that someone has received the package or card I sent, my heart just smiles! When I see someone smile in return to an act of kindness, it makes me feel so good inside. I just love to help others & make people smile. I think it comes from my grandmother. She told me a few months ago how proud she was of me & how I was turning into such a wonderful woman, mother, hostess, caregiver. These words still resonate in me and I felt so proud to hear it from my grandmother. She is one of the most amazing women I know and is such a huge influence on my life. For as long as I can remember, she has never stopped doing things for others, helping at church groups, sewing & crafting for Maria Missions, making desserts & goodies for someone that needs extra cheer and just always cheerful with a smile on her face. I am proud to be following in my mother & grandmothers footsteps not only in crafting, but also in remembering to think of others!

I feel just as much joy when I receive them. I am reminded why I do them and why I should continue!  

I encourage YOU to try to do one random act of kindness this week! Whether it be: helping someone at the grocery store when you can tell that they are struggling, helping a neighbor with an outside chore, bringing someone a treat that you think needs some cheer, hold the door for a stranger, send a letter to a soldier, the possibilities are endless!  You will feel great & want to continue each week!

Get your children involved, it is amazing how much our children LOVE to make others smile & feel joy.

Just these SMALL, TINY gestures go so far. I don't even think people realize how much it can make someone's day, week, month or even year. It really goes a long way. 

Thank you so much for reading & remember to smile, that is an act of kindness we can do EVERY DAY!

Choose Happyx

~Becky

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