There are two ways to take the #AmericaIs Kind Challenge:
#1: On social media, SHARE an ACT OF KINDNESS you have witnessed with the tag #AmericaIsKind, then PAY IT FORWARD by doing a random act of kindness for a stranger. TAG 3-5 friends to take the #AmericaIsKind Challenge to keep the acts of good going.
And/Or
#2: Participate in the 30-day #AmericaIsKind Challenge, where we are turning our #GratefulToGood by practicing gratitude and acts of kindness every day for a month. You can find the daily gratitude, acts of good, and highlighted charities HERE. Jump in or out any day...whenever you find the challenge is the perfect time to begin.
Today is Day 25 of the 30-Day #AmericaIsKind Challenge: Our theme today is GIFTS, and our Charity of the Day is: Heifer International
"Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. We empower families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity – but our approach is more than just giving them a handout. Heifer links communities and helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty."
Gratitude: “I am grateful to be able to give and receive gifts ."
In the craziness that is Black Friday, it's easy to forget the best gifts in life are free: support, love, a hug, a smile, laughter. When we do give a material gift, the importance is the intention behind it --not the cost. So when a gift is offered this season, or any time of the year, accept it with grace.
Good: Accept a meal or gift with grace. The next time someone offers to cover the bill at a meal, offer to split it or pay the tip once. But if they insist, say a sincere: "Thank you!" and allow them the pleasure of purchasing your meal. If a friend offers to watch your dog over the holidays, don't argue when they refuse payment. (I'm looking at you, beloved neighbors of mine.) The ability to accept a gift is a gift in itself!
Good: Give the gifts that are free. Smile at a stranger when you're out Christmas shopping. Ask how the check-out clerk is doing--and offer an encouraging word. Give a compliment. It may make you smile even more than the people you are giving to!
Good: Support the Red Kettle Campaign. This holiday season, keep spare change and small bills to give to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. When you hear the bell ringers, give to the organization giving so much to our communities. (You can also volunteer to be a bell ringer!)
Good: Buy extra gifts. As long as you are out shopping, stop at the Goodwill and purchase a gently-used warm coat, scarf or gloves for the coat drive at your church, community center, or local homeless shelter. Take a few minutes to check your closet for extra coats as well--winter wear is among the most-needed items for the needy.
Good: Support our Charity of the Day, Heifer International to help end hunger and poverty
Reba Riley is the author of Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome: One Woman’s Desperate, Funny, Healing Journey To Explore 30 Religions By Her 30th Birthday, the 2016 memoir Elizabeth Gilbert calls: “Hilarious, courageous, provocative, profound...Reba Riley brings the light for seekers of all paths. If Eat Pray Love had a gutsy, wise, funny little sister, it would be Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome.” She is a motivational speaker, blogger, and television contributor. You can find her online on Facebook Instagram Twitter