One Kind Deed

The last few days have left me heartbroken and in despair. I have no intention of discussing the event as the news is everywhere. However, in light of what has happened, I have felt a need to do something. The most overwhelming feeling I've had is how terrible the world is. Ever since I became a mother I have been so acutely aware of just how big, how evil, the world can be, but the point has really been brought home. I want to hold my daughter close and never let her go, but I know she needs to learn to have strength to face whatever may come. So, while I cannot change the world, I can try to make it a better place.

My original thought was to create a kind of New Years Resolution/Challenge, in which I would do one good deed or practice one act of kindness each day throughout the year. I may still do that, but to make it formal I'll need to hammer out a few more details. Plus, I don't feel like waiting until the new year. We need more goodness in the world now.

This past year has been a difficult one. There have been multiple deaths in my family, as well as some major family upheaval. Not to mention that becoming a mother has rocked my world so hard I have a hard time knowing which way is up. On top of all that (and perhaps because of it), I have not been my best person this year. I have strayed so far from who I used to be that sometimes I hardly recognize myself. I also err too often on the side of caution, not wanting to put myself out there and be judged. More often than not I'd rather fly under the radar and not be noticed.

This needs to change. I need to change.

So, in an effort to change myself for the better and try to bring light and hopefulness to those around me, I am challenging myself to do one good deed each day that I would not have otherwise done. It can be something as small as a kind word to my husband after a particularly grueling day, instead of snapping at him for not helping clean up. Or it can be helping out a stranger financially or buying flowers for a friend just because. The point is to make me reach out of my shell, to become a part of the world again, and try my hardest to make it a better place.

**Update**
You can follow my progress on Twitter (@amyliz2008) using the hashtag #dailykindness.