One last thing...

This project was not an original idea by me -- many others out there are doing similar things, which inspired me to keep going. I subscribed to blogs and followed pages on Facebook. I got a t-shirt and signed a pledge over at Choose To Be Nice. In fact, if you go looking, there are whole organizations devoted to random acts of kindness, and many others devoted to volunteering and charity.

I relied on a lot of these, along with suggestions from folks following along. It kept me going when ideas and motivation were not always at full strength. The encouragement comes from a lot of sources.

And sometimes it comes from somewhere closer to home. My 10-year-old son and I were in a fairly heated argument one day when my 5-year-old son went into the other room, got a piece of paper and a marker, and made this sign:

It's now framed and hanging in our living room.

--

2013 Recap

So it's been a great couple of months again. I know I didn't have a big finish like last year - I just haven't had much free time this time around. It was also a bigger challenge this year, because, besides the lack of time, I was trying not to just repeat a lot of the same charities and events and activities.

Still, it's a very rewarding process. It makes me think, it makes me try, it makes me seek out people who need help instead of averting my eyes or thinking, "I should do something about that." I did something... daily... for a while.

And as even altruism can be a selfish act, I feel better, I'm in a better place in my life, and I got the boost I needed to get through some challenges in my own life -- some of which seem pretty trivial now in comparison.

If you're having a tough time (or even if you're not) I wholeheartedly recommend trying this. It makes you think about what's important, what you believe in, and what really matters.

--

Day 50

Today I donated a flock of ducklings and a flock of chicks to people in developing countries. I couldn't decide between ducks and chickens, so I opted for both.

--

Day 49

Today I called in a DUI. I know in some respects that sounds unkind, but it's a kindness to anyone who might have gotten in her path. She drifted into the oncoming lane no less than three times over a three mile stretch. I gave her make, model, and license plate number to the local authorities. Maybe she was just texting or something stupid, but she was creating quite a hazard on our 50 mile-per-hour country road.

--

Day 48

Today I sent an anonymous gift card to a family in need.

--

Day 47

Today I donated clothing to the local PTA thrift store.

--

Day 46

Today I picked up litter along a trail and around a lake near where I work.

--