one small act

What does kindness mean to you? Have you made a genuine effort in the last few days, weeks, or months to be kind to others? If so, what are some of the ways you have done so?

In this society of distraction - with smart phones, tablets, etc - it is easy to miss opportunities for acts of kindness. Offering a simple "thank you," opening the door for a peer, or lending a helping hand to an elderly individual who is struggling with their groceries take less time than writing a text, but can have a very positive impact on someone, and yourself. I love to people-watch, I love to place myself in a busy setting such as a mall or coffee shop and observe others around me. I like to watch how people interact with each other. I take notice when that one individual chases after the lady who dropped her scarf and didn't realize or the gentlemen who allows the pregnant lady behind him to go ahead of him in the supermarket queue. I know there are kind people out there...

I am most impressed when acts of kindness are from the younger generation. Over the past several years, I have seen the younger generation take initiative to make a difference in today's society. I have watched several young individuals step up to the plate, and today I would like to share with you an amazing story of one 17-year old who had the courage to make a difference in her small town of Brockville, Ontario.

Nicole Truesdell is making a difference by hosting a baby shower for low income and expectant moms. On Saturday, April 21, 2012 families will be thrown a baby shower where they will receive new or gently used items along with other items such as baby formula, diapers, high chairs, carriers, and gift cards. The shower will also have refreshments, cakes, and games! This was all Nicole's idea, and she has worked very hard to see her dream become a reality.

I was lucky to have the chance to interview Nicole and this is what she had to share with me...


Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.
My name is Nicole and I am 17 years old. First and foremost in my day-to-day life I am a mom and a student. In any spare time that I have I run a couponing group, a S.W.A.P (sharing with all people) group, and host a baby shower to top it all off!

What sparked you to throw a baby shower for low-income mothers?
I'm a low income mother myself and I saw a need for something like this in the city. I'm in a much better place financially than I once was, although still considered to be low income and I really think it's the right time to do something like this.

Why do you think an event like this is so important for not just the mother's but the community?
I really think this baby shower brings us together as a community. I see this as a community baby shower more than anything. Without the support of the community, we would not be able to help as many people as we are.

How many families will be taking part in this event?
At least 45 low income families, and at least 15 non-low income families. We are now at maximum capacity for both low income and non-low income families.

What has been the community's reaction? Are you receiving support?
The community's reaction has been really great. I've received many donations, and many offers to help out on the day of the shower. Lots of positive feedback!

Have you done something like this before? 
I have never done anything like this before, but it's always been in my heart to help other people. I'm really excited to see how it's going to turn out!

What have you learned by this whole experience?
I have learned that I can accomplish anything, regardless of my age. It's given me the best feeling ever to know that I'm 17 and essentially helping 60+ people in the community. Even for the non-low income families, it's a place to come and hang for the day... Eat cake with us, let the kids run around and have a good time, participate in the games, everything! :)

Thanks, Nicole for taking the time to share your story with us. You are a great inspiration and great leader for the younger generations, and someone who your community should be very proud to call their own. I think it is important to remember that one small act can mean the world to someone else.

If you would like more info regarding the baby shower or you would like to send a few words of encouragement to Nicole, please send an e-mail to nicoletruesdell@hotmail.com 

kindness

The Ya Yas in July 2010. They are beautiful women inside and out, they give myself and my friends something to aspire to everyday.  My mother and one other member are missing from this photo.

kind·ness/ˈkīn(d)nis/
Noun: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
A kind act.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us as we are running from store to store to find that perfect gift, attending work parties, and gathering with family and friends. With our calendars full we often forget that one small, thoughtful gesture can make a difference in someone's life. I feel like in today's age, witnessing an act of kindness is somewhat rare but still not forgotten. I would like to share a story with all of you, this one touched my heart.

Before I share my story I should give you a little background information - my mother has been suffering from a frozen shoulder, pinched nerves, and a few other health related issues for the last year. She has been in constant pain, pain that causes even simple everyday tasks to be unmanageable. This year has been stressful on my mother for several reasons but especially around this holiday season. At this time of year, my mother can usually be seen baking her little heart out, wrapping her baked goods to bring to family and friends, and turning her home into a winter wonderland - but this year, her illnesses have put a damper on things.

As I was sitting at home the other night, I received a phone call... as my mother started the conversation I could tell there was something different in the tone of her voice. She proceeded to tell me that she was sitting at home catching up on her day with my father when the doorbell rang and in popped her good friend. Her friend handed her a tin filled with baked goods. She proceeded to tell my mom that she knew how important it was to my mother to have homemade baked goods during the holiday season. The next thing my mother knew the doorbell rang again and in popped another good friend with more Christmas goodies. This pattern continued the rest of the evening until my mother's freezer was full. My mother may have had the worst luck with health in the last year but she is truly blessed to be surrounded by a group of women who care for her like they are her sisters. They took time out of their busy holiday schedules to bring a little joy to my mother when she was down and out, they brightened my mother's spirit, they provided her with goodies to continue with her Christmas traditions, but they also reminded me what true generosity is all about. My mother's close knit group of friends (The Ya Yas as they like to refer to themselves) never cease to amaze me and my mother is so fortunate to be surrounded by so much love.

I hope this story has pulled a little on your heart strings ( it sure did for me) and inspired all of you to get out there and perform acts of kindness because we all know it can make someone's holiday a little bit brighter.