It's My Party And I'll Spread Kindness If I Want To

I turn 31 this week. That’s right, I’m officially going to be an official “30-something” of the world. And you know what I want for my birthday this year? For us all to spread a little kindness.

A few days ago, after my son went to bed, I was scrolling through Instagram and came across Shannon Tripp’s (@shantripp) stories. She was sharing Ali Herbert’s story— a little girl from Utah who is battling cancer, again. Shannon was asking her 298K followers to come together to raise this little girl and her family up with a little financial support for her battle. Shannon wrote that if everyone gave $1, she would have $298,000 in donations so, off I went to her Venmo. I sent $5— nothing crazy, just a cup of [Starbucks] coffee that I can skip for one day.

Turns out, Shannon was able to gift $83,959 for the Herbert family. Can you believe?! I know that my $5 is very insignificant next to the thousands of dollars raise BUT knowing my small contribution helped out makes my heart sing.

The thing is: when we give our hearts, we grow our hearts. Albert Schweitzer said, “The one who gives is the one that receives most.” And giving doesn’t have to mean monetary. It could just be a little thought or wish sent out towards someone else; a smile or wave with love behind your eyes— at the man holding the “stop/slow” sign directing traffic through a construction zone, at the Mama wrangling her kiddos at the park, or at your colleagues during one of those long, coulda-been-an-email, Zoom meetings. 

So for my birthday this year, I want you to spread a little kindness. Fill your heart with love and send it out into the world— to a stranger, a friend, a family member, anyone. See what bursts out from within you. Is it that you pay-it-forward? Is it that you just called a friend to say hello? Is it that you send a little “thinking of you” postcard to a family member who could use a smile? 

How can you grow your heart today? Have fun spreading kindness!