Last week, I got a random DM in Facebook Messenger:
“Hi Elizabeth, I don’t know if you remember me, but you sent us gifts after Hurricane Sandy. I came across your note today and wanted to say how much meaning it had—and still has—to me.
Your note (from a stranger) has resonated with me through the years…”
“Our journey from Sandy has led us to pay-it-forward in our community. When someone experiences a house fire, flood, etc., I always reference how important it is to not just send gift cards—but also something personal, something grounding.
So, THANK YOU. Your note caused a ripple effect. I hope this message finds you well.”
Then she shared this:
“Check out our local organization that I’m a part of: Staten Island Giving Circle. At least once a year, I refer to your note. Our Giving Circle president, Michele, knows the story well—how a complete stranger sent me a self-care kit and how much it meant to me.
The way you touched me, I want to impact others. So, thank YOU for the spark you gave me back in November 2012.
– Kathy”
Y’all…THAT WAS 13 YEARS AGO!
• Riley wasn’t even TWO (and now she’s about to start high school!)
• We had just moved to Houston from Tallahassee.
• My mom hadn’t been diagnosed with cancer yet (that came in December).
• I was trying to be a stay-at-home mom…that lasted less than a year. (Entrepreneurship is in my blood!)
• Social media was still relatively new, but I was active—especially in a brand-new city.
We quickly figured out the connection. My new Houston neighbor Christen had shared a Facebook post about her friend Kathy—who was always helping others—and invited folks to send her some love. I guess I didn’t just send her a note…I sent a full-on self-care gift box.
Nine years before I ever launched the Self-Care for Busy Women Gift Boxes.
Here’s the thing: Random acts of kindness matter. They make people feel seen, acknowledged, and appreciated. The ripple effect is real….
Try one today:
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Roll in your neighbor’s trash bin without being asked.
- Bring food to a mama with a new baby.
- Send a self-care ritual kit to someone going through a hard time.
- Write a handwritten note to your mom, grandma, or aunt just because.
- Buy a meal for the unhoused person on the corner.
- Gift a copy of Sacred Celebrations to someone going through a big life transition (move, loss, job change, menopause, empty nest…).
Order a signed copy directly from me here.
Proud Mama Moment
The other day, we were pulling into the grocery store parking lot when a woman’s cart tipped over and her groceries spilled everywhere. Without missing a beat, Riley yelled, “Mom! Stop the car! I’ve got to help that poor lady!” and jumped out before I could even park.
The ripple continues.
Got a kindness story?
Leave a comment and share a time you gave—or received—a random act of kindness. I’d love to feature a few in my next newsletter.
1 comment
Your blog on kindness was touching. I remember about 13 years ago I had bought a cup of coffee just minutes after leaving the doctors office where my husband received a difficult diagnosis. While I was trying to hold myself together I think it was obvious I was struggling. Instead of just handing me the coffee, the barista came out from behind the counter walked over and with the most compassionate smile handed me the coffee. Didn’t say a single word. That moment of kindness brought me comfort for many years.