How Random Acts of Kindness Can Transform Your December
By Robert Thomas Jr.
As December rolls in, we sit back and think about how quickly this year has gone, all of the challenges we’ve faced and overcome and feel a strong sense of accomplishment. While we tend to be ambitious at the start of the calendar year, when December arrives, we may be left feeling like we need to do better next year.
With this being the time of year for giving, and if you’re feeling like you haven’t achieved all or any of your goals for the year, I am suggesting one way for you to ease that burden: Perform random acts of kindness.
It has been proven through research that when people give to others, oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin are released in the body, which gives the individual a feeling of joy and happiness. Those three substances are generally known as the body’s “feel-good” chemicals.
If you know of someone in your family or maybe just a family in need, try reaching out to help relieve some of their burden. You could also donate some items to your local community center or give an unwrapped toy to your local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
I’m sure you can find many ways within your area to give to a worthy cause, but I also ask you keep in mind your brothers and sisters in arms who have given so much of themselves for our country.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) hasn’t forgotten about these individuals. For almost 80 years, PVA has been providing programs and support. We’ll be here, giving our all to continue delivering what members need during this special time of year, along with the rest of the months. However, I also want and need you to reach out to your fellow veterans.
So, if you remember the traditional nursery rhyme or classic song Christmas Is Coming from childhood, please hear the words:
“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do, and if you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you.”
