February is a great time to cuddle with love ones, watch movies, play board games, or even catch up on your reading.

Of course, it’s also not too late to add a new resolution for 2010, and I‘d like to suggest an easy one.    

Over the last several months, I have been fortunate to experience the most wonderful acts of compassion from folks of all walks of life in our community. The outpouring of well wishes we’ve received from our friends and neighbors got me thinking of ways we can make our community a kinder, more compassionate place.    

I knew I was on the right track when I saw the January-February issue of the AARP Bulletin that featured the headline “A Million Acts of Kindness; One Man’s Personal Quest.” 

The story tells how Bob Votruba visits college campuses nationwide with his dog Bogart to distribute stickers that read “One Million Acts of Kindness.” 

While most of us can’t travel to college campuses across the country, we can achieve the same objectives right here at home. 

I’m asking each of you to spend the remainder of 2010 doing a simple act of kindness for someone every day. You’ll feel great doing it, and you’ll be helping start a chain reaction that builds a kinder community for us all. 
 
The good news is it’s easy to do. In some cases the need is clear, like helping citizens of Haiti devastated by the recent earthquake. While donating money or traveling overseas to help with relief efforts may be appropriate for some, everyone can help in their own way.

You can always say a prayer or volunteer by helping local churches organize care packages right here at home. 

Just as importantly, acts of kindness don’t have to be as obvious. Start with simple gestures, like holding a door open for the person behind you, smiling and saying hello to the person walking toward you or allowing a driver to pull out in front of you- even when you’re in a hurry. 


The bottom line is kindness is contagious. Making a conscious effort to be kind can transform even the crankiest individuals. You’ll be setting a wonderful example for family and friends, and there’s no better way to be remembered by others.

I say let’s join together this February—the month of love-- and vow to be kind to one stranger each and every day. While we won’t be counting and won’t be handing out stickers, I’m certain we can exceed a million acts of kindness which will be just as obvious in our community.  I look forward to hearing your stories.  

In the meantime, please keep in your hearts, thoughts and prayers the victims of the Haiti earthquake, our service men and women and our fellow citizens who are not as lucky as we are.