Nothing makes me feel better than doing something for someone else. My husband and I try to do acts of kindness as often as possible. Pay for the person behind us, give a phenomenal tip to a great server, give our things to those in need, etc. What I want to do this year is volunteer at a big charity community Christmas dinner in my area. I wanted to do it last year but this year I’ve decided to bring my older two daughters and teach them how good it feels to be generous, kind to others. Seeing the smiles on the faces of others, I love that feeling.

I used to go with an ex-boyfriend, his sister, and his nieces to a retirement home. We’d do crafts with the elderly and in some cases, we were the only visitors they would have in months for one reason or another. It brought me to tears many times, I was so happy to see all of these people that were happy just because we were spending time with them. The way their eyes would light up at the sight of the small children melted my heart.

We’ve experienced some amazing kindness in our lives too. A particular moment that will always be in my mind is our wedding night. My second daughter was a month old and we brought her with us to a nice dinner. It was expensive steak in almost a buffet-style, very unique, but delicious. I was still in my dress and tiara, I probably looked ridiculous and a lot of people looked at me a bit funny, but it didn’t bother me. My husband was up getting my food when a woman sat next to me. She began quizzing me about why I was dressed so beautifully and all about my baby. I explained to her that we were just married several hours ago and our little one was one month old. At the end of our conversation, she put her hand into my hand and there was a bill in there. She clasped her hands over mine and told me that she wished us the absolute best with our beautiful family. My “thank you” was that deep, lodged in my throat voice, eyes filled with tears. I will forever be grateful to that woman, just for putting that feeling into my heart and soul.