One Million Acts of Kindness
September 8, 2011Written by Contributing Writer, Sarah Farthing
Have you heard of One Million Acts of Kindness?
We visited a children’s museum in Topeka, KS (The Discovery Center) recently when my husband’s parents were in town. As we pulled into the parking lot we saw this memorable bus parked out front:
My mother-in-law had heard about this project, the inspiration of Bob Votruba. Bob explains: “As a father of three college age kids I am concerned for the world in which all kids will live. A great way to create a safer, more caring world is for everyone to start their lifetime goal of One Million Acts Of Kindness. So I bought a bus, had about sixty family members, friends and neighbors help paint it and began a ten year journey with my Boston Terrier, Bogart, to college campuses across the country hoping to convince as many of you as possible about this much needed movement for this world…”
Bob himself was indeed at the Discovery Center that day. We got a chance to meet him and our kids watched a puppet show he performed about kindness. My husband and I are knee deep in character development with our sons so I researched a little more at home with great interest:
“Most of us think that changing the world is impossible. The world is too big…too many people in it…too many problems to solve. Do you often feel this way? While it’s understandable, be assured that it is not true!
Let’s start smaller. How many kind thoughts of others can you have in a day? How many people can you encourage? How many people can you help in small way? Now we’re onto something…
Imagine… if we simply hoped for the best toward every person we come in contact with during the day. If each one of us, day by day, shared acts of kindness with those we know and those we don’t know…how would the world change? How would YOU change? How far would our kindness spread?
Start with your own world and your own circle of influence. Your friends, family, and community. Start now. Continuously let kindness be the cause you support and watch it grow into a better future!”
I love the One Million Acts of Kindness sentiment, which is familiar, that individuals can make a difference and they can do so in small ways with everyday acts of kindness. We are working with our kids now to realize that they are responsible for their own happiness and that it feels good to do good for others.
I hope kindness is at work in your life today and always!
Visit www.onemillionactsofkindess.com for more information.
Share this post
You might like...
Quick and Easy Dinners Perfect for Summers!
My Mom Conflicts 
{Giveaway} Stella & Dot Foldover Clutch!
Understanding Your Partner: The 5 Love Languages
Category: Brilliant
jeff
on September 9, 2011 8:51 amI think you sharing this story is one more act of kindness. I’ll try to do my part. Thanks
Mama Nolte
on September 18, 2011 3:03 pmThank you for this uplifting story. With busy, hectic lives we all need to be reminded to show kindness. Recently, I have noticed that it is harder to do that when others don’t acknowledge my efforts. I will not be deterred. It is the right thing to do.