When I am out in my community I notice that everyone is trying to pass me because I drive 25 in my neighborhood, traveling much faster is expected while driving. I take time to allow the neighbors to play with my dog if they are interested. I often volunteer with several charities in my community that I think are impactful. I understand that caring for others and working to put other’s needs before my own is a worthy task, I have undertaken this opportunity to make a difference. For me it would all be worth it if I could help one person, make one person’s day brighter, and increase their quality of life if only for a moment.

I have taken a moment to state what actions that I have taken to put other’s needs before my own, while driving and living in my own neighborhood. Some of the neighbors have responded to petting my dog and she has her own fan club on my individual street and people ask to see her. I agree that driving the speed limit in my neighborhood is challenging, especially since many drivers use our streets as a cut through to get to Walmart at the edge of the neighborhood.

I honestly don’t think the other drivers think about us as residents of the speedway/neighborhood, maybe don’t even care that their fast shortcut could endanger our younger residents.

Today as I use this post to cement my focus on “Kindness Matters”, I want to express why I think that small actions are important, if we could all do a small gesture everyday that lets someone know that they matter, I think our communities could be a place to engage in a kindness project. The project I am speaking of is not a big massive undertaking but an opportunity to show someone that they matter. I know that this seems foreign in many communities as it seems to be “dog eat dog”, “every person for themselves”, especially in driving.

For myself I have found using some of my time to let someone know they matter, or strength a charity that I think is important has brought clarity to my life. By clarity I mean that I feel that I am operating with a bigger purpose than myself, which makes what I can do feel special. For me helping others in anyway possible equals happiness, and I am thankful for any chance I have to help others in my community.