The #AmericaIsKind Challenge: Day 17

The purpose of the #AmericaIsKind Challenge is simple:

To remind us all that America is GREAT when Americans are KIND.

Take the #AmericaIsKind Challenge today!

America Is Kind

Here’s How:

–On social media SHARE an ACT OF KINDNESS someone has done for you, or that you have done for someone, with #AmericaIsKind

–TAG 3-5 friends to take the #AmericaIsKind Challenge

–PAY IT FORWARD by doing a random act of kindness for a stranger

–Take the full 30-day #AmericaIsKind Challenge, with daily gratitudes, acts of goods, and our highlighted charities HERE. You can jump in or out any day…whenever you find the challenge is the perfect time to begin.

Today is Day 17 of the 30-Day #AmericaIsKind Challenge:

Our theme today is FRIENDS, and our Charity of the Day is : Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

“Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people…Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities.”

Gratitude: “I am grateful for true friends.”

Good: Use www.123Greetings.com to send a free e-card to a dear friend, or send a real card via snail mail

Good: On social media, tag a friend with a photo of a great memory you share

Good: Scroll through your phone and text to a few friends you haven’t connected with lately

Good: Pick up the phone (yes, the actual PHONE) and call a friend just to check in

Good: Invite someone new to your community to coffee or lunch–you just make make a new friend!

Good: Consider donating to our Charity of the Day Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or becoming a Big Brother/Sister. Being a friend to a child is giving to the future.

Need more kindness & gratitude ideas? We have them.Find the other days of The #AmericaIsKind Challenge HERE.

During the year I explored 30 religions, I found KINDNESS and GRATITUDE present in every faith. In spite of our many differences, these qualities unite us.

Later, through a yearlong battle with clinical depression, I discovered that practicing KINDNESS and GRATITUDE are two of the scientifically-proven ways to defeat depression and increase happiness.

Coincidence? I don’t think so!

I came up with the #AmericaIsKind Challenge as a way to inspire the practice of kindness and gratitude, unite Americans with the things we have in common, help others who may be struggling with depression, and to remind us all America is kind because Americans are kind.