"We have the power to reshape our perspectives, uplift our homes, jobs, and schools, enrich our communities, and ultimately, impact the world POSITIVELY, through each small act of positivity we choose to embrace."
Welcome to our monthly
Do Something Positive initiative!
Each month, we feature a theme centered around spreading positivity and kindness. We invite you to join us in embracing these themes, sharing your experiences with us and others, and offering suggestions for positive actions to take each month. Let's make a difference together!
The Month of the Quiet Gesture
January arrived without ceremony—no fireworks, no parades, just cold sidewalks and breath turning to fog. The holidays were packed away, and most people moved through the days on autopilot, heads down, hands in pockets, waiting for something warmer to come.
On Maple Street lived Mrs. Ellison, a woman most neighbors recognized but didn’t really know. She was polite, always nodded hello, always waved. Since her husband passed the year before, her house had been especially quiet. The kind of quiet that echoes.
One icy morning, Jamal, a ninth grader who walked past her house every day on his way to school, noticed her newspaper untouched at the end of the driveway. The snow around it was already crusted over.
He stopped.
He didn’t know why, really. He was already late. But something nudged him. He picked up the paper, walked to her porch, and rang the bell. No answer. He rang again.
After a moment, the door opened just a crack.
“Yes?” Mrs. Ellison asked softly.
“You forgot your paper,” Jamal said, holding it out.
Her eyes widened—not dramatically, just enough to show surprise. Then she smiled.
“Oh… thank you. I guess I did.”
Jamal nodded and jogged off, thinking that was the end of it.
But it wasn’t.
The next day, Mrs. Ellison left a small note taped to her mailbox:
Thank you for yesterday. You reminded me that I’m still seen.
Someone walking their dog paused to read it. Later that afternoon, another note appeared beneath it, written in blue ink:
Glad you’re here, Mrs. E.
The following morning, there was a third note. Then a fourth.
One neighbor shoveled her steps.
Another dropped off soup.
A child drew a picture and slid it under the door.
None of it was loud. None of it made the news.
But by the end of the month, Maple Street felt different.
January hadn’t changed. Winter was still winter.
But something thoughtful had begun—one small choice, one quiet gesture, passed hand to hand.
And that was enough.
January is Do Something Thoughtful Month.
You don’t need a big plan. You don’t need recognition.
Just notice someone.
Then act.
Because thoughtfulness, especially when it’s quiet, has a way of spreading.
As the new year begins, January presents a unique opportunity for reflection and action. Designated as "Do Something Thoughtful Month," this time encourages individuals to engage in acts of kindness and consideration. But what does it mean to be thoughtful?
At its core, thoughtfulness involves being aware of others' needs, showing empathy, and taking action to brighten someone’s day. It can be as simple as a kind word or as significant as a community service project. Engaging in thoughtful acts can take many forms.
Here are a few suggestions to inspire your January initiatives:
1. **Write a Letter**: In our digital age, a handwritten letter can feel incredibly personal. Write to a friend or family member, expressing your appreciation for them. This simple gesture can uplift spirits and strengthen connections.
2. **Volunteer**: Find a local charity or organization that resonates with you. Whether it’s serving at a food bank, helping at an animal shelter, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts, giving your time can have a profound impact on your community.
3. **Random Acts of Kindness**: Surprise a stranger with a small act of kindness—pay for someone’s coffee, leave a generous tip, or donate items to those in need. These spontaneous gestures can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same.
4. **Check in on Neighbors**: A quick call or visit to check in on elderly neighbors or those living alone can make a world of difference. Sometimes, knowing someone cares is all it takes to brighten a day.
5. **Plant a Tree or Garden**: Engage in environmental thoughtfulness by planting trees or starting a community garden. This not only beautifies the area but also contributes to a healthier planet.
The benefits of doing something positive extend far beyond the immediate impact on others. Engaging in thoughtful actions can significantly boost your own mental health. Studies show that acts of kindness release endorphins, leading to a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Moreover, fostering connections with others can enhance your social well-being, combatting loneliness and isolation.
As January unfolds, take a moment to reflect on how you can embody thoughtfulness. Whether through small gestures or larger commitments, your actions can create a wave of positivity. Remember, the smallest act of kindness can have lasting effects—on both the giver and the receiver. Embrace this month as a chance to spread goodwill and watch how it transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you.
Do Something Positive
What are you doing this month?
Share your observations, activities, and suggestions to encourage others to
DO SOMETHING THOUGHTFUL.
