Today is a day to reflect, pay tribute and connect. September 11, of course, marks the anniversary of one of the most horrific atrocities our country has ever known. As a nation, we have refused to let the loss and heartbreak of that day pass in vain. Instead, we choose to bind together in solidarity and remembrance, reminded of our country’s strength and unique position in the world. Our nation was built on a foundation of faith in limitless futures; now we’re ushering in a generation of service-minded young people who are making social justice more of a priority than ever. With the environment, health care, service and compassion as catch-phrases of the day, there’s no better time to be a part in creating change for a better world.
The 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance launches this year, asking us to made choices that bring us closer to that ideal. We don’t have to be rich, famous or powerful to make a dent. It can start small, as Tonic knows well. If you’re on this site, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already made goodness a priority. It’s surprisingly easy to make an impact today and add to the Day of Service movement.
The initiative asks you to visit their site and “post your personal plan to perform a good deed, volunteer or engage in another charitable activity in observance” of September 11. It only takes a minute — by adding your thoughts and goals to the list, you’re linking in to an entire movement and showing survivors and family’s of those lost that you are, indeed, a part of the solution toward peace and compassion.
Need a nudge to figure out what trips your trigger? HelpOthers has put together a list of suggestions and ideas. They’re also offering “stories on how people are paying-it-forward around the world.” Think big or keep it simple; either way it works. If you don’t have time to volunteer for your favorite cause or the money to write a check of support, there are still a million ways you can show up for others. Some of the starting points that HelpOthers.org shared with Tonic:
- Do the dishes unasked.
- Create a “Take a penny, leave a penny” tray for a local store.
- Call out three acts of kindness by others and thank them.
- Help a friend get over a fear.
- Pay for the person behind you in line.
- Tell a public service employee how valuable they are.
- Have an inspiring quote as your voicemail message for a week.
And my personal favorite…
- Leave chocolate on a co-worker’s desk. (hint, hint)
Check out the video below for more info. Then spread the love and take some time out to reflect and show kindness in honor of those fallen.
First photo courtesy of Andrea Booher/FEMA News via Flickr.
Second photo courtesy of Diliff via Flickr.
