I am proudly wearing my Kindness bracelet that was made by my friend Grace who runs “Kind SBY” in the photo above. These bracelets help you count your acts of kindness every day. Not only are they cute, but they also have a purpose. As someone who has a moral code founded on kindness— and creating a kinder, more conscious, and beautiful world: I love this. Grace is my kindred spirit, by the way, and you should support her nonprofit — if you can! She does wonderful things and really makes this world a better place. Especially in our city of Salisbury!
The thing is, we don’t talk a lot about what acts of kindness mean sometimes beyond doing it for others. What does kindness mean when it comes to how we treat ourselves?
I felt really guilty for taking a past Sunday for myself. I am a mover personality. I want to be in movement. July 26th was the 30th Anniversary of the ADA. I didn’t make a celebratory post. I didn’t do anything but restore myself. I recharged, unplugged from social media, and rested. I felt better. Except, I was supposed to be doing something to talk about the ADA! Right? I had that duty as an advocate. Except I also had a duty, as a person, to rest and slow down.
As I looked down on my wrist, I realized that I was granting myself an act of kindness. I was letting myself rest. I was giving myself the ability to rejuvenate. We often forget that we can be kind to ourselves. Most importantly, we owe it to our bodies to be kind to them. We owe it to ourselves to grant love to ourselves when we need it. Resting is not selfish. It is an act of kindness.
It is okay to acknowledge that is tiresome to not always want to celebrate. 30 years of the ADA is groundbreaking and wonderful. However, so many people (myself included) carry bone-deep exhaustion because the ADA is not perfect. I often wait outdoor stores due to lack of access, say “no” to events, and face discrimination still — despite 30 years of the ADA. This is why it is not wrong if you choose to rest sometimes — even if you weren’t tired in a traditional sense.
Everyone deserves rest whether they’re disabled or able-bodied people. We all need to unplug, restore, and grant ourselves some kindness. By granting ourselves a chance to step back, we can acknowledge that we have feelings instead of constantly moving. Disabled people, even with private formats, have to learn to advocate for themselves. We have to advocate in medical scenarios, in public formats, and in private environments. That’s a lot for shoulders to carry.
When we grant ourselves acts kindness, it makes us kinder. We deserve the kindness we give ourselves. Give yourself the love and kindness that you bestow upon others. Small acts of self love can change your entire life. Be kind to yourself today.
I think there are a few things about growing up traditional Southern Italian that is super typical. You eat a lot. You cook even more. More importantly, when August comes around, it signifies “Ferragosto” will be here soon. Italians close shop, holiday, and relax during the month of August. During the Assumption of Mary, it’s common for it to be a long weekend for Italians. The 1st of August signifies a time of relaxation and rest.
For us here, it has always meant that it’s time to carry on traditions, and family time. It means that summer is ending. We need to cherish the fruits of summer. After months into a pandemic, I hope we can all celebrate as my family does. I challenge you to implement some acts of kindness. Not just into others, but into your own. Take this month and unwind. Restore. Relax. Unwind. Cherish the fruits that you have grown.
If you want a bracelet, you can buy it here online if you’re not local.
The Girl in The Pink Wheelchair 