While most people will be celebrating Valentine's Day on February 14, I will be celebrating Generosity Day. Generosity Day is a one-day version of the Generosity Experiment that was conducted by Sasha Dichter.
According to Dichter, "Generosity Day is a day of practicing saying YES, because doing so will change you and change those around you...The goal is to spend Valentine’s Day being more generous, giving more money, sharing of yourself, and being of service. All acts of generosity, small and big alike, count."
Sigh...a man after my own heart!
Personally, for me, Generosity Day is every day. But I can only speak for myself, so I hope you will join me in taking the Pledge to Participate in Generosity Day and help to make this world a better place.
There are several ways to show generosity in Maui, these are the few that popped into my head at the moment:
- Give of your time and volunteer in your community
- Pick up that hitchhiker on the side of Hana or Haleakala way. I have personally done this a few times to the dislike of my husband. Not because he isn't nice but because he worries for my safety. Understandable.
- Respond to a homeless person's request for money. If you are worried about this person possibly using it for drugs (which, sad to say, can happen in any community), you can walk with this person to a nearby food establishment or buy a gift card from that establishment and give it to the person.
- Smile at every person you pass. You never know how rough someone's day could be going and by doing this you may have made it better even if for just a few minutes.
You can also help to promote this wonderful event by "liking" the Generosity Day Facebook page and promoting it on Twitter using the hashtag #generosityday.
I didn't know about this "Generosity Day" until I read this on your blog. The good thing is I am actually doing sort of a generosity day. I am running the "For The Love Of Maui 5K" on Valentine's day. I initially didn't want to pay for the fee, I thought I should just run by myself instead of participating in the run, but when I found out the proceeds are going to a good cause, I registered.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to be generous, and yes, will use the hashtag #generosityday
I saw that! Good for you! That's another great way to give. I'm not a runner. But like you, I participate in 5k's if it's for a good cause. There is another one coming up on March 10 for Women Helping Women Maui. I have it listed on my "What's Happening" calendar page.
DeleteI love this thought. Im saying yes on 2/14! and most everyday too. Thanks for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new one to me too! I like the idea of expanding the scope of v-day and spreading love beyond your significant other.
ReplyDeleteNice...I especially like "smile at everyone you pass by". It's so nice when people acknowledge each other, even strangers. Makes for a better world. Nice post
ReplyDeleteRhonda, you're a generous thinker to spread the idea of giving to others on Valentines Day. I know we should be doing this year round. I like the idea of Random Acts Of Kindness too. RAOK on twitter @Iconic88 Chief Happiness officer, loves to spread the word. Thanks for sharing the New Valentine idea. People should never feel lonely. When we give it helps everyone.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of generosity day. So many of our holidays revolve around commercialism and what material item am I going to get.
ReplyDeleteI believe in acts of random kindness (although I have to say I won't pick up a hitch hiker...be careful please). I have paid for people's parking on oahu when they realized they didn't have enough and have given food to the homeless. I also say if you are alone on holidays, volunteerism is a wonderful cure. In college, I often volunteered on Thanksgiving or other holidays, I instantly felt less homesick by giving myself to others.
Your kindness is palpable, Rhonda. What a wonderful hopeful post.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda! Very nice post and love the idea of Generosity Day! Although I have to admit, picking up a hitchhiker is probably something I wouldn't do LOL! I'm afraid I agree with your husband on that one :) Helping others is a great thing though and it's a great feeling whenever you can any day....Great post!
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