Dec. 18 - Kindness Handy Helpers

Day 352  of a year of kindness I reached out to my friend, Melissa Hubbard Steadman. She’s had a tough time recently - she had hand surgery and lost her father. She also runs her own business and has a family that needs her attention. So, understandably, a group of friends asked if they could help. She said she could manage. Well, they helped her anyway. 

They arrived at her doorstep with dinners and desserts, which made her and her family so happy. Melissa realized that receiving kindness is just as important as giving kindness. She was so grateful.

We confirmed and reminded ourselves that it’s OK to ask for help. And sometimes, even if your friend insists she can manage under difficult circumstances, show up anyway. Bring the casserole. Bring the brownies. Bring the cup of coffee. It always matters and no one ever forgets it. 

Today’s Kindness Ambassador #42 is Melissa's friends from the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood(Chapter C-RI) who showed up no matter what. 

Science of Kindness: Research reveals that accepting help strengthens social bonds and reduces stress. Social science research shows that when communities share burdens — through food, presence, or emotional support — individuals recover more quickly from hardship. #bekind #kindnessmatters #kindnesscounts #kindnesscounts2025