Dec. 24 - Be The Light

Day 358 of a year of kindness

Happy Christmas Eve to those who celebrate! Today I felt much better than I did yesterday, which was good because I had a lot to do. At the grocery store, I added some flowers to my cart. I wanted to give them to Audrey and Susan, who have been instrumental in organizing peaceful protests on a local overpass. I knew they would spend part of their Christmas Eve standing up for democracy during a “protest pop-up” while most of us chose more relaxing options.

I parked my car, walked up to the overpass and found them wearing Santa hats in front of a giant sign they put up: Be the Light.I gave them four bunches of flowers and told them to give two away. I ended up staying an hour and joined them in yelling Merry Christmas, Be the Light, Be Kind etc. It was so infectious - and positive - and cold! People honked and hollered and blew kisses. Of course, a few weren’t as kind. I gave away one bouquet of flowers to an enthusiastic woman in a car honking loudly in support of us. She was so surprised and appreciative.

I’m so inspired by Audrey and Susan and their determination to fight for the world they want to see - and do it with kindness. The drivers that yelled Merry Christmas and waved and smiled far outnumbered the negative responses. I left feeling hopeful and happy.

Science of Kindness: Research reveals that emotional contagion - the scientifically documented phenomenon where emotions spread from one person to another, almost the way a yawn does - can happen anywhere including an overpass. Protesting for peace and kindness can move through bodies, brains and communities - until the whole atmosphere shifts. #BeKind #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #kindness #kindnesseffect #kindnessmatters