July 13 - Colorful Care Package

Day 193 of a year of Kindness

I received a kindness today. I’m going to have surgery on my ankle at the end of the week and my cousin Catherine dropped off a care package. She gave me some colored pencils and coloring books with themes of calmness and confidence.She also brought me one of my favorite books, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy. It’s a sweet book about being vulnerable, asking for help, going on a journey and finding friendship.

 I have many favorite quotes in the book but these two resonate with my year of kindness:

"What do you want to be when you grow up?”“Kind,” said the boy.

"Sometimes all you hear about is the hate, but there is more love in this world than you could possibly imagine.”

I wouldn’t have thought to drop off a care package to someone days before they went into surgery. But Catherine is also a nurse practitioner and she understands the importance of keeping your spirits up. Plus, she knows I’m going to get antsy. It was kind of her to bring me a care package and I will kindly use my gifts for a colorful and speedy recovery.

Science of kindness: Research reveals that people who take steps to prepare mentally before surgery experience less anxiety, less pain and discomfort, faster healing and better overall well- being. Mental wellness is a critical part of preparation. Calm and confidence (like the coloring book themes) will set you up for a smoother recovery. #bekind #kindnessiscontagious #kindnessisfree #kindness #coloringbooks