Oct. 2 - Get Well Card

Day 274 of a year of kindness

While I was slow running in the pool today during water aerobics, the instructor shared that one of the regulars just had her hip replaced. The instructor put a get-well card in the locker room and asked us to sign it.

Later, as I was leaving the locker room, I noticed the card. I hadn’t thought to sign it because I didn’t know the person and didn’t think she wanted to hear from a stranger. But when I walked by the card, I saw that it only had a few signatures. So, I grabbed the pen and wrote an encouraging note and told her I hoped to see her back in the pool soon.

I realized that I should never pass up an opportunity to be encouraging - especially if someone is ill or in recovery. A kind word means just as much coming from a stranger. Today was a good reminder.

Science of Kindness: Research reveals that words of encouragement, even from strangers, can reduce feelings of isolation and increase well-being. Patients who feel socially supported tend to heal faster and report less pain. #bekind #kindessmatters #bekind #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025