We’re approaching that time again, “the most wonderful time of the year,” they say.
Some love the holidays because they appreciate the comfort of tradition—the regalia, the reunions, the rituals.
Many others enjoy the memories of past holidays, where all was still calm and everything was shining, even if it was only for a moment.
My favorite thing about the season is the giving spirit and seeing people’s best side.
It’s the seat given to someone with an armful of bags, the donation offered to someone with a head full of worries, or forgiveness extended to someone with a heart full of regrets.
Yes, for me it’s kindness that makes the holidays magical because it reminds me that people are good—that’s their warmth and compassion and tenderness in the world.
The truth is, it’s always there. It’s not hard to see that people care and love every day. When we pay attention, it makes us feel happier and more inspired to help others.
This is why I love Brad Aronson’s book HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time, which ranks high on my gift list this holiday season.
We are bombarded with demoralizing updates every single day. It would be easy for us to get snarky and despair. Our inflammatory and polarizing media is only one part of the story. HumanKind Is the antidote to news-induced despondency—a beacon of hope that will brighten your outlook and restore your faith in humanity.
HumanKind has heartwarming stories mixed with practical tips that will leave you laughing, crying and open to new possibilities for making a positive impact in your life and your community. And all the author’s royalties go to Big Brothers Big Sisters—so just buying a copy does some good!
After supporting his wife with leukemia, Brad felt inspired to create this book. There is a silver lining to tragedy. We often realize how many people care. This was the case for the Aronsons. Colleagues, friends, and family all helped in whatever way possible.
Brad’s experience isn’t unique, as HumanKind reveals. This book contains a wealth of inspiring stories about small, loving acts that can have a huge impact on people’s lives. And it’s chock-full of ideas to make a positive impact and find both joy and meaning through simple acts of kindness.
Imagine if more people gave others a chance when they were down—like Nick Bayer, who changed homeless teen Dante Wilson’s life when he hired him for his café in Philadelphia, inspiring Dante to mentor youth from difficult backgrounds.
Visualize a world in which we all created light where once we only knew darkness—like six-year-old Gabriel Alijalian, who inspired thousands of people to commit acts of kindness on November 3rdThe anniversary of his diagnosis with leukemia.
How might it impact us all for the better if more people made it a goal to brighten someone else’s day—like event planner Heidi Berkman, who started the Bloom Project to give leftover flowers to people in hospice and their loved ones?
HumanKind’s everyday heroes share one common trait: they all make it a point to help others.
That’s something we all can do—starting with ourselves. You can start your day with a positive outlook by reading one story each morning.
You can also start your own hope chain by purchasing a HumanKind copy for someone you know.
Just like we don’t have to wait for the New Year to start a new habit or create positive change, we don’t need to wait for the holidays to spread a little goodwill. At any time, we can “be the change” we wish to see and be the reason someone believes that people are good.
It is infectious. Just like the best news, one small spark can make kindness grow like wildfire.
**If you’re looking for personalized holiday gifts, Brad will send you a FREE bookplate (a sticker you place inside the book) inscribed with a message for your loved one and signed by the author. Click here for more details! If you buy six or more books directly from the author here, the books are only $10 each and you can get each copy signed and inscribed for free.
About Lori Deschene
Tiny Buddha was founded by Lori Deschene. She’s also the author of Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and other books and co-founder of Recreate Your Life Story, an online course that helps you let go of the past and live a life you love. A Mindfulness Kit was launched by her recently to reduce stress levels and improve our joy and peace of mind. Subscribe to the Tiny Buddha List for daily wisdom. Tiny Buddha is also available on Facebook and Twitter.
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