Sandee Sez: Take the RAK road
- Sandra Ahenakew | January 26, 2016
There really is so much negativity all around us all you have to do is turn on the television or sign onto your Facebook page to read the nasty things that people are saying and doing in the world. It takes a great deal of energy to be angry and mean so why not choose to make positive changes. It’s a new year a new start to do things different – good things.
Over the past year I have read, heard and witnessed wonderful random acts of kindness and have decided that is what I want to do this coming year – that will be my resolution. I want to do whatever I can to make 2016 a happier year for myself and for my family and friends. Join me. Think about how great is it that our random acts of kindness and good deeds can make someone else’s day.
I heard a story about a group of First Nation people from Manitoba who wanted to know when the Syrian refugees would be arriving in Winnipeg because they wanted to make sure there was a drum group to welcome the new comers to Canada. Wow! All we need is a little creativity and the will and we can help to make our world a better place. Here is a short list of suggestions to begin your journey down the RAK (Random Acts of Kindness road); Go visit an Elder in your community and have tea with them. Take 5 minutes to send ‘happy mail’ to friends and family and tell them you love them or wish them a good day. Find opportunities to give someone a compliment; it costs nothing and could make someone’s day. Shovel your neighbors’ sidewalk. Buy a small gift for someone just because. Invite someone to dinner especially during the holidays. Pay for someone’s dinner. Put a surprise note in your kids lunch bag (kids will love it). Smile at people and watch them smile back at you.
Give the gift of life and donate blood. Join the bone marrow registry; there are many Aboriginal people in need of a donation. It is so easy to do kind things for each other and it feels so good. Tapwe. Finally as next month is Valentine’s Day here is a small suggestion for you. Cut out 30 or more hearts or smiley faces. One each cut out write something that is special about your sweetheart, friend or family member and put them into a box. Give the box to your special person with the instruction that they are to pull out a heart or smiley face anytime they miss you or need a pick me up.
I saw a great news story about an elementary school teacher who started using positive affirmations with his students; the results were astounding as students began to excel in most of their subjects. This teacher would call students to the front of the class and tell them that they are amazing and how he enjoyed having them in his class. Perhaps the secret to success is as simple as being kind to one another. Can’t hurt to try. Any act of kindness is never wasted.
Let us all be grateful for the gift of each new day because it is an opportunity to share kindness and love. While my words might come from my heart, my heart is nothing more than a reflection of the unrelenting love and support I have received from my family and friends. The real lesson for me over this past year was in finding just how giving and selfless my circle of friends and family are and I am humbled by their support. I want to say a big thank you for all who have helped to nourish my spirit with your unconditional love and friendship beyond my greatest expectations.
Until next time be kind to each other. Thanks for your letters and emails. Send your letters to Sandee Sez c\o Eagle Feather News Box 924 St Main Saskatoon SK S7M 2N4 or email me.