Hello, This is a bit of a departure from my usual crafty posts, but I real want to get these thoughts down while they are fresh! Be warned it is a bit wordy!
Last night we attended a fundraiser for my brother in law at our local hall. It was an amazing night for many reasons. Around 150 family, friends, neighbours, workmates and local business people all came together to support Michael and Clare and their trip to Russia for Michael's MS treatment.
This morning I have been thinking a lot about how great it is to be part of a community.
It is so easy these days to feel overwhelmed by terrible things happening to people all around the world. I think that by acting on a local level, in our own little communities, spreading kindness and practically helping someone you know or are acquainted with, is a powerful way to spread goodwill and to counterbalance the helpless feeling you get when reading the daily news.
Everybody that attended our function last night not only had a fun social time but also came with a purpose to help Michael and Clare, whether by practically doing things on the night, financially supporting the fundraiser, donating goods and services, or emotionally supporting them just by sending goodwill and love. I have to tell you, there was a lot of love in the room!
It really gave me hope for the human race.
Imagine if everyone could get together to help people in their local communities who need a hand, or even just say hello to each other. The random act of kindness between people at a local level has never been such an important human interaction, to put a smile on someone's face makes both parties feel good. There have been many times while organising Michael's functions that the kindness of strangers in our community has amazed us, people really are great.
I think by acting in our communities, at a local level that is real and tangible, our faith in each other can be strengthened and restored. It is so easy to lose faith in the human race when faced with violence and terrible news. Yes, bad things are happening that are out of our control, but by focussing on the good, helpful, thoughtful, considerate, and kind things that are going on in our local worlds, we can counterpoint the despair. The ripple effect of goodwill has to be a powerful thing, I think it gives us hope that we can make a positive difference in peoples' lives.
Last night was about more than just raising money, it was about kindness, generosity and the goodwill of a group of people from all walks of life, spreading love and supporting a common cause. It was about building connections and being part of a community. And we all had a fun time doing it!
It is a great feeling to contribute to an evening where everyone goes away feeling good. There are still a lot of problems in the world but we were able to help our friend/relative/workmate to solve one of his. It is empowering. People really are ace. I am an optimist and I am feeling good about our little part of the world today !
Ok that's the end of my little happy rant. :)
I hope you have had an inspiring/ fun/interesting weekend too!
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