Issue 52: Week to Weekend Dose of Kindness
Simple acts of kindness to pass it on
Hi Friends!
After spending a long summer in San Francisco celebrating my college bestie's wedding and hosting one of the biggest events of my life (the Guam FitExpo ya'll), I'm finally catching my breath with a full heart and so much gratitude.
This has been one of the best summers of my life, and it's because of all the kindness I have been showered with by friends, family, colleagues, and strangers near and far. Simple acts of kindness go a long way—they make us feel seen, loved, and cared for in ways we yearn for as human beings.
Even something as simple as telling someone they have a beautiful smile or letting another person cut in line at the store can make a difference in someone's day. Everyone's going through their battles, and we hope this issue inspires you to sprinkle some random acts of kindness this week (and always).
Pass it on ✨
With love,
Akina
P.S. Don’t forget to check our weekly dailies for a glimpse into our week and into the weekend.
11 Random Acts of Kindness
Call your grandparents and share some stories. They may be longing for some company.
Send a nice note to your child’s teacher to tell them how much you appreciate them.
Help carry someone’s groceries to their car
Give a few free lessons – piano, swimming, art, dance, yoga, etc.
Send a postcard or call a friend you haven’t talked to
Be someone’s accountability partner.
Pick up any litter you see along your route.
Take the planning off of someone’s plate. If your partner or friend is always planning the next gathering or outing, offer to take it off their hands.
Cook a delicious meal for someone you know who may be having a rough week.
If there’s an artist or musician you admire, compliment them at their next gig or show.
Take yourself out on a solo date – yes, self-love is just as important!
Community Corner
by Cyril and Edmund Valencia
Editor’s Note: As the parent of a nonverbal child with autism, Cyril Valencia shared on social media the concerns that kept her up at night as her eldest daughter, Keira, was about to start school. Her biggest worry was whether Keira’s peers would be kind to her. In this community note, Cyril and her husband, Edmund, reflect on the importance of kindness and the profound impact it can have on a child’s life.
It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to teach and model kindness, as it can make all the difference in a child’s life.
As parents of a non-verbal child with autism, we were understandably anxious as Keira entered elementary school. The transition from our environment at home to a bustling school setting was daunting, and we weren't sure what to expect.
We had many concerns about whether she would be understood, supported, and given the opportunity to learn at her own pace. Moreover, we were unsure how she would be treated around others, most especially by her peers, who may not know much about her disability.
These are some worries we had as parents and it comes down to how patience and kindness can impact our daughter's life.
Ultimately, we placed our trust in the teachers and school staff, hoping they would create a safe and nurturing environment where Keira could thrive.
What has truly touched our hearts is the kindness and patience of her classmates and other peers. The school community has fostered an environment where kindness is not just taught but practiced daily at an early age. Seeing Keira welcomed and supported by her peers has been incredibly reassuring. We are deeply grateful for the positive experience Keira is having, and for the wonderful community that surrounds her.
As parents, this is important because it gives us hope that our child will be accepted in the community, embraced for who she is, and is given the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive environment.
Kindness Corner
Here are some companies and people doing cool things centered around positivity, kindness, and inclusivity.
The World Needs More Love Letters
Combining the power of social media and the old-school art of letter writing, The World Needs More Love Letters features 5-6 new stories a month. Each story highlights an individual and is nominated by a loved one to receive love letters from the community. How heartfelt is that?
Hands on Travel
Terry Giansanti, founder and deaf tour operator, was inspired to start Hands On Travel after living in Italy over two decades ago. While working at the 2001 Deaflympics in Rome, he heard complaints from fellow deaf Americans about their negative travel experiences, sparking his idea to create a better option for the community.
☕️ Week to Weekend Recs
You probably heard that Shogun won 18 awards at the Emmys, with Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada making history as the first Japanese actor to win Best Lead in a Drama Series. Binge-watch his classics over the weekend.
Now that the sun’s out, why not whip up a creamy coffee smoothie
Here’s how to cope with the stress of current events *ahem, elections*
Just a sweet reminder
Get your day started with some creative morning habits.
See ya later!
We hope you go about your week to weekend with a bit of joy, curiosity, and creativity. We greatly appreciate you being here! Don’t forget to drop by IG and say hi 👋🏻