This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes the phrase “for one day.” The words single out a special occurrence. What is the emotion and vibe, where does it take place and why? Go where the prompt leads!
For more than one day, I have thought about what to write. I was drawn by the theme of empathy, of walking in someone else’s shoes, of being able to see oneself through the eyes of another, or of having the opportunity to heal past wounds, for one day. But I couldn’t quite get it. It was elusive, until I came across this video of Chris Rosati.
Chris Rosati decided that what he wanted to do most with his life was spread kindness. It led me to consider what the world might be like if, for one day, everyone of us, wherever we are, put aside our differences and spread kindness. Perhaps then, we wouldn’t need to walk in the shoes of another, see ourselves as others see us, or heal old wounds. Kindness would prevail.
Pandemic
It started slowly. First an outbreak in a school in central Australia, barely newsworthy. Then another in South America. A post on social media drew a few views but was largely ignored. When a third occurred in Western Europe, reports flooded news services. Soon, small isolated pockets erupted on every continent, and they multiplied and spread. The touch of a hand, a pat on a shoulder, the nod of a head, a brush of lips, the trace of a smile; all were infectious. The contagion was rampant. Random acts of kindness proliferated, and unbridled bursts of joy exploded everywhere.
A bit too Pollyanna? Maybe. But wouldn’t it be wonderful? And since today, 30 July, is International Day of Friendship, it’s totally appropriate.
Teaching friendship skills was always a big part of my classroom practice and many of the lessons I develop for the readilearn collection of teaching resources for the first three years of school also focus on the development of friendship skills; including:
Happy International Day of Friendship to all my friends. Thank you for bringing joy to my life.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Great post, Norah. Heart-warming!
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Thank you, Robin. ❤
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LOVE that there’s an International Friendship Day, Norah 🙂 Didn’t know till just now!
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Thanks for being my friend, Donna. 🙂
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…and you, mine 😀
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Too Pollyanna? Perhaps we could use some Pollyanna in the world right now. And I know we could definitely use an outbreak of kindness. 🙂 ❤
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Yeah, I agree. Thanks, Sarah. I choose kindness whenever I can.
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Your 99-word thoughts on “one day” gave me shivers of hope. I think we should spread this around the world!!! Loved it, and love all of your resources on friendship. Actually, that’s the theme of my upcoming picture book (I’m not doing a promo here, just mentioning cause it’s apropos)- FRIENDSHIP is the way that MOLLY FINDS HER PURR. 🙂
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Thanks for your support, Pam. I’m pleased you enjoyed my story. I don’t mind your mentioning Molly. I can’t wait to meet her. 🙂
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I read your story at the Ranch, Norah. I’m glad to have come here to read the rest. Happy International Friendship Day to you.
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Thank you, Miriam. Happy Friendship Day to you, too. 💖
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You’re welcome, Norah. ❤
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I first read this piece at the Ranch, so I had no idea how the story was going to end. Definitely caught me by surprise. Well done.
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Thanks for popping over to read, Goldie. I’m pleased it surprised you. 🙂
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Love your post, Norah. It’s so lovely! 🙂
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Aww this is so lovely Norah. :
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You can get as Polyanna as you like with such twists like these! 🙂
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Thank you, H.R.R. I appreciate your support. 🙂
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That Chris Rosati video is powerfully moving! That is a person who came face to face with dying and decided to live! I love your version of a pandemic. I found your 99 words hopeful and inspiring. I think you should share your story with the Rosati’s foundation!
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I agree, Charli. Chris Rosati’s story is inspiring. What a legacy to leave. Impressive. I’m pleased you found my 99 words to be hopeful and inspiring. 🙂
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Beautiful sentiment Norah. Wouldn’t that just be lovely. ❤
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Thanks, Debby. I knew you’d agree. You spread so much joy. 💖
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❤
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Yes, wouldn’t it be wonderful. One day could do wonders. Terrific post, Norah! Thank you.
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Thank you so much, Jennie. I’m pleased you enjoyed my post. 💖
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You’re welcome, Norah. 😀
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💖
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Thank you, friend! ❤ A wonderful way to spend a day–every day… xo
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Thank you, Bette. I agree – every day should be friendship day. 💖🌻
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If hatred can spread virally, why not kindness too? It’s not the same thing but it makes me think of the school strike for the climate.
I catch a few of these international days, but missed this one on friendship. Thanks for flagging it and celebrating it in your flash.
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Thanks, Anne. I think it’s a great day to celebrate. It’s hard to catch them all. There are so many. This year is the first time I’ve caught this one too. 🙂
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I’ve noticed that a lot of kids don’t know how to reach out in kindness to another. This sort of day–that makes it almost required–gives them permission and lets them see it’s not so hard.
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You’re right, Jacqui. I think some of us are frightened of reaching out in case we’re rejected. But once we make the move, it all becomes a lot easier and happiness flows.
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Hi Norah, The word “kindness” seems to be appearing everywhere for me this year. Possibly, as you say, “contagion was rampant.” If being Pollyanna is wrong, I don’t want to be right. Great post! Erica
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I’m so pleased the world is bringing you kindness, Erica/Erika. We can all do with a big bunch of that. Like you, I wouldn’t want to be right if Pollyanna is wrong either. Thanks for your lovely comment. 🙂 So kind. 🌻
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Not too Pollyanna at all. I also wish for such a world. That’s why I love how Ellen ends her show each day: “be kind to one another”
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Being kind to each other is the least we can do. Let’s spread the word. 🙂
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As even Pollyanna’s friends realized, too friendly is a better idea.
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It is! 🙂
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I read the good news section of my computer everyday. Just some of the stories – A lady buys all the shoes in a store that’s closing to donate to those in need, A couple instead of gifts for their wedding ask for school supplies for a school in need. A Police station for about three days says you can pay your parking ticket in kind with pet food. … Maybe your epidemic is really here?
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Wouldn’t that be wonderful, Jules. Yes, I agree. There are many good news stories and we need to hear more of them.
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lovely thought, I wish!
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Me too! 🙂
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We can never overdose on Pollyanna can we? The impulse behind this little story is profound and I for one think it would be truly amazing! They say just 10% have to commit to something for it to become a measurable reality in the world and if those 10% stay committed it fires up the hundredth monkey syndrome and everyone is doing it……..
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We can hope, if we all do our bit …
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Finally. What an infectious pandemic. Good on ya.
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Thanks, D. 🙂
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