the power of kindness

Ten years later, it's incredible how the tragedies of September 11, 2001 can feel just as close as they did that day. Every year on the anniversary, I feel so overwhelmed with sadness, confusion, and helplessness. I wonder how things could ever continue to go on and how life will resume, and then, just like it did in 2001, it slowly does.

It's said often, but the kindness and sense of community that was displayed in the weeks following that historic day give me such a feeling a purpose and truly rekindled my spirit. The same way the anniversary so clearly brings back the feelings of loss, it also reminds me of the incredible power of humankind to reach out to one another and to be kind (perhaps that's why it's humankind...right?). There are so many stories of bravery and courage shared from that day (and other tragedies), but it is still never mundane or simple. If watching the footage of 9/11 evokes a level of sadness, the anniversary and sharing and celebration of lives lost provides me with an even greater feeling of hope.

Ryan and I went to a memorial service this morning and while he was speaking, the Police Chief asked everyone to join hands, just as we so easily did in the days following 9/11. It was such a powerful moment. When life gets busy, we all too often get consumed with the little details that make up our days, too busy to pause for a complete stranger. Holding the hand of someone I had never seen before and quite possible never will again reminded me that each moment, each interaction still has such great value.

A little while later, we were walking through a book festival and I saw the perfect magnet that read, "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." I had to laugh, but appreciated the creative approach to making the point. Each day, we have the ability to impact the lives of all those we encounter, and even if we are just running errands or walking down the street, that's still a lot of people. Someone chased me down the street the other day to give me my sweater that had fallen out of my bag and I was so grateful, and even surprised that he took the time to do that. These things put it into perspective for me and help to remind me that these little moments or touches make all the difference in the world. This kindness should be the norm.

When I think about the way running has made me feel about myself, I recognize that there is no greater gift I could give than to pay it forward and help others to feel that same success and the same wonderful way about themselves and their ability to reach their goals and dreams. Of course this isn't exclusive to running, but it's something I want to do in this next year of running, to help others in that way. I think about the way people, even complete strangers, can lift one another up. It shouldn't take immense tragedy for this to happen. It should be happening every day.