Just Because

August 2021

“An ounce of kindness always goes a lot further than an ounce of bitterness. So sprinkle it every time you can. You always can!”

When I was a teen, my dad told me that one day he was going to surprise me with a $100 bill. He didn’t need a reason… it was “just because.” On August 27th this year, you won’t need a reason to do something out of the ordinary or spread a random act of kindness. Why? Well, just because. This day is about celebrating life, and the beauty of spontaneity in life, for no other reason than just because you can.

You may want to do something nice for someone, pay it forward, do something for yourself, or just step out of the expected box we tend to draw around ourselves and march to the beat of your own drum again—stop worrying about the whys.

Many of us have been recipients of someone having paid our drive-thru order when we get up to the cashier. For me, that reminds me of the human kindness that exists and urges me to do the same for a perfect stranger. It’s a great feeling! Want to completely rock a new hairstyle or make a spaghetti breakfast in formal wear? Go for it! Do you need an impromptu roadtrip or even the new car you’ve been hem-hawing about? Do it just because. Say hello to every person you encounter today. Skip down the sidewalk and do a twirl at the end. Drop off a handwritten note and chocolate chip cookies at a friend’s house. Mow the elderly neighbor’s yard. All just because. You get it, the possibilities are endless, and the only limit is you. What can you do to make someone’s day brighter (including your own)? Life is a gift; live it to the fullest! For today, delete the have-to, logic, and expectations for doing something and do it just because.

When I get to travel to our other offices, I see examples of ‘just because’ all around. Our staff are kind and intentional with one another, and if you haven’t noticed it, maybe you can be the grease on the wheel that gets it going. No one needs credit. Do it just because you can.

I eventually received that $100 bill. I can’t remember what it was spent on, but what I do remember was the look in my daddy’s eyes when he was able to so selflessly give a hard-earned gift for no other reason than just because. It was not only a gift for me; it was a gift for him. Maybe we shouldn’t limit ourselves to just one day.

Be Well …

Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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