It’s not often that we get an extra day, unless you consider every four years often. But this week, we were awarded just that. Unfortunately for most of us, that extra day was morphed into a typical Monday at work. It sure didn’t seem like a bonus.
Though February 29, 2016, fell on a Monday, I think I will continue to celebrate the extra day well into the year. A childhood friend of mine spent her day giving birth to her second child, a baby boy, who will only be able to recognize his real first birthday in 2020. Luckily, that one falls on a Saturday.
With the extra day, I have decided to focus on ways I can give a little extra throughout the year. There are so many ways we can give our time or talents here in our own community. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.
This month, Community Assistance Council is filling their storage spaces with toiletries for their annual Tee Pee CAC drive. While I’m out shopping for toilet paper, I’ll grab two and drop the other by Grandview Assistance Program, as I’m sure the need there is just as great.
This week, I begin my volunteer Grandview Reader Leader program and will head to High Grove to read to some little ones. To sign up to be a Reader Leader, contact the district at 816-316-5000.
When Michael and I take walks or visit the parks, we’ll bring a sack along with us and pick up trash and other debris we find along our way. This can easily be done in our neighborhoods and around our businesses.
As our neighbors age, I’m sure there is always something around their house where they could use a lending hand. Or, even paying a visit to an old friend at a nursing facility would surely make someone’s day a little brighter.
I can stock shelves, I can organize clothes, I can alphabetize and I can help spread messages. This year, with my extra 24 hours, I can do all of these things, and maybe a little extra, to benefit our community.
Whatever you decide to do with your extra day, make it meaningful. Spread some cheer and kindness and make a positive impact on someone’s life. It doesn’t have to be grand, and it doesn’t have to be monetary. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do for people is to spend a little extra time with them.
