Let's start with tomorrow, the 20th of July. It's National Moon Day. This celebrates the 50th anniversary of Astronaut Buzz Aldrin's walk on the moon. July 20 is also Toss Away The Could haves And Should Haves Day. In short, don't go through life with regrets. And then on Sunday the 21st, we celebrate National Be Someone Day. This is the day we can all become everyday heroes and the special day that is the focus of this blog.
It doesn't require much of anything to become a real-life hero to a child, an elderly neighbor, a lost pet, or a random stranger on the street. This day was designated as a way to bring attention to child abuse and to ask everyone to commit to making a difference in a child's life by reporting child abuse.
But I'd like to ask you to take it one step farther. And that is to look out for anyone who might need a little extra help. That could be an elderly neighbor who needs their lawn mowed or their dog walked. It could be a mother with three fussy young children who needs help opening the door at the supermarket. If you come across anyone needing a helping hand this weekend, this is your time to don the red cape. Anybody can be a hero.
I did a little research on easy ways anyone can become a hero and, as you might expect, I found a wealth of information on the subject. I've compiled a list of a few of my favorite "hero" tips.
1. If you smoke, quit. "You’ll inspire those closest to you, who want more than anything for you to be here and in good health. The irony, of course, is you need to quit for you." But I can assure you that your loved ones will still consider you a hero.
2. Let someone go ahead of you at the grocery store...or on the freeway. How hard is it to give a break to someone who’s obviously under stress or simply in a hurry? Because I am guilty of not doing this often enough, I had to put this near the top of the list.
3. Don't step on someone else's moment. What a shame if we did great heroic acts for all the world to see, and went through life undermining our friends, family, and coworkers. When someone else is telling a story, for example, just smile and let them have the limelight. Sometimes we are most heroic when we let someone else be the hero.
4. Pay a kindness that can't be repaid. Check on a sick friend or neighbor and bring them soup or a good book to read. Without being asked, volunteer to water a neighbor's plants while he's away. if a co-worker has to stay late to catch up on last-minute paperwork. Volunteer to help so she can get home sooner to kids. You get the idea.
5. If you're a guy, go to the doctor and get a physical and a flu shot. Most men don't do these things on their own. So I'm here to tell you that your family, friends, and significant other will think you're a real hero if you schedule an appointment with your doctor on your own. I mean, don't you want to stay healthy and be there for your loved for a good long time?
6. If you can, donate blood and/or plasma. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve made a lifesaving difference to a stranger or group of strangers. And who doesn't like the free juice and cookies you get afterward? It takes a real hero to save a life.
7. Speak only kind words about your children's other parent. While you might not feel kindly toward your ex, your children still love them. it is the right and kind thing to do for them.
8. When someone you love is grieving, don't say, "If you need anything...." Instead, ask them, "What would be most helpful?" You'll probably be surprised at their answer!
I've only skimmed the surface and I bet you can think of many other easy ways to be a real-life hero to someone. There are so many fun and wonderful things to celebrate this July weekend, it might be hard to choose. However you decide to spend your weekend, I hope you can take advantage of the glorious summer weather and spend time outdoors with those you care about.
Please join me back here on Monday for another week of this frog's blog. Until then,
PEACE.