A New Twist to an Old Story
I remember the first time I gave up something for Lent. I was living in Torreon, Mexico as a foreign exchange student. My homestay family, the Roca’s, watched in horror as their new American daughter consumed bottled Coca Cola by the case. It was so sweet, and icy cold and I’d never experienced the joy of Coke in the bottle before. To this day I think it is a culinary delight. (Goes to show you how sophisticated my palate is.)
My homestay mother, Perla, challenged me to give up my soda habit for the 40 day Lenten season. Always up for a test, I agreed. It wasn’t pretty, but I managed. Since 1995, I’ve given up some diet delight each year in honor of Lent.
The thing is, you aren’t supposed to talk about this. The point isn’t to get a big pat on the back by those around you when you give penance. It is supposed to be private and personal — much like I consider my faith. So, I’m not going to share the details of my sacrifice.
I have a friend who is starting radiation for cancer this week. She said that she was giving up her hair for Lent, and I couldn’t help but laugh. In all seriousness, she is fighting for her life. She said that instead of worrying about what foods she wasn’t going to eat, she wanted instead to add one intentional kind act to her day. She inspired me.
Today I begin CAOK — Calculated Acts of Kindness. For the next 40-plus days, I’m going to share a little extra love with as many friends, families and perfect strangers as I can muster. Again, the idea isn’t to be patted on the back, but a way to add a little happiness in a world that seems at times spinning out of control. I believe in karma and paying it forward. It can’t hurt to share some kindness. So, we’ll see how this goes. [This is something I struggled with whether or not to share, but my blog is as close to a journal as I keep these days and it is something I want to remember.]
If I shoot you an email in the next month to ask for your mailing address, I hope you’ll indulge me. I am looking forward to many a craft and baking project to get CAOK off to a great start.
Last night, I made some stationery (because who doesn’t love receiving a card in the mail?):
I’ll be keeping the details at Flickr too.
~K
Kellie, I think this is wonderful! In a world seemingly filled with so much unhappiness, I love your plan. You continue to amaze me
Could your friend use a few soft hats? If so, what would she like? I’d love to make her a hat.
I’m with Heather — maybe the crafty among us could send you a collection of handmade hats for her to wear during her treatment?
I love your CAOK project — you have a big beautiful heart, Donk.
You are wonderful (as are your friends). I think we are also kindred spirits (as I think I’ve said before). The world needs more of you.
I can only knit scarves & blankets at this point…but I’d love to learn how to make hats!!
Your project is a really inspiring one, this world indeed is in a bad need of love and kindness. Do you mind if I steal your idea? Thanks .
You have such wonderful ideas!!
What a lovely idea! I’ve been trying to send little surprises here and there since the beginning of the year, and it’s so fun to bring an unexpected bit of joy to those I love, but I love your idea of doing it for 40 days in a row, wow!
CAOK. I LOVE IT. Now, that is something I would have as a bumper sticker on my car. I just had to google it and see if it was something you came up with or if it’s already out there. Your blog came right up, of course.
I just found your blog via Lisa at Bird in the Hand and I think you are definitely onto something with CAOK. Very inspiring! I will now check in regularly to see how it progresses.
what a lovely idea kelli. i just lost my mom to cancer…i find what you’re doing so touching. all the positive energy you put out in the world with your one big heart really does make a difference, and it helps you feel better too!
What a lovely idea.
you don’t know me, but I just read your entry through the project spectrum participant list. i think what you’re doing is awesome, and a wonderful thing to do for Lent.
i admire you for doing it.
I’m in!
We’re organizing a CAOK group here in Oregon.. We’ll keep you updated on our progress and good random acts!!