Gratitude. Kindness. Reciprocity. Three great words (especially that last one — though we admit we’re a bit biased!). But how often do you put them into practice in your day-to-day life? Stop to count your blessings: your healthy, loving family; your own health; and all the people who in one way or another make all the things you enjoy possible?

If you’re like us, not as often as you’d like, right? It’s hard to find the time in between Zoom meetings and deadlines and dropping your kids off at school. We’re just so busy. Until…

One of our team members started the Kindness Challenge on Slack. The result? 300 acts of kindness in just one week. How’d we do it? Keep reading for the delightful details.

The Kindness Challenge

One day in early November, we all opened our Slack to find this (feel free to copy and paste into your company’s virtual message board):

“We’re busy. Very busy — but this is worth it. You have the opportunity to be a catalyst for kindness in your community, in your family, and within Reciprocity. We possess the power to brighten someone’s day and positively impact our community.

“It begins with action. I choose today and I challenge everyone to start our kindness adventure together!

“How do you participate? Get challenged and accept. Or, better still, jump right into the following…

  1. Choose your own 5 acts of kindness and share them on this channel.
  2. Tag 3 people you challenge to commit to 5 acts of kindness.

300 Acts of Gratitude, Kindness, and Reciprocity Later…

Our global team had given their money, time, and food to charities in their communities; adopted a dog from a kill shelter; donated blood; volunteered to mentor colleagues; and pledged to foster stronger connections with their friends, families, and neighbors.

But this summary doesn’t do these great acts justice, so here are some of the most touching ones—in our team members’ own words:

Gratitude

I’m thankful for those who lead different lifestyles or have different points of view, and I will do everything I can to be fully inclusive and make sure everyone knows they have a voice.

I am grateful that I’ve been able to provide my 3 girls a great education and know that is not a given for all girls. I will donate to Oasis for Girls to help under-resourced young women in the Bay Area develop their skills and self-confidence.

I am grateful to be food secure. As a young child, I remember my family receiving a box of food for Thanksgiving, and I will put food boxes together for our local food bank within the next two weeks.

Kindness

For all the kids in my community and there’s safety in the traffic while they go to school, I have started the initiative to build a sidewalk along our main street.

In honor of my mom, who is grappling with Alzheimer’s disease, and for so many other families who have to watch a loved one’s memory fade, I will donate to and raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

For my love of caffeine and the extra boost of energy, I am grateful. = I will buy coffee for the person behind me in line.

Reciprocity

For my wife — who tirelessly has the world on her shoulders when it comes to our kids and household — I will give her a morning to herself to do whatever she wants!

During our summer vacation in Greece, we faced the danger of the wildfires. I will make a donation to the local Fire Department, as I’m grateful for the work they are doing to protect us.

I’m grateful for the foster care system since they brought our children to us. I will volunteer at one event a month for the next six months and increase the amount of money that my husband and I donate.

Take the Challenge (And Tell Us About It!)

We can’t think of a better time than the Thanksgiving holiday to rise to the Kindness Challenge. We invite you to commit your own 5 acts of gratitude, kindness, and reciprocity, and share them with us on Facebook.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

And from our Reciprocity family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

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