Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day

Day 46 of a year of Kindness

I delivered Valentine's treats to a nursing home and unexpectedly found an old friend. The crazy thing about spreading kindness is that sometimes it ricochets right back to you. I went to the Scallop Shell Nursing & Rehab Center with candy for staff, and balloons and cards for the residents. The receptionist, Michelle, looked at me closely after I gave her my name. “I’ve only known one Francesca in my life,” she said. She described a very pregnant woman who worked at the psychology department at the University of Rhode Island in 1997. That was ME! We had such a big laugh and a hug. What’s even more extraordinary - my position was temporary. I only worked there about six months. Michele was part of a group of women (who I barely knew) who threw me a baby shower. I never forgot that baby shower and their kindness! I showed her a photo of my 27-year-old baby and thanked her again for that baby shower.Afterwards, Melinda, the activities director, introduced me to residents and we handed out balloons and cards. They were all so happy to get some gifts and attention - one woman cried. It made me feel so good to spend time with folks who needed some love on Valentine’s Day. It also felt like such a blessing to find a friend who was kind to me 27 years ago. 

Science of kindness: I definitely felt the “helpers high” today because of such meaningful connections. Our brains provide us with a positive chemical reward when we do something altruistic. Kindness to others nets you all sorts of feel-good chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. The helper’s high is the same positive response you get when you hug someone you love or drink your favorite cup of coffee. It triggers the brain’s reward pathways making you feel happier, energized and more inclined to do those things again.#thenapministry #kindnessmatters #kindness #kindnessiscontagious @10kindnessclub #valentinesday #scallop-shell-nursing-rehabilitation-center