Resolve to Give Random Kindness

by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association
Happy beginning of 2021. With everything we have been faced with, I want to talk about starting a daily habit of doing “something.” If you have the power to make someone happy — DO IT. 
We all know resolutions are hard to stay the course like diets and exercise. But, I am passionate about the resolution that the Yavapai County Contractors Association (YCCA) has made to continue to promote our organization and share with the community the importance of using local licensed contractors. 
YCCA and our board have also resolved that we will continue to give back to the community through our membership. There are many good causes that matter, and YCCA will continue to give mentor and volunteer time in our community to try and make our community a better place. 
So now let’s talk about: “Happy.”
I love to smile at everyone — it may be the only smile they get all day, and gosh it makes me feel good. And, the smiles I receive in return are amazing. Now more than ever people need to honestly think about what it means to be kind. Not because the world is in any more of a state of chaos then it ever has been, but because our world lends itself less and less to kindness. 
Another “Happy” for me is when I stop for cars backing out of parking spaces. With our narrow streets in Prescott I am always watching for the back-up lights and stop to let the car pull out. The waves I get from the drivers are great. And, I will continue to resolve to let another driver into my lane when I see a turn signal on. It takes a nano second to slow down and let the driver into your lane.
Remember the ripple effect starts with one. One person to be a spark of kindness and “Happy.” We can all be that one person. 
Everybody has the potential to change the world, and I believe everyone wants to seize that potential. These people are called a RAKtivist. RAKtivists are the heroes of our world. They live and breathe kindness, sharing knowledge and leading by example. RAKtivists leave a trail of warm-and-fuzzy feelings in their wake.
So you ask: What is a RAKtivist? RAKtivist is short for Random Acts of Kindness activist. RAKtivist —anyone who believes kindness can change the world, who reminds everyone around them how much love there is. Let’s all be a RAKtivist. 
So the main New Year’s resolution we should all care about for 2021 is keeping kindness on mind and following our resolutions to be better people, better company owners and better community partners.
Nearly a hundred years ago, aviator Amelia Earhart observed, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” 
These resolutions, happiness expressions and widespread kindness makes our community feel happier. We crave the sweetness that kindness brings to life. In 2021, clear your schedule for kindness. Small intentional acts of kindness can change the world.