Day 366...

My Inspiration: Then and Now

 "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
 -Ferris Bueller

The above quote comes from one of my favorite movies of all time.  It also perfectly encompasses how I feel after this whole year and how I will live my life moving forward.  My emotions are going crazy right now thinking that the year is over.  I am happy and proud that we were able to complete all 366 acts without missing a day.  I am saddened by the fact that it is over.  I am shocked by just how quickly the year went by.  I am excited to see where 2013 and beyond takes my family.  This year we have suffered through the loss of loved ones, the arrival of babies, new friends both here and overseas, and old friends and family returning to our lives.  These random acts have allowed me to connect with people across the United States and the world, and it has made me realize that, while there is more kindness around us than I could ever have imagined, there are still more opportunities to make a positive impact in people's lives.  Throughout this year, I have been asked 4 questions more than anything else: "Which random act is your favorite?" "What are you going to do on January 1st?"  "What are you doing with the dime per follower?" "What is going to be the 366th act?"  I have either played coy when asked these questions or flat out said that I wouldn't answered them.  Well, it's the last day, so I guess I am going to have to answer them.

"Which random act is your favorite?"

I have the hardest time answering this question because, honestly, it is extremely hard for me to pick just 1 act that is my favorite.  I compare it to asking a parent which one of their children is their favorite.  It really is impossible to pick for me.  Acts that really stand out for me are Day 8, Day 14, Day 213 , Day 235 and Day 330.  But honestly, although those really stand out, I still cannot pick a favorite. 

"What are you going to do on January 1st?"

This is probably the question that I have been asked more than any other.  Usually I just jokingly say "Sleeping in" or "I'm going to turn into a jerk and do 365 Random Acts of Unkindness," but that isn't the truth.  Here is what I can tell you as to my plans as of now.  I need your help.  While I won't be doing a different random act of kindness each day, I don't want the idea of everyday kindness to end.  Therefore, 366 Random Acts will become an open forum for people to send their acts of kindness.  They don't have to be different.  They don't have to be grand.  They just have to be kind.  So let's have 'em.  Whether you are doing a random act yourself or have had one done for you, send your stories of kindness to 366RandomActs@gmail.com.  The reason that I cannot commit to doing a different act each day is because I am going to be doing something different that I can't confine to a year.  Starting in 2013, I will be doing a different act of kindness in each of the 50 states.  I am guessing it might take me a couple of years to complete all 50, but you will be able to follow here on the blog.  In advance of traveling to a state, I will put out a call for everyone's help, as I want the acts to be huge.  So be on the lookout for the first State of Kind.

"What are you going to do with the dime per follower?"

As of now, between all the social media outlets that I have committed to donating a dime per follower, the random acts community is near 10,000 people.  Thankfully, this doesn't count the nearly 450,000 people that have visited the site this year or else I would be broke.  When this journey first started out, I figured that I would find a charity to donate the money to at year end.  However, I have found so many incredible charities that I have donated to throughout the year, it would be impossible for me to pick just one.  While almost $1000 is a good amount of money, I want to make sure that it goes towards something where a life or lives are truly impacted, and I'm not sure a few bucks here and there really would.  However, I think I have found a way that it can go towards something truly positive.

"What is going to be your 366th act?"

The money from the dime per follower pledge is actually going towards my 366th act.  My whole year was inspired by my daughter.  Seeing her face while she played around on the ground 1 year ago today gave me the idea because I knew I had to change the world around her in a positive way.  Now, I see her running around the house, playing and talking up a storm, and she continues to inspire me.  But another question people have asked is "What are you going to do for your future children?" and I was taken aback because...well...what the hell am I going to do for my future children?!?!  Then I had an idea, and like any good husband, I got permission from my wife to start to turn this idea into reality.  My 366th act is going to be for Isla, but it is also going to be for my future child.  That is because Day 366 will be my future child.  For my final random act of kindness, my wife and I will begin the process of adopting a sister or brother for Isla.  We will be putting the dime per follower pledge towards the adoption process, so we have each and every one of you to thank.  I felt as though this was the best way to use the money to truly impact a life.  I know I made it a rule to do my acts on the day I posted them, but you'll have to forgive me on this one.  It will definitely take a little longer.

So there it is.  366 Random Acts of Kindness.  I want to thank everyone who has made this possible;   my daughter, my wife, my family, my friends, my nanny who is family now, my boss and coworkers, and all of you.  This has been the most incredible year of my life, and none of it would have been possible without all of the love and support of have received from all corners of my life.  While this is the end of one journey, it is the beginning of another.  Please continue to spread kindness.  We are going to be the change that this world needs.  Let's start now because as Ferris says, "Life moves pretty fast."  Danke Schoen.