I’ve still been on board the kindness train the last couple of weeks, still a “Kindness Ambassador” as described in my last post, “The Kindness Project”
https://pathtothepasture.com/2020/02/06/the-kindness-project/
Week 7’s theme is, “Send Kind Thoughts”
I thought of several people in my circle who could surely use some kind thoughts…and then I “met” Candice George @candiceaartist on twitter. Candice is Wetsuwetsen. You may have heard of the Wetsuwetsen people in the last couple of weeks. Protesters. Against a pipeline. The media was focusing only on these protesters who opposed the pipeline and out of the chaos came a young woman attempting to bring a voice to the majority in her community who supported economic development and sought a peaceful resolution with those opposed.
We all have our reasons for supporting or not supporting either side of this issue and there have certainly been “unkind” thoughts all over twitter. Through it all, Candice has remained calm and tried to share another view to Canadians. I came to respect her and her approach. At one point, Candice was attacked by someone claiming her followers were white supremacists. (For real)
To which I replied,
“Sweetheart, I’m a white, rather supreme, Grandma to 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild who carry indigenous blood. This Supreme White lady thanks you for being a positive role model.”
Was that kind to throw a lighthearted thought her way amid a trying time? Perhaps.
What was REALLY kind was her response.
❤ Snachaliyah “I honour you for honouring me!” Keep on rocking as a supreme atsoo!!
We were kind to each other. One “settler”, one “indigenous”… kind to each other as human beings. While presenting her elder’s side of the story I have yet to hear her swear or call another disrespectful names. This REALLY stands out on twitter, especially when in dialogue about such contentious issues.
Support her side of the story or not, this is a stellar human being, and she should be admired for her leadership. Be kind to Candice, or you’ll have to go through the supreme atsoo!
Week 8’s kindness theme hits closer to home. “Give a gift to a local school.”
I send plenty of money to local schools with 18 grandchildren passing through with various fundraisers. I eat a lot of cookie dough, popcorn, pies, pizza and chocolate, own a variety of cards and Christmas wrap. I wanted to do something unique to this week, though and chose Breakfast Club Canada who is active in High River. I had to fend for myself sometimes as a kid, and I know that there’s an impact when kids aren’t well fed. Turns out soda crackers and peanut butter isn’t exactly rocket fuel…and some kids show up at school with less than that. You can’t think of anything else when you’re hungry, so I’m hoping my wee contribution will help a kid through.
The book I’m hoping to publish by the time I’m 80 (It’s good to have goals) talks about the villagers who kept me afloat during my “fending for myself” moments. Now I’m a villager and I hope it helps.
Tell me what you have done, or would do following the week 7 and 8 markers. I’d love to hear from you!
Path to Pasture 