Something incredible happened that showed me the awesomeness in all of us and inspired me to create a day of celebration to recognize our collective awesomeness.

Here's what happened: A neighbor, Tony Grear, practiced his superpower of empathy and sacrifice when he carried my mom down five flights of smoke filled stairs during a fire at their condo, even though he was walking on a bandaged, recently operated foot. My family's debt to him is 'un-repayable'. 

After telling folks this story, I realized:

1. Our superpowers of empathy, care, compassion, sacrifice, kindness, etc. are absolutely essential to experience the joy, happiness, and success we want in our lives.          

2. Even though we should honor heroic moments like this, we should truly celebrate the more common experiences and people who fill our lives with joy, happiness and success: teachers, mentors, coaches, colleagues, neighbors, family, friends and even strangers.

3. Hearing stories like this boosts our individual and societal morale, which then encourages people to look for more opportunities to use their superpowers.  Displaying the importance of caring for each other as a day of celebration is a great way to inspire more people to use their superpowers when they get the chance.

The societal challenges of 2020 exemplifies the powerful impact that using love, empathy, kindness, and sacrifice can have on each other's lives. Millions who were starved were served and delivered food. Thousands of others worked tirelessly to protect those in vulnerable health and many more showed up to work even when it was less safe to do so. Society always moves forward because we all are the friends, neighbors, professionals, and strangers that exemplify our human awesomeness.

Because of this common awesomeness we should dedicate a day to celebrate ourselves, our loving actions towards each other and that connection that allows us to thrive.

Please join me in creating a Love and Appreciation Day celebration to do just that.

When- Saturday May 29th, 2021 and then every fourth Saturday in May.

Who- Any and everyone wanting to spend a day feeling and being awesome to each other.

How- Here are some suggestions:

1. Spend time with your loved ones. Cherish your time together. 2020 has shown us that our connections to each other light our path to happiness and success.

2. Complete the circle of loving actions, positive impact and appreciation by sharing your appreciation with those who have impacted your life positively through their loving actions.

3. Practice your superpowers with others: kindness, empathy, patience, forgiveness, etc.. Do it individually, as a family and as a community. We'll all benefit immensely.

4. Hold a vigil to honor the societal sacrifice, loss and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you and take care.

Andre Lee

contact: lna@loveandappreciationday.com