The Power of Pink
I close my bi-weekly ezine, In The Pink, with my signature phrase of “Keep it Pink”. Pink, to me, means power, possibility and passion. I like to help keep pink and all of its positive connotations in our minds as we weave through our busy days.
Last night when I was at a Hess station in New Haven getting gas, I noticed that the woman in front of me (dressed in a light hoodie on a cold, wind-whipped night) was paying for her gas in part with loose change: quarters, nickels, dimes and more than a few pennies. I thought about this while I signed my bank card receipt for my own gas. Driving away, I found myself remembering the story that I had read a few years back about the woman who, at the subway turnstile, paid for her fare and the fares of the 8, 10? people behind her. Images of the “Practice Random Acts of Kindness” bumper sticker filled my mind as I wondered how I could do something similar: a small, contagious gesture which fills everyone with good feelings. But since these acts are viral (remember Pay It Forward?), I knew that I wanted to include my pink community as well.
So, starting in February, for 29 days (2008 is a Leap Year!), I will begin “29 days of Pink Kindness” and I want as many of you out there to join me as is possible. Each day for 29 days, I will commit to one casual act of pink kindness to someone that I encounter in my day.
Here are the five rules that I agree to abide by:
1) The person who benefits from the act of pink kindness can be known or unknown.
2) The act may be premeditated. In other words, you can plan ahead.
3) The person who benefits need not be in your presence i.e. you can send a letter or flowers and not be there to witness their pleasure.
4) The act must keep with the theme of pink i.e. encouraging someone’s passions; enhancing their possibility or expanding their power/empowering them.
5) I will document, via this blog, the acts that I perform and the reaction of the recipient. This revelations may come out on a per act basis or in summary (weekly) format.
So, if you are interested in joining me, all you need do is email me, letting me know that you will commit to the above rules (you can opt to share comments detailing your acts, as an add-on to my posts or email me details on your acts and I will post for you). Then, I’ll add your name and you’re good to go. And, don’t worry, you won’t be on your own. You’ll be hearing from me several times before we start on February 1.
One person can make a difference but an gaggle of us spreading pink kindness wherever we may roam lends a whole new dimension to the power of change. There is a real need in this world for more people to take small steps to spread hope through pink to others. Don’t you think? I hope you will join me for “29 Days of Pink Kindness”!
Hey Elizabeth.
I would like to join you for the 29 Days of pink Kindness in February. I have been so blessed this yearI want to give back just a little something. I think it is a great idea.
Have a great holiday season. Thank you for all you have done for me this year! HUGS!
Comment by Judy Delaney — 12/13/2007 @ 9:06 pm
Hi Elizabeth,
What a terrific idea! Count me in! We all need a little encouragement, especially in the middle of winter. Have a wonderful holiday yourself!
Fondly,
Barbara
Comment by Barbara Danner — 12/17/2007 @ 11:45 pm
[...] that comes from practicing random acts of pink kindness. For more details on the campaign, click here /. You can also sign-up by adding your name to the “comments” [...]
Pingback by ejohnsonandcompany.com » A Pink incentive — 12/24/2007 @ 11:04 am
A Terrific idea! Count me in!!
Comment by Laura J — 12/26/2007 @ 3:32 pm
Hi Elizabeth –
I would definitely like to join you — sounds great! I can’t wait!
XOXO, Katie
Comment by Kate Stephenson — 12/26/2007 @ 3:58 pm
I would love to be a part of this, it is contagious to be around generous people and I need to exercise my thankfulness,[ of which I have so much to be thankful for!] So, I am ready and willing. I will have many opportunities as I start teaching @ The Kildonan School in Jan. many young people to encourage!
Happy New Year Elizabeth!
Rosemary
Comment by Rosemary Barrett — 12/26/2007 @ 5:13 pm
I look forward to being part of this positive experience. Thank you for orchestrating it.
Happy New Year!
Comment by Jean Emberlin — 12/26/2007 @ 7:53 pm
Elizabeth,
This is a wonderful and blessed ideal. How could I not be involved in blessing others? God has been so good to me even in and through the valleys (problems) which he has provided others to encourage and pray with me. So yes, yes, yes.
Happy New Year and Power to Keeping it Pink!
Comment by Denisa Calloway — 12/27/2007 @ 12:50 pm
What a wonderful idea and what better month than February to do it in. I’d love to share and hopefully inspire kindness in other people.
Comment by Mary Sara — 1/8/2008 @ 10:58 am
I love this idea!
Comment by Heather — 1/18/2008 @ 11:26 pm
What a terrific idea. I will join in.
How about, at a future time, having a month of gratitude in which you capture one thing/person/moment you are grateful for each day? In the case of it being internal or an awareness, simply capturing it would suffice, and in the case of it being another person, you could express that gratitude in some small way.
All it would take is a daily reminder.
I hope you are healthy, happy, and thriving and send best wishes for 2008!
Comment by Nina Coil — 1/23/2008 @ 1:21 pm
Sign me up! Its a totally lovely pink idea. I know that I’m going to benefit just as much as my recipients. Its a great way to get out of oneself and think more about others. Thank you, E.
Comment by Jude Streng — 1/25/2008 @ 10:57 pm
Thanks for the fantastic group and all that you do to make the world a better place! Please count me in!
Millions of blessings to you!
Amy
Comment by Amy — 1/27/2008 @ 2:47 pm
[...] like it is flying by. Could it be the increased lightness in our spirits due to our spreading of 29 Days of Pink Kindness? I like to think so. There are a number of women out there who have committed to spreading an act [...]
Pingback by ejohnsonandcompany.com » Day #7 of Pink Kindness — 2/7/2008 @ 1:00 pm