It is day 25 of my February 28 in 28.

28 what? 28 acts of kindness/giving this month. One for every day but since I make the rules, make ups are allowed for missed days. Missed days are allowed... within reason. Not too many. But life is life and I must make allowances. I had thought I would be writing and sharing more insights. But not so much this month.

It's challenging to take on something for every single day. Inevitably, life will get in the way and it will be hard to follow through. Or I will be forgetful, distracted, or just plain not in the mood. Or I will fail to notice an opportunity even though I strived to have hawk eyes for opportunities this month.

A few examples....

Pick it up. There was the dog poop that needed to be picked up in my neighborhood. Out walking with Kyle and there it was just a few feet from a pooper cleaner upper station.

Go ahead. There was the man behind us at Costco, with just one bag of coffee, waiting to leave the store behind our overflowing cart stuffed with items like a five pound bag of baby kale, frozen fish, keg o apples and socks. Gotta love the socks you throw in with your groceries at Costco. We left before Neil could grab a set of wrenches.

Give away. And then there were the copies of Breathe that I have given away because they are tired of sleeping in boxes in my closet and happier in the hands of those they can inspire.

Surprise. I left a Starbucks gift card in a bank teller canister today. Fun to think of making someone's day anonymously. I left a note saying pay it forward.

Most of the giving has been done quietly and discreetly,  just between me and the receiver.

The Talmud (book of Jewish law and legend) tells us, "It is not the thought that counts, but the deed." Behavior matters. While I often may have "good" intentions, if they are not followed up with actions, they stay just that... intentions. It is our deeds that have the power to make a difference.

Confession. It is a challenge to be consistent with a challenge. As the month progresses, it's been easy for my enthusiasm to wane a little. Why am I doing this again? Don't I have enough challenges in my life? Also, it's hard to want to give if I am grumpy. But making myself give, helps me be less grumpy.

Benefits. With each day, each month, each challenge,  I've grown in millimeters. Challenge has knocked me off of auto pilot and given me a nudge. Sticking with the challenges of January and February has given me a mental boost.  My awareness has expanded with each step I've taken.

I am in the home stretch of February. It's been busy with Kyle care, mom stuff, out of town guests and life. But squeezed in between the moments, in between the mind run amok and dirty dishes, I sprinkled a few seeds of random kindness and giving out into the world. That feels really good.

PS.... March 31 in 31 is coming up. Join me!

Also, would love to hear from you if you have been doing a challenge in February or want to try one for March. I am collecting stories.... even if you "failed miserably", I want to hear about it.