Like many people, I’ve been a bundle of emotions this weekend – sad, angry, shocked, confused, and sad and shocked all over again. I grew up in Connecticut not far from Newtown and I can’t wrap my head around it.
I have had a knot in my throat that won’t go away. I haven’t really watched the news or read many articles because I know that once I do, I won’t be able to stop crying. My heart is heavy and it feels like it’s going to burst sometimes – from the sorrow, the sadness, the madness and the irrational fears.
It’s Sunday night and the boys are asleep and I’ve started to read some articles, commentary and blog posts. I was right. I can’t stop crying now. It was this beautiful post over at Masala Chica that did it.
Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion. – Buddha
There’s a movement to perform 26 acts of kindness to honor each of the victims from Sandy Hook Elementary, an idea initiated by Ann Curry. While it doesn’t seem like much, it feels like the right thing to me. There’s a part of me that needs to believe that there’s good out there in people and in the world.
I’d love for you to join this movement and to share with friends. You can follow the movement on Twitter with the hashtags #20Acts (for the 20 children) or #26Acts (for all those who lost their lives on Friday).
Here’s more information on how you can help families affected by the Newtown school shooting.
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There is so much power in compassion. Although obviously there are mental health issues that could use more attention in our society, I also think there are many disturbed people who could be prevented from doing/thinking awful things if they had experienced more love in their life.
I also Maya Angelou’s poem on peace: http://worldunderstandingandpeace.com/2007/09/03/great-poem-on-peace-amazing-peace-by-maya-angelou/
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Marathon Training Recap and Menu Planning Link up
That’s a beautiful poem Laura. Thank you so much for sharing it. I completely agree with you that there are so many issues that need more attention in our society, definitely mental health issues. We are such a divided society on so many levels but I hope that we can talk more about this and come together.
see, there is good in this world. <3
lindsay recently posted..I am reminded
xoxo Thank you Lindsay. You constantly remind me of that.
It’s posts like these that make me have faith in humanity again. Thanks girl. There is good in this world and you are one of the reasons why.
maria @ lift love life recently posted..Praying.
Thank you. I’m trying to focus on finding the good and the light out there. Extra kisses to your cutie pie.
This is a wonderful way to respond. I hate the feeling of hopelessness in how to help–this offers a real, concrete way to act. Thanks for sharing.
misszippy recently posted..When words fail
That’s the thing – I hate feeling helpless and I know that there is absolutely nothing I can say or do to take away the pain and make it go away but I wanted to try to remember that there is good out there. And hopefully, we can spread that goodness.
I avoided the media all weekend too. Last night I allowed myself to read a little bit and lost it. I had a post scheduled but thought it would be better to be silent. I will be joining in the random acts of kindness. This gives me hope. Thank you!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..In Remembrance
I had a totally different post planned for today too and was planning on being silent but same across the #26acts and wanted to share it. Thank you for joining in. I’m still randomly breaking out in tears all morning.
LOVE THIS IDEA! There is goodness, kindness, and compassion in the world. We just have to find it again. Love is always the answer
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..#Motivation Monday – Message from Your Heart
Thank you Krysten. I see lots of love and compassion in people and people like you give me hope. xoxo
hi love..
what a beautiful idea, what a gorgeous way to celebrate those 26 (27 I don’t want to miss his mom) lives that were lost.
I saw this on FB yesterday and I fully intend to do this…to celebrate those lives.
Kir recently posted..I Can…Say Your Name
Yes, most definitely 27. Thank you for catching my oversight and for celebrating their lives too.
I love this post. You never cease to amaze me with your beautiful heart and soul. What a great tribute and way to give back and pay it forward. I too cannot watch the news or read much about it, just far too sad and tragic.
jobo recently posted..Happy things Friday
Thank you for your kind words. It seems silly and trivial but maybe it’s just my naive self hoping that it makes just a little bit of difference.
Like many, this tragedy has really affected me. I can’t put into words how I feel every time I hear that little ones (our children’s ages) were the primary victims. I feel like I’ve been making myself read the articles, watch the TV and look at those little faces so I can FEEL the pain that those parents must be feeling. It’s all to real for them and I feel like I need to make it real for me, too.
I will certainly participate in the 26 acts of kindness.
Michelle recently posted..Best Darn Beginners Class EVER! Seriously!
Thank you Michelle. I know – that they are our children’s ages is what really gets me. I can’t even fathom.
I have cried and cried again. My 17 year old has been depressed and moody. When asked why he says he just doesn’t understand this. As much as this weighs on my mind I just can’t bring myself to address it in a post. What can I say or do that will ever help this hurt go away for the families?
Thank you for sharing this as it is something. If nothing else it says to the families that we hear and feel their sorrow and grief and will honor their babies any way we can.
Carli recently posted..Pump It Circuit Workout
That’s the thing that gets me – they were just babies. I’m sorry Carli that your son is having a hard time with this. I think that we all are. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write or what I would write – so much has already been said but I felt like I needed this.
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..A Fit-Christmas List for Her
Beautifully said, Christine. I could not agree with you more – I spent the better part of the weekend with the TV off. Sometimes I feel like it’s the childish thing to do – I feel like if I don’t see or hear evil, then it doesn’t exist, you know? Every time I close my eyes, I can’t help but picture AJ in a classroom like that – and what I would be experiencing and feeling right now. And then I cry all over again. It’s amazing to me because AJ has definitely sensed “something” this weekend and has been so incredibly loving and cuddly with me – which only makes me cry and think about those kids even more.
I love this idea.
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..When do you throw in the towel?
I don’t think you’re being childish. It’s exactly what I’ve been doing too. E has been especially sweet and cuddly and he normally is not at all. I’ve been taking advantage of the extra cuddles and holding on a little tighter.
I’m in. I have some thinking to do around this. I want my 26 acts to truly honor these people. But as I said to Kiran earlier, Hell yes. count me in.
ilene recently posted..The Pause
Thank you. I’ve been thinking about what I want to do around this too. I don’t want it to be trivial or just another list to check off.
Christine,
So glad you are doing this with me. Let’s focus our grief on doing something beautiful in honor of all those who died.
xoxo,
Kiran
Kiran@Masala Chica recently posted..Small Things With Great Love
Thank you for your beautiful post and bringing spreading the word about this idea. I do think that we can honor them in a beautiful way.