Make Kindness The Norm: Touching Neighbor Stories From Perry Hall

PERRY HALL, MD —Let's be totally honest. We could all use a little more kindness in Perry Hall and beyond— and what better time to show it than as we approach National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Since the start of the pandemic, so many of us in Perry Hall and across the country have felt like the weight of the world is bearing down on our shoulders. A simple, kind gesture, however, can easily brighten someone's day and give them the extra "oomph" they need to keep going.

Best of all, kindness is contagious. One good deed usually leads to another, according to a report from Dartmouth College.

"The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to 'pay it forward,'" the report said.

SEE ALSO:

• Random Acts Of Kindness Day 2022: 17 Ways To Be Kind On Feb. 17

Kindness has health perks, too. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion and improve mood. It can also decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels.

"People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer," the hospital added.

With Thursday, Feb. 17 marking National Random Acts of Kindness Day, Patch recently asked its readers to reveal the nicest thing a neighbor has done for them. "Make kindness the norm" — #MakeKindnessTheNorm on social media — is this year's theme.

Perry Hall residents did not disappoint with their stories of kindness. Here are some of the responses Patch received:

Pet Chicken Receives Some TLC

[My neighbor] stitched up one of my chickens who was attacked - over 20 stitches, antibiotics, while we were on vacation. No we did not expect him to do this. We offered to come early! Even the vet said it was above and beyond! — Kristen O'Brien

Help Following Outdoor Accident

Two neighbors cleaned up my bloodied garage, front porch and kitchen when my husband had an accident while installing a new outdoor outlet. A third neighbor finished the outlet. — Meghan Grannas Maloney

Delicious Italian Dinner

My lovely neighbor Donna made my family a delicious, authentic Italian dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. It had all the trimmings. It was a thank you for a kind act. Momma Mia it was delicious! — Helen Williams France