Last week Boston celebrated a new holiday, One Boston Day. To be held on April 15th every year, this is meant to be a day of performing kind acts for others.  Created as a way to honor the strength of the city in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, I think it is a wonderful way to mark this somber date.

This very idea of giving back is one that I appreciate. What I find amazing is how good it feels to do something small for someone else. Last winter I put away a shopping carriage in a parking lot for a mom with her toddler in tow. It added 30 extra seconds to my time in the parking lot. Seeing the mom’s face and having been in that situation with my own kids, I know it meant more to her than it took from me. These acts of kindness require little effort but create much happiness.

I also have experienced the benefits of acts of kindness, both big and small. From a door held an extra moment for me to the gift of a laptop at a time when I couldn’t afford the expense, I have been fortunate to receive such generosity from others.

Recently, I was able to do something for a friend who was trying to get started in the world of blogging. Although I am not a technical master, I do have a bit of experience in the world of online publishing. Plus, I have the talents of my engineering team who can design and code to fill in for my gaps. So, I spent a couple hours last week with my team, helping launch my friend’s website. It wasn’t that long ago that it was I who was trying to figure out how to create a food blog.

Now, I am pleased to say that her blog is live, and she has published her first post. If you are looking for some inspiring thoughts, be sure to check out my friend’s blog, The Sparkle of Silver Linings. You also can check her daily inspiration on Facebook.

If you have a chance, perform your own act of kindness for someone. It is sure to be appreciated.