Remember Ryan Garcia?
Some time ago, we introduced the charitable Chicagoan and the ambitious undertaking that caught our eye here at OM HQ . . . .
This, an attempt to do at least one good deed for each and every day of 2012.
The aim, to reach out and touch lives, to connect with others and to make the world a little bit better.
The project in question is called 366 Random Acts of Kindness.
Five months have passed since we last wrote about Ryan’s compassionate quest. Yet in Illinois, the drive to help others in all manner of ways continues apace.
So much so that, a little earlier this week, Ryan passed the halfway point in his project, clocking up his 183rd good deed of the year.
To mark the milestone, he created cards of encouragement for those living at Hazelden Recovery Home, a halfway house for those trying to beat their addictions, that is based in his neighborhood.
“I can only imagine how difficult a time the residents of the house must be having,” he wrote on his blog later. “I’m sure kicking an addiction is an extremely trying task [and] I figured that any added encouragement may help them through the process.”
Ryan, who started his quest by offering ‘free hugs’ to passers-by in Chicago, has been remarkably creative in his attempts to spread kindness . . . .
Ironing clothes for a friend, paying for a stranger’s gas, giving away his lunch and cleaning up trash in and around his neighborhood, there’s little he hasn’t done.
In recent days, Ryan has even given the shirt from his back – donating unwanted clothing to help those who have lost everything to the wildfires of Colorado.
For such acts, Ryan has our unbridled admiration and total respect . . . .
You see, our OMs were created for – and inspired by – people just like him.
Here in our studio in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, we’d again like to applaud Ryan for embarking on this quest and, perhaps more importantly, for seeing it through.
There’s nothing easier than devising a grand plan. Sticking to it – accomplishing something tangible – that’s the true challenge.
Given that he describes the last 183 or so days as ‘the best of my life’, it’s clear that Ryan is gaining something from the experience and that helping others is a rewarding process.
It’s something for us all to bear in mind as we consider how we can best reach out and make a difference to the lives of those around us.

Let’s be more like Ryan and spread a little kindness.

You don’t need to commit to 366, just one will do.

We are all connected.

You can help us to make a difference: Visit our official Kickstarter page for details.