This past weekend at church, it was suggested that we have a
week where we be involved in random acts of kindness. I LOVE that idea, a whole
group of people working together to provide random acts of kindness! Can you
imagine how many “feel goods” are going to take place this week?
My friend Mary shared a story of how she had been working on
and focusing her time on random acts of kindness. She was at the grocery store
during the 5 o’clock rush and she was in the 20-items-or-less check-out counter
and the bagger was just talking her leg off and not moving very quickly. People
behind her were getting a little annoyed but she just felt like she needed to
listen to this man, so she did. She remembered her “random acts of kindness”
project she had been working on and listened intently. As soon as he was done
bagging her groceries, he said “Thank you so much for listening to me. My wife
passed away a few months ago and I’ve been really lonely and haven’t had anyone
to listen to me for quite a while. It meant a lot to me that you would listen
to me.” Now that didn’t take my friend any money to do. It didn’t take her any
excessive amount of time, and it meant the world to this man! You never know
how you’re going to make a difference in someone’s life by providing these acts
of service.
So today, I’m going to provide you with some ideas of how
you might provide some random acts of service. There is also a really great
website devoted to “random acts of kindness”. You might want to take a look. It’s
www.randomactsofkindness.org.
Say “Good Morning”
Saying hello to someone even if you don’t know them, is a
common courtesy. It means you are acknowledging their presence; you are saying
that they are a person, too, and that they are important enough for you to say
hello to.
Offer a Couple Hours of Free Babysitting to Parents
Many parents of young children can’t afford to go out as
much as they like because they don’t have time, or can’t afford the added
expense of a babysitter.
Help Someone for Free
It’s easy to put time and effort into tasks if we’re doing
them for ourselves or getting paid to do them. But what about doing work for
others when you aren’t getting paid? Why not do a job like mowing the lawn,
cleaning the house or babysitting for someone, and surprise him or her by not
charging?
Give Carepacks to Homeless
There are so many everyday accessories and toiletries we
take for granted – toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant.
Hold the Door Open for Someone
Holding the door open for someone is something they just do
in old movies, right? Guess again. Holding the door open is a polite and
thoughtful act you can easily do for your family, friends and even strangers,
every day. Whether you’re at school, the grocery store, at work, or at home,
those around you will certainly appreciate your good manners.
Let Someone Go in Line in Front of You
With technology becoming more and more advanced, as a
society we get used to doing everything as quick as possible and getting
everything we want instantaneously. When we’re caught up in the fast-paced
world of today, we often forget to stop to notice those around us. So next time
you’re in a hurry in public, slow down and go out of your way to be courteous
to everyone around you. When you’re standing in the checkout line, waiting to
pay for your food at the grocery store or waiting to order your drink at a
coffee shop, offer to let the person behind you go in front of you.
Make a New Friend Today
Introduce yourself to a stranger and strike up a
conversation. Or, perhaps there is someone you’ve seen occasionally on the bus
or in the neighborhood. Ask them how they’re doing.
Pay the Tab for the Person Behind You
Have you ever experienced kindness for someone you don’t
know? Knowing that someone else noticed you can make your day a thousand times
better, especially if you’re feeling down. Celebrate those around you by doing
random acts of kindness for strangers, just for the sake of making someone else
happy. Pay the tab for someone behind you in line at the grocery store, gas
station or the drive-through. It doesn’t have to be costly, just friendly.
Write a Letter to Someone Who Made a Difference in Your Life
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark
from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those
who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer.
Complain Less
If you enjoy the company of someone who’s positive, versus
spending time with someone who complains, you’re not alone. You have probably experienced
how being around someone who complains all the time can be draining and
sometimes downright frustrating. But how often do you, yourself complain? If
you find yourself complaining constantly, it can be an extremely hard habit to
break. But when you do overcome it, you’ll be surprised at how much happier you
and those around you will be.
Forgive Someone
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the
prisoner was you.” ~Lewis B. Smedes
We all make mistakes. The next time someone wrongs you,
forgive them without hesitation. Carrying anger and resentment with you is bad
for your health and your relationships. Learn to let it go and forgive others.
Both you and the one you forgave will benefit from this act of kindness. You
will be amazed at how much lighter you feel when you forgive someone!
Make Someone Laugh
You’ve probably heard the saying “Laughter is the best
medicine.” Well, there’s a lot of evidence that this saying is actually true.
Those are some of my favorites. Go on over to www.randomactsofkindess.org and
check out some other ideas and see some of the stories. Let me know how you create random acts of kindness and how it's made a difference in your life! I'd love to hear all your ideas!
Many hugs,
Cathleen
p.s. Oh, yeah, if you've come here by way of the newsletter, don’t forget to go back there! There’s some more great info waiting for you!
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