July 2008 - Random Acts of Kindness

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Are you feeling grouchy, irritated or not having a good day? One of the quickest ways to turn around a bad day is to get out of your own “stuff” and focus on someone else. What could you do for another person that would be thoughtful? Remember the old bumper sticker that said: “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.” There’s something to that. I hope you enjoy this article. Remember, you can help make the world a better place, one person at a time.

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You cannot just rely on others to make the world a better place -- everyone has to help. Or, like Gandhi once said:

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Kindness is actually contagious, and you might want to consider carrying out random acts of kindness on a daily basis.

It is truly a win/win/win situation. The person you are being kind to benefits through your help. You feel good for having helped someone. And the world is a better place through your kindness.

You could:

1. Send someone a hand written note of thanks.
2. Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason.
3. Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger.
4. Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
5. Cut your neighbor’s hedge.
6. Walk your friend’s dog.
7. Give a compliment about your waiter/waitress to his/her manager.
8. Send someone a small gift anonymously.
9. Stop and help someone replace their flat tire.
10. Let someone jump the line at the bank.
11. Pay for the drinks on the next table at a café.
12. Treat a friend to the movies for no reason.
13. Give a huge tip to someone when they least expect it.
14. Hold the train door open for someone rushing to get in.
15. Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person.
16. Write notes of appreciation at least once a week.
17. Talk to a homeless person and have a “normal” conversation.
18. Pick up some rubbish in the road which would otherwise be lying around.
19. Compliment a work colleague for their excellence.
20. Recommend a competitor to a potential client.
21. Give another driver your parking spot.
22. Give a piece of fruit to a delivery person.
23. Help an elderly neighbor carry the rubbish out.
24. Tell all your family members how much your appreciate them.
25. Leave a copy of an interesting book on a train/bus.
26. Buy an inspirational book for a friend.
27. Send a thank you note to a person who has helped you in the past.
28. Smile a lot.

Once you get started, you may find it a habit hard to break! 

For even more inspiration, and support from other people who are passionate about passing on kindness to others, check out The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at www.ActsOfKindness.org

Sources:
Lifehack.org May 15, 2008

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