Day 20: Participate in a Random Act of Kindness!
The Blurb: Today focus is one of my favorites. This small act can change someone’s life. It can change yours. There have been handful of times in my life when someone has done something for me that I will never be able to repay. I can’t tell you how much those things have meant to me. They made a lasting impression on me, and I hope to be able to help others in a similar way.
Remember that movie “Pay It Forward?” The whole thing was based on the concept of Random Acts of Kindness and now “Pay It Forward” is a common phrase. Hopefully these little acts of kindness will inspire people to do things for others in the future. That way, one act of kindness spreads exponentially.
And just to make you feel old, if you DO remember that movie…. here’s what Haley Joel Osment looks like now:
I swear that movie’s not that old! I’m not that old! Anyway, that’s beside my point. My point is to Pay It Forward. Be the kind of person who gives back. I recently explored a variation of the Pay It Forward idea with my post on Six Degrees of Separation. I learned that Kevin Bacon set up a non profit organization with an easy way to Donate to Charities. It’s an amazing way to Pay It Forward and you can read more about it HERE.
Suggestions: Click on the link below for a comprehensive list by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for ideas:
It turns out that there’s a whole week in February dedicated to Random Acts of Kindness:
Here are some additional things you could do, courtesy of Oprah, who has no shortage of brilliant ideas:
1. Say “Good morning” to a person standing next to you in the elevator.2. Pay the toll for the driver behind you.
3. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you’re rushing.
4. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail.
5. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.
6. Give a homeless person your doggie bag.
7. Say “I love you” to someone you love.
8. Put a coin in an expired meter.
9. Help a mother carry her baby stroller up the subway stairs, or hold a door open for her.
10. Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old. (*** Note from Brooke- see my previous post on this: SORT & DONATE)
11. Take someone’s shift as the car-pool parent.
12. Bring your assistant coffee.
13. Out of the blue, send flowers to a friend.
14. Say “please” and “thank you”—and really mean it.
15. When you’re on a crowded train or bus, offer your seat to an elderly, disabled or pregnant person.16. Don’t interrupt when someone is explaining herself.
17. Let a fellow driver merge into your lane.
18. Offer to baby-sit for a single mom.
19. Put your shopping cart back in its place. 20. Call or write to a teacher who changed your life. 21. Bring a box of doughnuts to share at the office.
22. Forgive someone a debt–and never bring it up again.
23. Listen with all your senses.
24. Write a note to the boss of someone who helps you, and explain how great a job that person is doing.
25. Simply say “I’m sorry” when you’re wrong.
26. Throw away your trash—and someone else’s—after a movie, picnic or visit to a park.
27. Encourage someone who seems despondent.
28. Volunteer to take care of a friend’s dog while he is vacationing.
29. Help a friend pack for a move.
30. Ask someone “How are you really doing?”—and then really listen to her response.
31. Offer change when the person in front of you at the register comes up short.
32. Before a friend moves away, give her your favorite recipe or quote and a photo of the two of you together.
33. Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waiter.
34. At work, offer to transfer a caller who needs help from another department.
35. Pass along a great book you’ve just finished reading.
(source)
Keeping It Real:
I hope everyone takes today’s focus to heart and participates. Let’s make the world a better place together.
Photo of the Day:
Thanks for participating! If you missed anything, it’s not to late to join in on all the fun. You can catch the RECAP HERE. See below for the cheat-sheet of what’s left until Valentines Day!
Have a great night! See you tomorrow!!
Brooke