When I was a lil youngin’, our family fell on hard times. No electric. No heat. Someone thoughtfully donated a box of food…all kinds of food and gave it to the elementary school principal to give to us. The donation was anonymous. And the exchange was ever so discreet and respectful. We never found out who…and it probably was best. It provided my parents dignity during tough times. I have never forgotten that and am grateful for the example of that (random) act of kindness.
Every February 17 is a Random Acts of Kindness Day and November 13 is National Kindness Day. Kindness knows no dates. No boundaries. No limits. Though our days and times are too often spent in duty, responsibility, survival and maintenance of our lives.
We often get caught up in what we have to (get to) do, in a rush from one responsibility to another, segregate our kindness to holidays, birthdays….or to our volunteer activities for an association or non-profit. And yet, when someone shows us kindness, we are touched, moved and often feel undeserving.
Kindness comes from within. Once we share or give it, it immediately upcycles back into our own hearts and spirits. Random or thought-full acts of kindness can be simple, easy and a daily dose is recommended. Acts of kindness are unlimited though simple suggestions could include:
WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. Compliment someone on something simple…an achievement….when they did an act of kindness….notice something they did and compliment it. make sure to make it relative to them, like “you made that happen”., “that was nice to see your kindness.”
2. Write someone a “thinking of you” note and send it. Just because. Emails are fine. Handwritten ones are best. Maybe include a happy memory you had with them or anticipation of getting together. Include a positive characteristic about them.
3. Let someone go in front of you in line at the store…just because.Say something like: “You are important” “I’d like to help you have a nice day”…..
4. Lend a helping hand. Just because.
5. Pay someone’s bill at the checkout counter. Even if you don’t have a lot to share…and even if you can’t pay the whole bill….give what you can when they go to check out. Add your change, $1- $2.00 to their payment….And just say ”I wanted to share what I have today”. What matters is the act of kindness not the amount.
6. Add someone’s name to your “pot” …When you are cooking a meal..surprise a neighbor or friend with a serving …just because.
Google has a wealth of resources and ideas to help inspire us with unlimited ideas and suggestions
RESULTS
When it is random, unexpected and we offer it “just because, ” without any expectation of a return or thank you or anything from the receiver, the benefit WE receive is tenfold in elevating our own life condition while lifting the spirits and disposition of others. NOTICE how YOU FEEL after. Step into it. Make it familiar. Our example may just make someone’s day and open breakthrough windows in our own life.What random act(s)of kindness can you do…just this week?
#Breakthrough Living, #mindset, #randomactsofkindness, #mindset
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