#RandomActsOfKindnessDay
Mark your calendars because on February 17th, it is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It's a day to be thoughtful. It's a day to spread love and joy and give a helping hand. It's a day to smile at a stranger and go out of your way to hold that door. Just as the day was named, it's simply about being kind.
I think we can all agree that we appreciate it when someone goes out of their way to help us and it can sometimes feel even better to go out of our way to help others. We live busy lives and in the chaos, we often times forget to look around us and see who may need a hand. To bring awareness to the importance of being kind, National Random Acts of Kindness Day was started in New Zealand. Now there is an actual foundation to support Random Acts of Kindness Day.
My mind spins with all the things we can do to show kindness and show people how "good" still exists among all the hatred we sometimes encounter. Here are a few ideas for going out of your way on February 17th. And remember, its all about being "random", which means many things you do will happen randomly.
~ Bring bagels or donuts into the office to share with co-workers. They will love it. Especially those who had to skip breakfast because they were running late.
~Look around you. Does someone appear to be struggling? How about putting the groceries in the car for that elderly man.
~Maybe it snowed. If so, shovel the sidewalk for your neighbor or brush the snow off a few cars in the parking lot.
~Pay it forward and buy a coffee for a stranger. We all love a little caffeine mid day!
~Hand out candy. Better yet involve your children and allow them to pass out candy bars to spread the cheer. Who doesn't love the joy of being greeted by a child's smile. Of course you are with them.
~Take the time to listen to a friend or strike up a conversation with a stranger.
~Compliment someone. You notice something you like about someone, tell them! Kind words can go a long way.
~Buy lunch for someone. While out for lunch, look around and choose someone to randomly buy lunch for. This is sure to put a smile to their day and I'm sure they will love telling others what happened to them!
~Give a fat tip! I think it would be awesome to give a large tip to the guys who dry your car off in dead of the winter at the car wash or to someone working hard in the service industry. I'm sure it would warm up their day!
~Take hand warmers to the crossing guard at school or a warm cup of hot cocoa.
The list can go on and on. Most importantly, keep in mind that many of the things you do, will come naturally and randomly. You don't know what you will be faced with this particular day, but as you approach your day with kindness, please share your "good" with the world on social media by using #RandomActsOfKindnessDay.
I would love to hear from you. Share your story. What "Random Acts of Kindness Day" experiences do you have?
I absolutely love doing RAOK! Such a great way to brighten someone's day. Great tips here :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! It brightens the day of both the receiver and giver.
DeleteI love this day. I just wish that people celebrated it every day. Great tips and I definitely look forward to doing some special things tomorrow for sure!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a day to remind us to be aware of how we treat others and hopefully we take this awareness with us every day.
DeleteI'll be flying this year on Feb. 17th, so I should have an opportunity to help someone who is struggling with their bag or to tip well at the airport restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI've always found it very helpful when others help me load onto a plane. I don't travel light with two little ones and every helping hand is appreciated. Safe travels!
DeleteThis is a nice list. Today I was struggling to move a foot rest cushion across a room, and a guy came over to help me with it, which I appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGreat example of RAOK. It's those simple things that we appreciate.
DeleteThanks for the reminder! I will definitely have to come up with something to do tomorrow and participate!
ReplyDeleteWonderful and share with Social Media by #RandomActsOfKindnessDay.
DeleteI love doing random acts of kindness, but I must admit, I don't think to do it often enough. Your post make me realize I need to make an extra effort to engage in more RAOK! Keep on spreading the positive word SuburbiaMom!
ReplyDeleteThank you. With a name like Thinking Man, I am sure you can think of a few RAOK things to do tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea this was an actual day. Thank you so much for sharing.
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