Random Act of Kindness

Have you ever been the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness? It seems in our busy and sometimes selfish society that kindness is rarely seen. When it appears it is almost shocking now to those not used to such generosity of spirit. My generation remembers when kindness and respect were traits that were observed on a daily basis. Sales people bent over backwards to be cheery and helpful. People helped each other even if they didn’t know each other. Please and thank you were said frequently and manners were taught to young children and were expected in all.
    

Random acts of kindness are a means by which we make a deliberate attempt to brighten another person's day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring for them. Kindness is a way of showing others that they count and that even in the face of hostility and selfishness, you're making a stand for kindness.

Originally associated with Anne Herbert, who is said to have once written "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a placemat in a restaurant, this concept has become an organized celebration through various events around the world, as well as referring to a general call to action in the name of kindness. And you don't need to wait for someone else to instigate a day or week of celebrations to practice random acts of kindness; you can put them into play any time you like!

By doing kind acts for others, you're helping to create kindness-aware communities that value generosity of spirit and action and kindness toward others as essential parts of a healthy community. Here are some suggestions for encouraging others with your random acts of kindness.
  Be kind, be thoughtful, use your manners as a form of kindness, give out compliments generously, think about people in your community who have made a difference and thank them, cheer up the lonely.

When something kind happens to you it almost comes as a shock. It puts a smile on your face and you remember it all day and may even remark to others that you had been the recipient of a kindness. And the thing is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to be kind. Sometimes someone just telling you that you look nice is enough. Or someone opening a door for you. Or getting an unexpected gift.
  If you get a chance, why don’t you practice a random act of kindness this week. Here are some suggestions from the Random Act of Kindness Foundation. Treat someone to fresh fruit or a muffin. Help someone to get groceries. Wash the car of a friend. Be kind to someone you dislike. Take a meal to someone. Give out free popscicles. Say something nice to someone. Bake someone a cake. Make someone laugh. Write a thank you note. Be spontaneous. Forgive someone. You will feel better and so will they.