As this assignment comes to a close, I don't even see it as an assignment anymore. Being kind to people makes you feel good. It should be something that everyone does everyday. It really connects you to the bigger picture in life which is not how much money you have or what objects you possess. It is about being a part of the bigger picture and helping those around you. Humans are social creatures for a reason. We should be there to help and support each other, to show people that we care, and make sure that we are being kind to others like we would like them to be kind to us. Whenever I think of random acts of kindness it reminds me of what my mother used to say to me, treat people how you want to be treated. It really can't get any simpler than that. I think that is the whole basis around random acts of kindness. When thinking of something to do you shouldn't focus on the amount of money you are spending or how big of an impact it will have, you should just think, how would I feel if this was done for me? Or would I appreciate someone doing this for me?
I really enjoyed this assignment and looking back I can tell that it has made me much more appreciative of the little things. Making someone else smile. That is what is important. Helping others in need whether you know them or not. Showing people they are appreciated. It does come back around too. I've had some experiences over the past couple of weeks where people are showing me the same kindness. This assignment also helped me as a person. It put me in a good mood. There is nothing like someone showing appreciation to you and they will remember. When someone shows a random act of kindness towards you, you don't forget it. You make an impact no matter how small. It ends up being bigger than you think. It helps people not lose faith. Everyone should be challenged with random acts of kindness because I believe this world would be a completely different place.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Giving Thanks
Around the Holidays is a really great time to show acts of kindness. It is already something most people do especially when spending time with their loved ones. This week has been more of an eye opener for me because my godson went into the NICU. He is still there, but doing better. I wanted to help in anyway that I could, so while my acts were random they were mainly biased to him and his family. A couple of things that I did was baked them some desserts and brought them up to them on Thanksgiving. I also brought in some magazines for her to read and then donate to the hospital since there was so many families stuck there for such a long time. I went and brought them some clothes and snacks since they had to leave in such a hurry. I know all of these things are appreciated and I want to help in anyway I can. Tomorrow I am cooking dinner for them since I know its been over two weeks since they had a home cooked meal. I am working on doing something for the nurses as well to show how much I appreciate them being so good to the people I love. Other random acts of kindness I completed were donating some books to the library, donating toys to families in the army, and donated money to St. Jude.
My friend also lost a close friend to her due to a drunk driver. Her husband and baby were left behind in critical condition. I have started a group that has "adopted" them for Christmas to raise money and gifts to help them get through this troubling time.
As you can see, tradegy has a way of bringing people together and really makes you focus on what is good in your life. Without being aware of the blessings you are granted everyday you really don't know what is that you have to be grateful for. Going to that hospital everyday has really helped me see that. You see so many families surrounding eachother for support and then you see the lonely mom who looks exhausted and has no one. Don't take for granted what other people wish they had. If you see someone with less than you always try to show them you care.
My friend also lost a close friend to her due to a drunk driver. Her husband and baby were left behind in critical condition. I have started a group that has "adopted" them for Christmas to raise money and gifts to help them get through this troubling time.
As you can see, tradegy has a way of bringing people together and really makes you focus on what is good in your life. Without being aware of the blessings you are granted everyday you really don't know what is that you have to be grateful for. Going to that hospital everyday has really helped me see that. You see so many families surrounding eachother for support and then you see the lonely mom who looks exhausted and has no one. Don't take for granted what other people wish they had. If you see someone with less than you always try to show them you care.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Common Courtesy
As I continue my journey into random acts of kindness, I have begun to question what is a random act of kindness and what is just common courtesy and is there a difference? I decided to look up the definitions of both for comparison. The reason I am questioning the difference is because when you hear about random acts of kindness - it usually had to do with donating or something bigger than a simple hello (from my experience). Is saying good morning to someone an act of kindness or just a common courtesy and have I been going about this assignment all wrong?
In the dictionary common courtesy comes up under ettiquette which is the practices and forms prescribed by social convention or by authority. Wikipedia defined random act of kindness as a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people.
It seems to me that sometimes, especially the way our society is today common courtesy now falls under random acts of kindness. There are people that I would pass by everyday and never say a word to, but now by saying good morning am I brightening up their day? While researching the definitions of both a came across a site that helps give you ideas on what to do. I also found out that tomorrow is World Kindness Day! I didn't even know this day existed! I am going to share this with my coworkers tomorrow in hope to inspire everyone to do a good deed for another. The website is http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.
The good thing is that even though I may not be able to go volunteer everyday or donate something to the community everyday as long as I am completing acts that are meant to assist or cheer up someone else than I am headed in the right direction. I am definitely going to use that site as a resource for inspiration. I will continue with my smalls acts and make a point of planning out some bigger ones such as volunteering my time to help out the community. I can't wait to share tomorrow with the people around me and see how it unfolds. Hopefully I will have some great stories to share for my next blog.
In the dictionary common courtesy comes up under ettiquette which is the practices and forms prescribed by social convention or by authority. Wikipedia defined random act of kindness as a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people.
It seems to me that sometimes, especially the way our society is today common courtesy now falls under random acts of kindness. There are people that I would pass by everyday and never say a word to, but now by saying good morning am I brightening up their day? While researching the definitions of both a came across a site that helps give you ideas on what to do. I also found out that tomorrow is World Kindness Day! I didn't even know this day existed! I am going to share this with my coworkers tomorrow in hope to inspire everyone to do a good deed for another. The website is http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.
The good thing is that even though I may not be able to go volunteer everyday or donate something to the community everyday as long as I am completing acts that are meant to assist or cheer up someone else than I am headed in the right direction. I am definitely going to use that site as a resource for inspiration. I will continue with my smalls acts and make a point of planning out some bigger ones such as volunteering my time to help out the community. I can't wait to share tomorrow with the people around me and see how it unfolds. Hopefully I will have some great stories to share for my next blog.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Continuing Acts
I realized that in order to complete random acts of kindness, you must expect nothing in return. It is amazing how you may not see the trickle effect you have on others, but it eventually comes back to you and you hope that you were a part of it. Some things that I did these past two weeks were to make sure that I was completing random acts to people I don't know. Completing them for friends is almost like a comfort, you know they will appreciate it, but you don't have to step out and help a stranger.
Some of the random acts of kindness these past two weeks were: baking stuff for the office, buying someone's food at Wendy's, saying good morning to the first five people I see, smiling when I walk by someone in the office, holding the door for people behind me, and purchasing items from someone's fundraiser at work. I really enjoy the good morning and smiling because some people just don't expect it. You never know if it is making someone's day.
I was actually at the store this week and was short twenty cents. I didn't want to pay with a card because it was like three dollars so I was going to run to my car. The lady was so generous and offered to pay it for me! That has never happened before! A penny, ok, but this I believe is one of these ripples making its way back to me. I also heard a story from a friend that at a store there was a family who couldn't pay for their groceries so the person behind them paid. They were so greatful that they used their cash to pay for the person behind them. It went on for a while and the cashier was so amazed with the generousity that she had seen.
Its stories like these that make you get a real sense for human compassion. I want to make sure that I am apart of one of those stories one day. You never know when or where you are going to be making a difference. I always think about the saying - treat people the way you want to be treated. Everyone appreciates someone being kind to them, large or small. Actions definitely speak louder than words.
Some of the random acts of kindness these past two weeks were: baking stuff for the office, buying someone's food at Wendy's, saying good morning to the first five people I see, smiling when I walk by someone in the office, holding the door for people behind me, and purchasing items from someone's fundraiser at work. I really enjoy the good morning and smiling because some people just don't expect it. You never know if it is making someone's day.
I was actually at the store this week and was short twenty cents. I didn't want to pay with a card because it was like three dollars so I was going to run to my car. The lady was so generous and offered to pay it for me! That has never happened before! A penny, ok, but this I believe is one of these ripples making its way back to me. I also heard a story from a friend that at a store there was a family who couldn't pay for their groceries so the person behind them paid. They were so greatful that they used their cash to pay for the person behind them. It went on for a while and the cashier was so amazed with the generousity that she had seen.
Its stories like these that make you get a real sense for human compassion. I want to make sure that I am apart of one of those stories one day. You never know when or where you are going to be making a difference. I always think about the saying - treat people the way you want to be treated. Everyone appreciates someone being kind to them, large or small. Actions definitely speak louder than words.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Beginning my Journey
When I decided to pick random acts of kindness, I thought it would be easy. And it should! The actual act was easy, but the remembering part was hard! There were times when I got so caught up in the day that I didn't even remember to complete something.
Although, I feel like I do things everyday that are kind that some people take for granted. For example, holding open the door for someone or holding the elevator door open. Some things I did for people didn't get a thank you! But this is supposed to be about completing these acts and not expecting anything in return. Sometimes they felt good and sometimes the reaction I received was disappointing. I think this was just because I consciously knew what I was doing and why I was doing it. For example, I had a BOGO coupon for the smoothie and I wanted my friend to try it with me. I let them get the free one and I paid for mine. No response or thank you. I don't feel like I am looking for praise, but how do you know if the kindness was appreciated or if will be passed onto others?
Some things I did I just felt good about them and I could tell that it changed my mood for the better. One day I bought someones coffee that was behind me in the cafeteria. I actually didn't wait for a reaction, I just did it. Maybe that is the difference? Another day, I donated some money to a charity. I donated some clothes to salvation army, I bought an extra big gift for someone who is having a baby and isn't as blessed as me. All of these things made me feel good as a person and that I would be getting some good karma back. :)
As I continue, I want to focus on the act of kindness itself. Not the reaction, but the action of me doing it. I am also putting a reminder on my calendar so I don't forget. Whether it be large or small, costly or free, the random acts of kindness are meant to be spread to others so the ripple can continue.
Although, I feel like I do things everyday that are kind that some people take for granted. For example, holding open the door for someone or holding the elevator door open. Some things I did for people didn't get a thank you! But this is supposed to be about completing these acts and not expecting anything in return. Sometimes they felt good and sometimes the reaction I received was disappointing. I think this was just because I consciously knew what I was doing and why I was doing it. For example, I had a BOGO coupon for the smoothie and I wanted my friend to try it with me. I let them get the free one and I paid for mine. No response or thank you. I don't feel like I am looking for praise, but how do you know if the kindness was appreciated or if will be passed onto others?
Some things I did I just felt good about them and I could tell that it changed my mood for the better. One day I bought someones coffee that was behind me in the cafeteria. I actually didn't wait for a reaction, I just did it. Maybe that is the difference? Another day, I donated some money to a charity. I donated some clothes to salvation army, I bought an extra big gift for someone who is having a baby and isn't as blessed as me. All of these things made me feel good as a person and that I would be getting some good karma back. :)
As I continue, I want to focus on the act of kindness itself. Not the reaction, but the action of me doing it. I am also putting a reminder on my calendar so I don't forget. Whether it be large or small, costly or free, the random acts of kindness are meant to be spread to others so the ripple can continue.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Predictions
What does it mean to pay it forward and how do you go about completing the task? Showing someone acts of kindness without anything in return should be something everyone practices in life. Try and think about a day where someone unexpectedly did something for you. How did it make you feel? What were you going through that day? Just a simple act of kindness could take someones day from bad to good. I recently read a story about a boy who was valedictorian at his high school. He had a lot of friends and was considered to be very popular. He explained the story of how he met his best friend. He went on to share that the day he met his best friend was the day he was planning to kill himself. He had cleaned out his locker and got picked on while walking home from school. His best friend, a stranger at the time, came over to him to help him and let him know the boys picking on him were jerks. It was this random act of kindness that saved his life. You never know the effect you could have on someone by just showing that you care.
I am choosing acts of kindness as my daily spiritual practice because I believe so strong in the power of people. Showing someone that you care is so important, but also gets missed. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget there are people less fortunate or not as blessed as you. I want to show people I care and hope that they will want to pay it forward as well. Making this a daily routine will really help me remember what is important in life. It is not the things you have or the money you make. It is your brand and what you leave behind. I want to share my love with other people and do my part in making this world a better place. Maybe it's as simple as buying a coffee for someone behind me in line or helping someone in the door if it looks like they are struggling. I feel like if I am consciously thinking of performing a random act of kindness, when the opportunity presents itself I will know.
What's in it for me? The satisfaction in providing a little hope to someones day no matter how small the gesture. It will also help me remember what is important in life. Focusing on how I can help instead of who can help me. It will also help me focus on all the positives in my life and how blessed I truly am. Hopefully, I will start a ripple that will inspire someone else to spread another act of kindness.
I am choosing acts of kindness as my daily spiritual practice because I believe so strong in the power of people. Showing someone that you care is so important, but also gets missed. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget there are people less fortunate or not as blessed as you. I want to show people I care and hope that they will want to pay it forward as well. Making this a daily routine will really help me remember what is important in life. It is not the things you have or the money you make. It is your brand and what you leave behind. I want to share my love with other people and do my part in making this world a better place. Maybe it's as simple as buying a coffee for someone behind me in line or helping someone in the door if it looks like they are struggling. I feel like if I am consciously thinking of performing a random act of kindness, when the opportunity presents itself I will know.
What's in it for me? The satisfaction in providing a little hope to someones day no matter how small the gesture. It will also help me remember what is important in life. Focusing on how I can help instead of who can help me. It will also help me focus on all the positives in my life and how blessed I truly am. Hopefully, I will start a ripple that will inspire someone else to spread another act of kindness.
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