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.

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.