Somehow I was in the dark about Random Acts of Kindness week! I am going to blame it on the crazy weather we have been having here in South Carolina – from ice and snow to earthquakes all in one week!
What is a random act of kindness? Simply put, it is a selfless action meant to cheer up or assist others. It could be as simple as letting someone go first while in the grocery check-out or raking your neighbors leaves.
The start of random acts of kindness is attributed to the American writer Anne Herbert who in the early 80s wrote “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty” on a restaurant place mat. This quote has sparked a movement and countless books, articles and websites are dedicated to promoting random acts of kindness in our communities.
Often when people think of random acts of kindness, it involves some type of monetary contribution – paying for a meal, buying a gift card, etc. However, there are ways to make a difference in the lives of others – no matter your age and without spending a dime:
- become a mentor or tutor
- donate books to a shelter or daycare
- hug a loved one just because
- give a co-worker a compliment
- share an inspirational quote or image via email or social media
- recycle
- be a courteous driver
- offer to babysit for a single parent or for a couple that needs a date night
- send a friend an old photograph with a nice note
- have a swap party to exchange items you don’t need but your friends could use
- listen
- give an inspirational book to a struggling friend
- leave your favorite book in a public place with a note for others to enjoy
- write a thank you note to someone who has made a difference in your life
I challenge you to do one random act of kindness a day for the next week.
You will make a difference in the lives of others and yourself!
Beyond Beauty Lounge (@BeyondBeauty15) says
I’m a little late, looks like I missed the week, but anytime is a good time for a roak.
domesticdeadline says
I frequently tell my children (and attempt to model for them) that doing something nice just to be nice can make a difference in a lot of people’s days. They loved at the end of the movie Evan almighty that ARK stood for act of random kindness.
Teresa says
I didn’t realize it was Random Acts of Kindness week! Thanks for letting us know and for the tips that can be done any time of the year.
Desiree Arpin says
Sometimes it’s hard to realize that small gestures can greatly impact someones day. It’s great to remember that random acts of kindness can be just the little things that we over look.
Tanya says
I really enjoy doing things for others. It feels good to know that you made someone’s day, or put a smile on their face. Thank you for the suggestions and ideas.
Leila says
I think people often think that random acts of kindess have to be these huge gestures when in reality, it can be something so small! Two weekends ago, I volunteered my driveaway and front yard for a fundraiser garage sale. I had to get up early and then sit outside all day (unfortunately or maybe fortunately, it was hot and sunny because we’re in AZ) but it was for a good cause for someone in need! 🙂
curlsandmo says
This is so awesome! I love Random Acts of Kindness. I posted this for February and it was great to be conscious and aware of being kind to others. http://curlsandmo.com/february-28-acts-kindness-challenge-giveaway/
amberkeinath says
Thanks for the great ideas! I love doing random acts of kindness 🙂
Jillian@Baby Doodah! (@jillianmack) says
I LOVE random acts of kindness!! I try to do them whenever possible and without the other person knowing. I like it to be a complete surprise, and for them to wonder who did it. It’s the joy on their face that makes it all worthwhile!
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
This is a great post! We’ve been working as serving as a family and this fits right in! Thank you for your post! 🙂
Anastasia Carpenter says
Great ideas! I love random acts of kindness! I do try to do them whenever an opportunity presents itself! Blessings!
A. Kerr (@KerrificOnline) says
I love random acts of kindness. We have a tradition this time of year we call “the love duck” that is exactly that. It’s so much fun and I love how my kids look forward to it each year. Thanks for the fun ideas to add to our tradition!
sbunny85 says
This is a lovely idea. I think every week should be random act of kindness week – I shall try and find someway to show kindness everyday.
DeBalino, Babystylista says
What a wonderful post about being kind. I was just talking to a fellow mom who has 5 kids and a very full schedule. She went through the drive-thru to pick something up for her kids, and when she went up to pay – the cashier said that the car ahead of her paid for their order. She was so touched, and couldn’t quite put it into words. What an amazing act of kindness. And with no expectations of my friend – except maybe to pay it forward to someone else. She was so inspired, she immediately thought of ways she could do the same for someone else. This post really reminded me to do the same! What a wonderful feeling on both sides! Thank you!!
Jen says
This is a great idea to get my kiddos involved with me! Thank you 🙂
The mom says
I love random acts of kindness! I love the idea of it and the execution. Thank you for your great ideas, that was very inspiring. I’m going to take you up on that challenge!
Cherie @ incherieswords.com says
I love the ideas you’ve shared here! I thought about buying the meal for the car behind me in the drive through, but I didn’t have enough money for my family and theirs. So I passed (and felt bad). I did donate books to the library and left some at our local Panera Bread and Starbucks. I love helping others, including holding the doors open for everyone, and letting those with fewer items than me get ahead of me in the check out line. I’m going to work on a few of yours too! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Angi says
I’ve seen so many RAK that require spending money so I’ve usually skipped the whole concept. But now with the non-monetary options you’ve provided, it’s opened up a whole world of possibilities. Although we’ve done most of these without considering it a RAK, it’s great to keep doing them.
girl4god28 says
Those are some great ideas! There are so many ways that we can show kindness everyday! And we never know how that can change a person’s day for the better! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Dave Sumner says
Thank you for this list. I try to practice some of these ideas every day, but certainly need to work on others on the list. One of the ideas that is very important to me is the idea of sending something, like a photo, with a note. I recently was surprised with a note in the mail from a family member who had attached an old newspaper clipping. It arrived on my birthday (one of those “big” birthdays) and I was a little depressed. The clipping was my birth announcement from the newspaper in the small town where I was born (I don’t know if any paper does that anymore but back then every baby was announced in the local paper). I had never seen this announcement/clipping and it had a big impact on me by immediately cheering me up. The impact was largely because my family member thought of me. But, the clipping also stirred up memories of the many times my mom told me the story about what happened when I was born. I have never done anything like that for anyone before but, after experiencing first-hand how moving it is, I will definitely try to do something like it in the future.
Michelle says
Dave, that is awesome! It was wonderful for that family member to save such a priceless momento for you and awesome that arrived when you needed a pick-me-up. Thank you for sharing how you have been personally impacted by one of these suggestions.
Dash Kitten in NZ (@DashKitten) says
It’s the ‘giving’ part that is crucial isn’t it? Giving courtesy as a driver – might help a businesswoman overstressed at playing superhero, a book might help a friend at a crucial point. “Thank you” is a great RAK I think is powerful, saying thank you to those dear to you, maybe for passing the salt, or the co-worker who helped make a job easier, or the stranger for holding open a door. * Eye contact, a Smile and a Thank you* Job done!
vitalivesfree says
Great post! I love the idea making random acts of kindness. I just don’t agree with the idea of having a week dedicated to it. To me, it’s a bit like Valentine’s day. I’d rather treat my partner in a special way every single day, and be kind to other people all year long rather than remember it just for one week and then have the excuse to not think about it for another year. So yes, I’ll definitely take part in the challenge next week and all the other weeks of the year! 🙂
Rebecca Busenitz says
I wanted to join in on the “random acts of kindness” thing. But like you said, I always just assumed I’d have to spend money – and I never came up with a good enough, practical enough, cheap enough idea. I love your suggestions! Thank you so much. I’m probably going to go with the babysitting, swap party, and leaving a book in a public place…excellent!
OKC Mom of 3 says
I love doing things for others, it it so rewarding, surprising someone with the act &/or keeping it anonymous. Spread the love <3
Megan (@MrsWndr) says
We haven’t done anything yet but we have plans!