FEBRUARY 14-20 IS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK!
"Kindness is sharing the best parts of our hearts with those around us." A random act of kindness is a task that one performs for another person out of pure, selfless kindness with the sole intention to put more kindness out there into the world.
WHERE DO I START?
Anywhere! The list of things you can do goes on and on but we've given you some suggestions to get you started.
Think about the last time someone did something for you that made your day, or even just made you smile. How can you replicate that feeling for someone else?
During one of the most stressful years in recent history we could all use a little pick-me-up. We've had to fear interaction and public places, been deprived of hugs and handshakes. It's time to think about what we can do to replace those interactions for the time being.
Lastly, keep it going after this week! There's never a wrong time to be kind!
DAILY ACTIONS
Day 1 – Pay it forward. Getting your daily coffee fix? If you can, pay for the person in line behind you. Don't want the tiny balance on your gift card? Give it to the cashier to use it on the next order. Often this will start a chain reaction of kindness, or at least make a stranger's day!
Day 2 – Compliment someone. Try to make it something they may not hear very often such as how you admire their patience, or their willingness to help, or that they are a great parent.
Day 3 – Show you pay attention. Have a coworker that loves Reeses? Bring them one! Cook your significant others' favorite dish or offer to rub their feet when they tell you they've had a long day.
Day 4 – Text or call a friend or family member you haven't chatted with in a while. Let them know you're thinking of them. The pandemic has left a lot of people longing for connection and even though you may not be able to see them in person, everyone loves to feel like they still are a part of your life.
Day 5 - Give someone a hand-written note. In a world of email, and zoom, take a moment to say thank you, or show them that they are appreciated. A card is a simple way to show someone that you took a moment to slow down and think about what they do for you.
Day 6 – Hold a door for a stranger, or return their cart for them at the grocery store. The best part of "random" acts of kindness is that they can be given to "random" people and have a huge impact.
Day 7 – Try a random kindness message. Leave a post-it with a kind word on someone's computer, or in a drawer your whole team uses. On of our team member's neighborhood has made kindness rocks: rocks painted with hearts and sayings placed throughout the trails and parks. It's a small gesture that benefits anyone walking past.
