Random Acts of Kindness

Kind words and actions can seem small, but their effects can be endless.
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Random Acts of Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness

Each year the National Random Acts of Kindness Day grows in popularity, with individuals and organizations encouraging and carrying out random acts of kindness. This fantastic idea, by Josh de Jong, originating in New Zealand,  is still celebrated there on September 1 and has since has spread to North America, where it is generally celebrated on February 17. Regardless of the date, completing a random act of kindness is something that can be done every single day of the year.  

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded on the principle of instilling kindness across the world. Starting with our children and running all the way through to adults in the home and workplace, they offer tools and resources that encourage kindness throughout our communities. Click on the link above to find out more about their programs  and access their excellent resources.

Kindness is the inclusive act of giving unconditionally. Nobody is excluded from giving, and nobody is excluded from receiving. In the beautiful words of Mark Twain, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

We all know how wonderful and uplifting it can be, to be on the receiving end of an act of kindness, especially when we least expect it. But, it can also be rewarding and inspiring to be the giver. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming. A little goes a long way, and in the words of Aesop, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

The opportunities are endless, and it’s possible to show kindness every single day. Here are a few suggestions to get you started that I particularly love, and I’m sure you can come up with so many more. 

Free:

  • Write a complimentary message for your restaurant server on the cheque  
  • Put a kind note in your child’s or partner’s lunch box
  • Smile at somebody; it might just make their day
  • Call a friend or family member
  • Compliment somebody on their outfit or their hair 
  • Take on a task for a co-worker
  • Offer your services to somebody who is struggling, such as helping them write a resume or submit a job application
  • Send a friend or family member a photograph of you both

Minimal Cost:

  • Pay for the coffee or meal of the person in front of or behind  you in line
  • Send a thank-you note/card to one of your local emergency services
  • Drop off some groceries at the local food bank
  • Cook an extra meal at the weekend and give it to a homeless person; #plusone
  • Create a care bag for an unhoused person with some gloves, scarf, treats, hygiene products and a gift card
  • Bake a chocolate cake for your family/friend/colleagues
  • Send a friend a book you think they would enjoy
  • Leave a book that you have finished for somebody else to enjoy – scribble a quick note on the first page for the person who finds it (read more about BookCrossing)
  • Make a donation to a charity of your choice

Remember that no act of kindness is too small, and every action can create a ripple effect with no defined end. 

Looking for more ideas on random acts of kindness? Join us on February 4th, when we sit with author Elisa Udaskin as she talks about unleashing your power to be kind and help others. Then, go out and inspire others by sharing your random acts of kindness on social media using the hashtag, #RandomActsofKindnessDay on February 17.

Jacqui Hodges

With 30 years of general management experience in the global insurance industry and having lived in 4 countries, Jacqui now spends her time between London and New York where she continues to pursue her passion for writing, food, books and travel.

A Reiki practitioner, yogi and huge animal advocate, her home isn’t complete without a furbaby or three. In addition to being a BooknBrunch contributor, she writes for  industry publications.

Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Favourite brunch dish: avocado toast with tomato and chilli

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