Brrrrumba! It’s cold again. Still the daffodils and snowdrops try hard to convince me warmer weather is just around the corner. How do the bulbs under the ground know the sun shines a little more every day?
My family began practicing Random Acts of Kindness way back when my kids were teens. Now they have teens. This year, I decided to make RAKs my focus. With a twist.
CoCo received a beautiful Act of Kindness this year. The train conductor on her short commute surprised her with a generous Christmas Gift. She smiled for weeks with wonderment and told everyone she knew about the conductor’s kindness. However, I initially responded with suspicion. After a bit of reflection, I remembered an observation I got from a friend.
You are a much better giver than a receiver. It takes some humbleness to receive without the intention of paying back.
My dear friend, Nancy S (circa, 1980)
So with that in mind, I am devoting 2022 to recognizing kindness given. This week I became aware of two beautiful acts of kindness. One to someone close to me; another to perfect strangers.
A kindness in a parking lot
Have you ever seen someone looking for something in a parking lot? Did you stop to help? Saturday Rich lost his hearing aid. It’s a tiny little thing and it had to be somewhere nearby. After all, the app on his phone told him it was not too far from him. We all pitched in, combing the cracks and crevices of the parking lot, hoping against hope that the tiny little thing didn’t end up in the tread of one of the cars that left the parking lot.
All’s well that ends well. The hearing aid turned up on Rich’s living room floor. As for the app? I guess even artificial intelligence can have a senior moment.
So kind for people to help. Even if the endeavor failed.
Waiting strollers
Sometimes little things bring tears to my eyes. Imagine fleeing your country with your small children in your arms. At the train station, waiting for you is a stroller, some toys, and essential supplies like diapers and clothing.
The official Random Act of Kindness Day is February 17. But RAKing can go on all year long. Visit the Website here. “The work to create a kinder world never ends. There is no limit on the amount of goodness we can put into the world..”
Use the hashtags #MakeKindnessTheNorm #RAKday #RandomActsofKindnessDay. Most importantly, “In a world where you can be anything…Be kind.” (And be willing to receive the kindness offered.)
I’ll be watching through my rose-colored glasses for opportunities to give a RAK. And I’ll have my antennae up ready to recognize when I get a RAK or see one.