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. I noticed a change in myself. My effort to recognize the kindness of others helps me remember to be kind, too. I’m benefitting from the kindness of others. Now that I think about it, so are others.
Anonymous Kindness
Daffodils nod their heads in the reassurance that spring is here. It’s still cold, but it won’t be for long. My heart lifts as I drive past ditches lined with daffodils. What a beautiful act of kindness to spread bulbs along the roads like that! Thank you, whoever you are.
Kindness from a Landlord
CoCo has the kindest landlord. Her mailbox got vandalized. So did her bicycle. The landlord quickly fixed the mailbox and offered a secure place for her to store her bicycle. Since CoCo doesn’t drive, this last thing is really important for her.
Kindness from a reader
My friend Linda called to tell me about a new independent bookstore, Abalabrix Books. She told them all about my books and suggested stocking them. Linda didn’t stop there. She told the bookstore owner how she sends my books to friends and family and she wouldn’t do that unless she really liked them. That was kind enough, but Linda also passed on the information to me, so I can stop by and talk to the owner. Kindness on top of kindness. I know a way to pass it on.
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.