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.

This week I experienced a lot of sadness. I visited my sister-in-law, who suddenly entered hospice care. On the way, I learned about the mass shootings in Highland Park. That’s the same quiet suburb where my Love-One was born. On the road to one sadness, the killer may have passed us on his way to Madison, another idyllic city in the heart of our nation.

Still, amidst all my sadness, kindness rose to meet me.

Kindness of people checking in

People far away showed love by checking in to ensure my family was safe and unaffected by the violence. Of course, we’re all hit hard by the violence so close to home. My heart warmed at the outreach, and I did the same.

Kindness of strangers

Can you imagine running for your life and passing a toddler covered in his parents’ blood? That’s what happened in Highland Park. “It might have been the dumbest thing I’ve ever done,” said the father of three. Maybe. But also the bravest. And the kindest.

Kindness during a Tornado Warning

CoCo’s phone blared for her to take cover immediately. She grabbed her cat and headed for the designated area of her apartment building. But, before she took cover, she knocked on doors to make sure her neighbors knew of the warning and knew where to go. After the all-clear, another neighbor came to tell CoCo it was safe to come out. I love hearing about neighbors helping neighbors. Don’t you?

What acts of kindness did you observe this week?

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.