Random Acts of Kindness Day

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Kindness is such an amazing thing –  for the giver and recipient, leaving both blessed.

Think about a time when you’ve received a random act of kindness. It was pretty incredible, wasn’t it? Or a time when you did something kind for someone, not because of who they were, or what you might get out of it, just because you wanted to do it. Such an amazing feeling, right?

When we share acts of kindness, we have no idea what that single action can do. Something so tiny and small, something like a smile, may seem insignificant at that moment, but it might mean the world to the receiver. We just don’t know how far-reaching, how impactful those acts of kindness can be.

If you are thinking of acts of kindness you can share, here are some ideas:

1. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.
2. Compliment the first person you talk to today.
3. Send a positive text message to three people.
4. Post inspirational sticky notes around your house for your loved ones.
5. Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.
6. Write a recommendation for coworker or acquaintance on LinkedIn.
7. Leave quarters at the laundromat.
8. If someone in customer service was particularly kind or helpful, tell their manager how much you appreciated their assistance.
9. Write a sweet message on your mirror with a dry erase marker for a family member.
10. Smile! Even with a mask on, people can still tell when you’re smiling if it lights up your whole face.
11. Write a kind email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
12. Give away stuff you no longer use for free on Craig’s List.
13. Write a gratitude list in the morning and again in the evening.
14. Rather than skim past social media blogs or posts, stop and offer a positive comment on a few.
15. Write a positive comment on your favorite blog, website, or a friend’s social media account.
16. Have a clean up party at a beach or park.
17. While you’re out, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is.
18. Write a thank-you note to your mail carrier, newspaper delivery person, bank teller, local law enforcement, or barista.
19. Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
20. Look for opportunities to share compliments. They cost nothing, but mean the world to the recipient.
21. Send flowers to the nurses’ station at a hospital or care facility.
22. Write a letter to someone who made a difference in your life and thank them for their influence.
23. Be kind to yourself, too! Think of something you admire about yourself and write yourself a note. You’ll enjoy taking it out and reading it when you’re having a bad day.
24. Send a card package to a soldier overseas.
25. Read a book to someone – even if it’s over a Facetime of Zoom chat.

For more information about Random Acts of Kindness Day, visit the RAK website here.