Random Acts of Kindness

Random acts of kindness should be just that, random. We shouldn't do them because someone expects us. We shouldn't necessarily preplan to be kind. We shouldn't feel like we need to keep track of all the kind things we do. Random acts of kindness should be from the heart. It should be something that you feel good about doing. You should help someone in need. Whether it be financial or just listening to them or even giving them a compliment.

I've tried to do as many random acts of kindness as I can, whenever I can. You should always do them for the right reasons and not because you want people to notice it and reward you for it. Random acts of kindness have been come very popular to talk about lately. And everyone is encouraging it or they are sharing their acts. People are challenging others to do it. Especially since the horrible tragedy at Salem Elementary School in December. Because of that tragedy, everything was 26 Random Acts of Kindness. One act for each angel that was taken from us way too soon.

Then unfortunately we had the bombing tragedy at the Boston Marathon earlier this year. So then all the signs became 26.2 Random Acts of Kindness. It is wonderful if all the hype is causing more people to be generous with their money, time or patience. I just hope it all continues after the dust settles and the hype dies down. Kindness should be for a time period. It shouldn't be what's popular to do. It should be done because we are human and we need to help each other.

Children will still need Christmas presents. Families will still need food and maybe help with bills, maybe just a ride somewhere. Homeless people will still need clothing and money. Elderly people will always love visitors, even if they don't remember you. Friends will always need someone to talk to, and random strangers love compliments. You have no idea how what you do, that may seem so stupid or insignificant to you, impacts someone else. Even if they don't understand it at the moment, it will hit them later. And hopefully what you do then encourages them to pay it forward.

I encourage people to do what they can, as I will continue to do. It definitely makes life richer.