Random Acts of Kindness

(Graphic compliments, Anna Nimmity)

The idea to write this particular blog today was sparked from a stranger, yes a stranger. One who bought my breakfast this morning. It was a random act of kindness. He asked only for me to have a great day. Wow, my faith in humanity is somewhat restored. Okay, not quite. But, it did help. It completely made my Wednesday morning. And, yes it absolutely made me want to pay it forward.

See my daughters and I started a tradition where we give money to homeless (not a lot), we give coats, blankets, scarfs, gloves, hats... I think you get it. To homeless or less fortunate than we are. We volunteer Christmas morning to serve at the local Salvation Army. It is a blessing. Last year my youngest was seven. I distinctly remember her reaction while whipping up mashed potatoes. She was overwhelmed (in a good way). So, we are not strangers to holiday and “winter” kindness. However, I never really gave a second thought to daily kindness.

Then this morning I thought...... How many times have we been in the rush of our day and not even been nice to someone? All because we are in a bad mood or had a bad day ourselves? I know if I had to ask for a show of hands. I'd have to raise mine. Not that we are purposely rude, short, snippy, or whatever you would like to call it. It just happens in the chaotic rush of our day.

But, just what if we all did one random act of kindness everyday? Just one! It doesn’t' have to be expensive or even cost anything at all. Do you think it would make a difference in the world?

Maybe not the whole world. But it would make a difference in that one persons day. Random acts of kindness are unconditional no-strings attached acts. And, the reaction or pay it forward is out of your hands. However, they are proven to be contagious.

So, I challenge you. Yes, Y-O-U! To do one random act of kindness a day for 30 days. The act of kindness can be anonymous (it's your choice). It can cost any amount you want. Or it can be, FREE!

That choice is yours as well. Let's face it. I am a single mother so it is most likely going to be FREE!

I am going to provide a list of cheap, some not cheap, easy, fun and some free random acts of kindness you can do.

1. pick a car to leave flowers on at Walgreen’s, CVS, Wal-Mart or even work.

(They can be hand picked, yippee it's FREE!).

2. 100% tip for a server at one of your favorite lunch spots (total cost of your check)

3. Paying for the coffee in the car behind you at Starbucks

4. Leave a quarter in the gumball machine at the grocery store

5. Leave a five dollar gift card on a random car, desk or give to a random person.

6. Buy a dollar menu item for a homeless person or make a sack lunch from home (DO NOT invite a stranger into your home, make and take)

7. Unable to help anyone financially? Visit people in a nursing home. (also, FREE!)

8. Take comfort food to wounded warriors

9. Volunteer with meals-on-wheels one day a month. (FREE!)

10. If you have money buy new tires for a random car

11. Leave an envelope taped to a vending machine with enough money to buy a snack and/or drink

12. Compliment a stranger. It's free and makes their day. (FREE!)

13. Notice a kid being well-behaved? - Tell their parents how good they are while the kid is standing there. It will encourage the kid to continue being good, and will make the parents feel good.

14. Buy cold drinks and pass them out to construction workers on the corner.

15. Leave five dollars in a public place with a random act of kindness note attached.

16. Buy a needy family a bag of groceries.

17. Fill up a gas tank for a single mother

18. If you have a business like myself. Offer a one time free service to someone in need. (FREE!)

19. A simple smile can sometimes do the trick (again, FREE!)

20. Take a co-worker to lunch

21. Place an anonymous note or card of encouragement of someones door, windshield or desk (homemade or cards are two for one dollar at Dollar Tree and Dollar General) (can be FREE!)

22. Offer to babysit for a young couple or single mother you know, for a date night (does not cost you anything) (FREE!)

23. Mow a strangers yard

24. Leave or add extra time in the parking meter

25. Leave or add time on a dryer in a laundry mat.

26. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail. (only the cost of a stamp, almost FREE!)

27. Say please and thank you and really mean it. (BIG IMPACT & FREE!)

28. Make cookies or muffins for someone at church (pastors love treats)

29. Offer to clean the house for an elderly person. Or a single mom who works two jobs. (FREE!)

30. If you have the money pay a monthly utility bill or rent for someone in need.

This a list of Random Acts of Kindness. For stranger and/or loved ones. They range from free to hey if you have the money, GO BIG! It doesn’t matter the cost only the thought. Only ask that they enjoy it. Remember, weather they pay if forward or not is out of your hands. You did the right thing. Enjoy the feeling and possible blessing coming your way.

Have a wonderful blessed day!

Remember God is great, smiles are free and coffee is your friend)

Hollie Kate