The US will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day next month which has grown in popularity every year.
Begun in the States but now observed internationally, its influence has spread far and wide, with people all over the world marking the day by being kind to one another.
Why not get involved yourself this February 17? An Act of Kindness does not need to be a grand gesture. It does not even have to cost you anything. It could be someone you know, or it could be for a total stranger.
So, here are a few easy things you could do and help make the world a little bit kinder.
Give someone a genuine compliment
Pay special attention to when someone is wearing a color that really suits them, or has styled their hair differently. Or let a friend know how much you value their friendship and enjoy catching up with them. Most importantly, be sincere.
Show solidarity with a struggling parent
If you come across a parent with a small child today, compliment them on how well behaved their young one is. Many of us know that having small children can be tough and taking them to the grocery store. It is no fun when your little one throws a tantrum and everyone looks at you. If a child, especially a baby, wants to scream, it most certainly will. His or her parents are probably used to wishing the ground would open up and swallow them when it happens. If you come across a parent with a small child today, be supportive and compliment them on how well they are doing.
Write a letter to someone
We have all become so much more accustomed to using technology to keep in touch that it isfar less common to receive handwritten mail unless it’s a special occasion. There is something about a handwritten note that just feels more meaningful. Rather than emailing or messaging on Facebook, send someone you have lost touch with a handwritten card to let them know you think of them often and perhaps even arrange to meet up in person if possible. You are sure to make their day and that is what Random Acts of Kindness Day are all about.
Bake for a neighbor or colleague
Maybe you regularly bake or everyone raves about your Chicken Pot Pie. Whip up an extra bake or meal and take it around to a busy family in your neighborhood or someone who lives alone. Do not underestimate the value to them of a home cooked meal or dessert they have not had to prepare themselves.
Donate to charity
Make a small donation to charity. It does not have to be huge, but imagine the difference if millions of Americans gave the price of a coffee this February to their chosen charity. Or you could make a practical difference to someone who needs your help and buy a meal or a coffee for a homeless person in your neighborhood. Failing that, pick up the tab of the coffee for the person behind you in the line!
There are thousands more small and random things you could do to make a big difference to someone so put February 17 in your diary and do your bit for Random Acts of Kindness day 2020. As Amelia Earhart once said, ‘A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees’.
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