When was the last time someone went out of their way to be kind to you? Better yet, when was the last time you did something kind without expecting anything in return?
Chances are, it’s probably something you rarely experience.
You can find countless definitions on random acts of kindness, but this is one that I feel fits best:
A random act of kindness is a non-premeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world, without expecting anything in return.
I never knew what this meant until two years ago. It was a Monday morning and routinely I go to get my morning Joe at Starbucks.
As I pulled up to pay for my coffee and egg sandwich, the woman at the window gave me my order and said with a smile, “No charge today, sir, the car in front of you paid for your stuff!”
I exclaimed, “No way, why would they do that?” She smiled and said, “It’s called a random act of kindness.” Well, I can’t begin to tell you how good that made me feel. I saved $13.45 (LOL)! In all seriousness, it set my mood for the entire day. That somewhat selfless and thoughtful act made me begin to think.
I’ve always considered myself to be polite to others, but to me, this act of doing something out of left field was next level. So, I decided to begin doing it myself. Just about every week or so, as I roll through Starbucks, I pay it forward. If it made me feel that good, why not do the same for others?
As human beings, we need to be kinder, more considerate and do more things for others, even if it’s to a stranger. Just as it makes you feel good to be the recipient of someone’s kindness towards you, it feels equally gratifying to do the same for others.
If we were all more thoughtful, kinder and considerate of others, there would be a lot less hate in this world. I come from the age of the Lovin’ Era. You know, peace and love from the 60s. People were cooler and not so uptight. Those were good times.
Here are my top ten Acts of Kindness you can try the next time you are out and about.
- If the person behind you on line at the supermarket only has a hand full of items, let them go ahead of you.
- Pay for the person’s order on line at Starbucks that is directly behind you.
- Open a door for someone every chance you get.
- A simple “Good morning” to 3 strangers in your day.
- Leave a dollar or two in the tip jar at your local deli counter.
- Say “Thank you” far more than you have been.
- Send out a positive text message to a loved one, friend, coworker or customer.
- Go out of your way to tell the manager at a restaurant how great of a job your server did.
- If you got great service, leave a generous tip with a hand-written note.
- Smile more to every person you come in contact with.
I’ve learned throughout my life that what you put out is what you get back. Start giving more of yourself without expecting anything in return. Do it often enough and you will soon find yourself living in the abundance of all that life has to offer.
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