Carry Out Random Acts of Kindness Every Day

LiveToShoot · 07-03-2008, 07:46 AM

I got this in the e-mail this morning, and thought to share it with you...

You cannot just rely on others to make the world a better place -- everyone has to help. Or, like Gandhi once said:

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Kindness is actually contagious, and you might want to consider carrying out random acts of kindness on a daily basis.
It is truly a win/win/win situation. The person you are being kind to benefits through your help. You feel good for having helped someone. And the world is a better place through your kindness.
You could:

Send someone a hand written note of thanks.
Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason.
Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger.
Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
Cut your neighbor’s hedge.
Walk your friend’s dog.
Give a compliment about your waiter/waitress to his/her manager.
Send someone a small gift anonymously.
Stop and help someone replace their flat tire.
Let someone jump the line at the bank.
Pay for the drinks on the next table at a café.
Treat a friend to the movies for no reason.
Give a huge tip to someone when they least expect it.
Hold the train door open for someone rushing to get in.
Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person.
Write notes of appreciation at least once a week.
Talk to a homeless person and have a “normal” conversation.
Pick up some rubbish in the road which would otherwise be lying around.
Compliment a work colleague for their excellence.
Recommend a competitor to a potential client.
Give another driver your parking spot.
Give a piece of fruit to a delivery person.
Help an elderly neighbor carry the rubbish out.
Tell all your family members how much your appreciate them.
Leave a copy of an interesting book on a train/bus.
Buy an inspirational book for a friend.
Send a thank you note to a person who has helped you in the past.
Smile a lot.

Once you get started, you may find it a habit hard to break!
For even more inspiration, and support from other people who are passionate about passing on kindness to others, check out The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at www.ActsOfKindness.org.

Sources:

Lifehack.org May 15, 2008

nathangdad · 07-03-2008, 08:08 AM

every day. Two days ago I thanked the girl at the snowcone stand for making my grandaughter's snowcone look especially nice.

From the way she smiled and blushed I knew I did something a little bit
kind and special.

So, go out and do a kind thing today especially for someone not expecting it.

Seabeescotty · 07-03-2008, 08:20 AM

I have done many of the littles things on that list, over the years, but living out here in the sticks, we don't have a lot of opportunity, these days. I do try to keep a smile on my face through the day, 'cause it doesn't take as much energy as a frown. This is a nice way to make folks feel good, and doesn't take a lot of time or money. It's a way to help make the world a bit nicer, one person at a time!

BunnyWabbit · 07-03-2008, 10:00 AM

I agree with all of it except recommending a competitor to a potential client, that's not a random act of kindness, that's shooting yourself in the foot. I would only do that if I didn't offer what the client was looking for.

ArkansasHunter · 07-03-2008, 10:12 AM

I live to briten other peoples day. When I was on a route for about 30 years I had a lot of customers tell me they were glad I'm here or always were glad to see me and I always seem to briten there day.
You know what ? There ain't know better way to be.

I use to have a signature here that said...If you can't seem to have a good day.
Then help others to have a good one.
I wrote that and I also wrote it on the walls of every step van I used for others to read and may be do the same...A.H

cremley · 07-03-2008, 10:55 AM

I am glad you posted this thread. It only takes one person at a time to make the world a better place. the people who get into office and think they can just throw money at problems and change the world over night by making laws don't understand and they really have no effect other than usually pi$$ing people off. I try to do a good deed every day and try to change one person at a time because it is really all I can do and it is the best solution.

CalifgirlinOk · 07-03-2008, 12:21 PM

I go to this little store not far from us and every time they give you stamps at the checkout that you can use for your next trip.I don't collect them so I tell them to please give them to the next person in line.

.22hustler · 07-03-2008, 01:52 PM

I gave away 24 quarts of strawberries Monday.I pushed a lawn tractor out of the ditch when my nieghbor got stuck, (he had a stroke and couldn't do it,) gave away 8 quarts of sweet black cherries to some buddies Tuesday, put some stuff on ebay last week for a buddy, of course,no charge, sent the wife away to Atlantic City so she could spend my money and get a break from me for the week, cut the guys grass across the street Sat. and broke my deck belt, ($37 bucks), fixed a friends atv so they could use it on their farm, no charge, also fixed their mom and dads golf cart so she could get around the farm, no charge, loaning out my camper to my son's girlfriends parents this weekend,trimmed my nieghbor's trees for her,etc. etc.All of this being 100% disabled. ( I'm feeling pretty good this week, thank God).

SwedeSteve · 07-03-2008, 02:13 PM

I always try to make someone's day one way or the other. Loaning a stranger a dollar in the checkout line. Helping an older lady change a flat (While her son watched!). Bringing chocolate kisses to the residents of our Assisted Living Home. Holding the door for anyone. Holding a kid up to get a drink from the fountain. Sharing salmon with the neighbors. Visiting at the VA. Nothing truly amazing, just small acts that may turn somebodies day around.

Windwalker · 07-03-2008, 02:23 PM

.22hustler, you are doing great things. Keep up the good work. May friends and fortune smile on you.

dustin · 07-03-2008, 02:45 PM

thanks for the heads up i just ph my mom

.22hustler · 07-03-2008, 06:48 PM

My wife says I help too many people. In truth, I don't help that many people out when I feel bad, but when I'm feeling good, WATCH OUT!! I enjoy it, gives you a good feeling. I want to volunteer for the ambulance but I'm afraid they won't take me because of the disability. It's only a drivers position, but I'd like to give something back for the ride they gave me when they saved my life last year.....And thank you windwalker, THAT'S why I help out, just for the "Thank You".Bless you too...

Otter · 07-04-2008, 09:28 PM

When I see a United States Military person, or Guardsman dining somewhere I pay for their meal, I usually ask the waitress to bring me their check discreetly.

LiveToShoot · 07-04-2008, 10:46 PM

Wonderful...there's a lot of paying it forward going on here.

...what a difference it will make, one act of kindness at a time.

http://www.payitforwardmovement.org/

BW,
A slight paradigm shift: helping a customer get what they need/want, when you don't have it, is putting service above self...a superb act of kindness and a form of genuine service.

07-03-2008, 07:46 AM	#1
LiveToShoot Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northwest USA Posts: 2,662	Carry Out Random Acts of Kindness Every Day I got this in the e-mail this morning, and thought to share it with you... You cannot just rely on others to make the world a better place -- everyone has to help. Or, like Gandhi once said: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Kindness is actually contagious, and you might want to consider carrying out random acts of kindness on a daily basis. It is truly a win/win/win situation. The person you are being kind to benefits through your help. You feel good for having helped someone. And the world is a better place through your kindness. You could: Send someone a hand written note of thanks. Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason. Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger. Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter. Cut your neighbor’s hedge. Walk your friend’s dog. Give a compliment about your waiter/waitress to his/her manager. Send someone a small gift anonymously. Stop and help someone replace their flat tire. Let someone jump the line at the bank. Pay for the drinks on the next table at a café. Treat a friend to the movies for no reason. Give a huge tip to someone when they least expect it. Hold the train door open for someone rushing to get in. Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person. Write notes of appreciation at least once a week. Talk to a homeless person and have a “normal” conversation. Pick up some rubbish in the road which would otherwise be lying around. Compliment a work colleague for their excellence. Recommend a competitor to a potential client. Give another driver your parking spot. Give a piece of fruit to a delivery person. Help an elderly neighbor carry the rubbish out. Tell all your family members how much your appreciate them. Leave a copy of an interesting book on a train/bus. Buy an inspirational book for a friend. Send a thank you note to a person who has helped you in the past. Smile a lot. Once you get started, you may find it a habit hard to break! For even more inspiration, and support from other people who are passionate about passing on kindness to others, check out The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at www.ActsOfKindness.org. Sources: Lifehack.org May 15, 2008 __________________ "Happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." -Unknown

07-03-2008, 08:08 AM	#2
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,905	I actually try this although I admit I fail to do it every day. Two days ago I thanked the girl at the snowcone stand for making my grandaughter's snowcone look especially nice. From the way she smiled and blushed I knew I did something a little bit kind and special. So, go out and do a kind thing today especially for someone not expecting it. Last edited by nathangdad; 07-03-2008 at 08:29 AM.

07-03-2008, 08:20 AM	#3
Seabeescotty The ol' Coot Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 4,567 Images: 18 Blog Entries: 1	I have done many of the littles things on that list, over the years, but living out here in the sticks, we don't have a lot of opportunity, these days. I do try to keep a smile on my face through the day, 'cause it doesn't take as much energy as a frown. This is a nice way to make folks feel good, and doesn't take a lot of time or money. It's a way to help make the world a bit nicer, one person at a time! __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge

07-03-2008, 10:55 AM	#6
cremley Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern New Mexico Posts: 1,249	I am glad you posted this thread. It only takes one person at a time to make the world a better place. the people who get into office and think they can just throw money at problems and change the world over night by making laws don't understand and they really have no effect other than usually pi$$ing people off. I try to do a good deed every day and try to change one person at a time because it is really all I can do and it is the best solution. __________________ I wouldn't be so paranoid if everyone wasn't out to get me.

07-03-2008, 12:21 PM	#7
CalifgirlinOk MY CAT RUDY ATE SANTA..!! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,568	I go to this little store not far from us and every time they give you stamps at the checkout that you can use for your next trip.I don't collect them so I tell them to please give them to the next person in line. __________________ "Most of the troubles in the world is caused by people wanting to be important". T.S.Eliot

07-03-2008, 10:00 AM	#4
BunnyWabbit Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Jayhawk Country Posts: 1,676	I agree with all of it except recommending a competitor to a potential client, that's not a random act of kindness, that's shooting yourself in the foot. I would only do that if I didn't offer what the client was looking for.

07-03-2008, 10:12 AM	#5
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,984	I live to briten other peoples day. When I was on a route for about 30 years I had a lot of customers tell me they were glad I'm here or always were glad to see me and I always seem to briten there day. You know what ? There ain't know better way to be. I use to have a signature here that said...If you can't seem to have a good day. Then help others to have a good one. I wrote that and I also wrote it on the walls of every step van I used for others to read and may be do the same...A.H

07-03-2008, 01:52 PM	#8
.22hustler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,109	I gave away 24 quarts of strawberries Monday.I pushed a lawn tractor out of the ditch when my nieghbor got stuck, (he had a stroke and couldn't do it,) gave away 8 quarts of sweet black cherries to some buddies Tuesday, put some stuff on ebay last week for a buddy, of course,no charge, sent the wife away to Atlantic City so she could spend my money and get a break from me for the week, cut the guys grass across the street Sat. and broke my deck belt, ($37 bucks), fixed a friends atv so they could use it on their farm, no charge, also fixed their mom and dads golf cart so she could get around the farm, no charge, loaning out my camper to my son's girlfriends parents this weekend,trimmed my nieghbor's trees for her,etc. etc.All of this being 100% disabled. ( I'm feeling pretty good this week, thank God).

07-03-2008, 02:13 PM	#9
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 12,538 Images: 1	I always try to make someone's day one way or the other. Loaning a stranger a dollar in the checkout line. Helping an older lady change a flat (While her son watched!). Bringing chocolate kisses to the residents of our Assisted Living Home. Holding the door for anyone. Holding a kid up to get a drink from the fountain. Sharing salmon with the neighbors. Visiting at the VA. Nothing truly amazing, just small acts that may turn somebodies day around. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

07-03-2008, 02:23 PM	#10
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,997	.22hustler, you are doing great things. Keep up the good work. May friends and fortune smile on you. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

07-03-2008, 02:45 PM	#11
dustin Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: las vegas Posts: 33	thanks for the heads up i just ph my mom

07-03-2008, 06:48 PM	#12
.22hustler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,109	My wife says I help too many people. In truth, I don't help that many people out when I feel bad, but when I'm feeling good, WATCH OUT!! I enjoy it, gives you a good feeling. I want to volunteer for the ambulance but I'm afraid they won't take me because of the disability. It's only a drivers position, but I'd like to give something back for the ride they gave me when they saved my life last year.....And thank you windwalker, THAT'S why I help out, just for the "Thank You".Bless you too...

07-04-2008, 09:28 PM	#13
Otter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 980 Images: 6	When I see a United States Military person, or Guardsman dining somewhere I pay for their meal, I usually ask the waitress to bring me their check discreetly. __________________ Life is too important to be taken seriously.

07-04-2008, 10:46 PM	#14
LiveToShoot Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northwest USA Posts: 2,662	Wonderful...there's a lot of paying it forward going on here. ...what a difference it will make, one act of kindness at a time. http://www.payitforwardmovement.org/ BW, A slight paradigm shift: helping a customer get what they need/want, when you don't have it, is putting service above self...a superb act of kindness and a form of genuine service. __________________ "Happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." -Unknown Last edited by LiveToShoot; 07-05-2008 at 09:39 AM.