Kindness by definition is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate (Webster). To me kindness is a part of mankind, something we all should do everyday. Now, I will be the first to admit that I do not always think consciously about being kind to someone everyday. When I say that I mean going out of my way to be kind to someone who I may not know. That is something I want to change, and I'm going to change starting today.
As someone who has dedicated parts of my life to doing service with organized groups and visits on a regular basis, I realized that while I love doing this work not every person on Earth necessarily benefits from it. Kindness though, everyone can receive and deserves to be given it on a regular basis. But how? How does one make a point to spread kindness daily, and to people they don't know for that matter?
That is where my life style change comes in. I have decided to do a few things starting today. First, I am going to make a conscious effort everyday to do something for someone else. This could be anything-hold open a door, hang up someone's coat, reach something off the top shelf for someone-literally anything regardless of whether I know them or not. Now I know what you're thinking...this is something I should be doing as a human to begin with. For the record, I do...it's the right thing to do. However, some days we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and we forget. THAT is the part I want to change. Second, I am going to dedicate one day month to doing nothing but Random Acts of Kindness. Again, this can be anything- hand out flowers, buy someone's coffee, etc.-and again regardless of whether or not I know them. Finally, I have decided to kick this life style change off with a month of Random Acts of Kindness. Starting on December 1st, 2013 I will do one Random Act of Kindness a day. These will be all kinds, in all places, for all people, anything I see that I think I can help with.
My hope through this blog is that others will see this and join me. I'm not writing this blog for recognition, glory, fame, etc. but instead I'm writing to encourage others to be kind. Be kind to one another, but more importantly to be kind to a stranger.
Mother Teresa once said “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” I can't feed a hundred people, but I CAN feed one. I can't save everyone, but I CAN help one person at time. I can't change the world alone, but I CAN change it with your help.
My Random Acts of Kindness start today. Today I make a promise to brighten one person's day everyday for the next month. I promise to start these acts today, but continue for many years to come. Starting December 1, check back to see what I did. I'm going to tell you everyday my Random Act of Kindness. If you have any ideas please let me know!
Happy Holidays!
