Random Acts of Kindness (RAK): The phrase "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" may have been coined by peace activist Anne Herbert. Herbert says she wrote it on a place mat at a Sausalito restaurant in 1982 or 1983. (source: Wikipedia - Random Acts of Kindness)

Simple ideas anyone can do:

Get a few coworkers together and each week take turns buying a small bouquet of flowers. As a small group find a random someone who's brightened your day and thank them with the bouquet.

Let someone know they're doing a good job; whether it's the clerk who's always getting your sandwich order right, the bus driver tho is always on time, .. It's amazing how many people go unthanked and what a huge impact a little thank you can have on someone's day.

Hold the door open whether it be an elevator or a door in a business. It might sound simple but this basic courtesy can give someone a good feeling that someone's done something nice for them.

Smile and give a friendly wave to someone to get their car in front of yours. So many people put on their blinders and grow tunnel vision. Everyone's got a place to go, letting one person in won't slow you down too much and will surely be somewhat of a relief for the person trying to rejoin the rat race.

Leave praise on those comment cards, write a quick note to a headquarters when one of their stores has done good, let the staff know you're pleased with your children's teachers. Many don't think of commenting unless something is wrong. It's quite often that people will get the recognition they deserve when good things are pointed out by the customer.

You've got a cart full of groceries, you're in a hurry and someone steps in line behind you with two items. What a fabulous way to someone a sigh of releif by giving them a quick gesture to go ahead with a smile.

Surprise a friend and bring a homemade meal when they're feeling sad or under the weather.

There was a story some months back about a person who bought the person in back of them a coffee drink at a local coffee shop. It turned into a gave of 'tag you're it' as the next one in line repeated the favor, and so on. It is said to have gone on for well over an hour and was a big enough deal that people in the office started talking about it. Whether the story is completely true or not, the concept remains something we can all adapt. It doesn't have to mean buying a cup of coffee for a stranger, but it can mean being aware and asking yourself if there is opportunity to make life happier for others.

It costs virtually nothing to practice RAK in our daily lives so why not start today. At the very least, you can know you did a good thing, with a smile! And smiles are contagious.

Thank you!

-njppa

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