Random Acts of Kindness Day is intended as a way for people to do something nice for others even if they have no reason to do so, and especially if nothing is expected in return. Some people don’t participate in this day because they feel they don’t have the time or resources to help anyone else out. But a random act of kindness can be surprisingly easy to do, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Random Act of Kindness In the Car
Nothing is simpler than performing a random act of kindness while you’re seated comfortably in your car, going where you want to go. Try one of these:
When you’re in line to pay your road toll, give the toll booth operator an extra few quarters to pay for whomever comes up next behind you. Toll booth operators are always happy to facilitate, and witnessing this simple random act of kindness makes their day a little brighter, too.
You’re in a long line of heavy traffic, and no one will let this one car into the lane from the driveway they’re exiting. Why not hang back and wave them in front of you? It won’t impact your time in the car, but it will help the other driver get on their way a little bit faster.
Random Act of Kindness At the Grocery Store
The supermarket is filled with strangers, so it’s the perfect place to test out your superpowers for performing random acts of kindness.
As you exit your vehicle on a windy day, you notice that a shopping cart is rolling ominously toward a car in the next lane. Why not hurry on over and stop it before it dents a stranger’s vehicle?
In line, you watch as the stranger in front of you turns red with embarrassment as they have to choose which item to ask the cashier to take off because the total is more than the cash they have in hand. If you can spare $5 or $10, you could discreetly pass the money to the person to cover the difference. If the person starts to refuse your kindness, just ask them to pay it forward someday.
Random Act of Kindness At Work
Work relationships are often filled with conflict. The struggle for power, respect or space can lead to unkind behavior that can make an office unpleasant to be in. Today is your chance to change that, just a little bit.
Get to the office early and deposit a big box of donuts and pastries in the kitchen. Stick a post-it on top that says “Help Yourself!” Don’t tell anyone what you did. That’s part of the fun of a random act of kindness!
Perhaps you’ve noticed that one of your co workers has been down in the dumps lately, but you don’t know why. Before they arrive, set a vase of fresh flowers or a pretty potted plant on their desk. Leave an anonymous note if you want, just to say, “We’re thinking of you.”
Random Act of Kindness At Home
Random acts of kindness don’t have to be relegated to strangers. At home, you really don’t have to go far out of your way to let your family know they are loved.
You and your husband always bicker about who controls the remote. Tonight, find something else to do in the evening while he enjoys the big screen television by himself. Let him think it’s a happy random occurrence.
Your mom is always complaining that you never call her. While you’re cooking supper, pick up the phone and give her a call out of the blue. The short chat with her daughter before you are ready sit down to eat will make her day.
You don’t have to be a millionaire philanthropist to make a difference in this world. Tiny acts of random kindness in your own little corner have transformative powers that can make a real change in this generation and the next. Someday, when a stranger does something nice for you, you’ll realize that the good in this world all comes full circle.
