Random acts of Kindness

     I recently read about a woman who decided to celebrate her 38th birthday by performing 38 random acts of kindness.  I thought to myself, what a concept, what if everyone decided to incorporate this notion?  How much better this world could be!  What a contrast to the bombardment of negativity we all face everyday in the media, on the road, in life in general.  It is a constant battle to remain upbeat and positive.  The more I thought about it, the more ingenious I thought this idea was, and decided for my next birthday I would do the same.  Well that day has arrived!  Yesterday started the beginning of my "new year" so off I go and I challenge all of you to join me! 

I found an inspirational list on-line to share:

Donate something you no longer use or need, a book to a library, clothes to the homeless..
Make small care packages for the homeless
Buy a stranger a cup of coffee for no reason
Help a neighbor whose elderly or single with yard work
Help someone for free
Hold the door open for someone
Let someone go in line in front of you
Make a new friend today
Pay the tab for the person behind you
Return a stray shopping cart
Send a thank you to your local police dept or fire dept
Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life
Visit an animal shelter, maybe volunteer an hour giving much needed attention
Cook a meal for someone
Bring someone a souvenir
Encourage someone
Be polite on the road
Share a snack
Eat lunch with someone new
Bring your neighbors trash cans in
Send flowers
Say thank you
Bring in coffee and donuts to your office
Give genuine compliments
etc....

Sometimes a small gesture can make a persons day.

"A tree is known by its fruits; a man by his deeds.  A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship and he who plants kindness gathers love".

Saint Basil