Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week by being kind

Random Acts of Kindness Day, celebrated February 17, is part of Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 15-21, set aside to encourage people to perform small, meaningful acts of kindness, in order to brighten another's day.

Engaging in acts of kindness—whether as the giver or the receiver—has been proven to boost mood, reduce stress and strengthen social connections. Random Acts of Kindness week reminds us that the kindness we put out in the world is not just beneficial to others but to our own wellbeing, too. Simple gestures of kindness—a smile, a compliment or helping someone can have a significant positive impact on both the giver and the receiver.

Acts of kindness need not be huge or expensive. Some suggestions of Random Acts of Kindness include:

·       Offering to carry someone's groceries to their car or return their shopping cart to the store.

·       Leave a kind note on a co-worker's desk or email or text a warm greeting to a friend or acquaintance.

·       Volunteer at or donate to a local nonprofit: food pantry, animal shelter, or charity.

·       Shop at a local small business or leave them a kind review online.

·       Pay it forward, by paying for the person in line behind you at the coffee shop, or making up the difference if the person in front of you doesn't have quite enough for their grocery items.

·       Be kind to your family, by doing a chore that is usually assigned to someone else, cooking a special meal, or surprising the family with a sweet treat.

Some local readers recalled taking part in various Random Acts of Kindness.

One reader shared, "This past year, my daughter and I decided to help out a mom whose husband is no longer involved in his children's lives. The mom didn't ask for help, but we wanted to make things easier for her and bless the children with new shoes, clothes and a toy. It was a way to bless them, and I am so thankful the Lord blessed me so I could help someone else."

A local business leader shared, "This year we saw a post online that touched us, so we provided Christmas gifts for one young girl whose family needed a hand-up. It was so much fun shopping for the child, and we were as excited about giving her parents the gifts as I am sure she was to open them."

One reader recalled, "My assistant and I were eating dinner one night in a local restaurant and when we asked for our check, were told that another customer had taken care of it. We were so surprised and appreciative."

Said a reader, "I don't have a lot to spend, but I try to share what I have by buying items for the Blessings Boxes when I can, donating to local thrift stores that raise money for nonprofits, and buying little treats for my coworkers to brighten their holidays."

A reader recalled a kindness that was reciprocated, many years later. She shared, "When I was 16, I stood up for a little girl being bullied on a school bus. I simply said 'Leave her alone. She's just as good as any of us.' I thought that was the end of it but 34 years later she was our mom's nurse. She recognized our last name and said that a girl with that last name had changed her life. I was utterly shocked that such a simple gesture had a lifelong impact on a frail, little girl who lived in poverty. Words matter." The same reader shared another remembrance, noting, "One year at Christmas, as a single parent, I was practically penniless. I was at a part-time job and a man and woman were running around town handing out cash. They gave me $40, which was a tremendous help."

Shared a reader, "Just before Christmas one year, I heard about a couple and their children who were down on their luck and living in their car. As it was just two days before Christmas, I was nearly tapped out, but wanted to help them. After giving what I could, I posted their situation on social media, and so many people responded with groceries, gifts and financial donations to get the family a place to stay until they could get back on their feet. It was so amazing to see so many people freely give to someone they'd never met."

One local woman who enjoys helping others shared, simply, "I love kindness and I love to give."

Another area professional noted, "I have been both the giver and the recipient of Random Acts of Kindness. Both have blessed me and shown me that both kindness and God's love in action are truly real. They can be seen and shown, and do truly exist if we believe."

A well-known local business woman has been referred to, by myself and others, as "The Queen of Random Acts of Kindness." She provides food and necessities for the homeless, encourages and supports individuals and charities, helps many area nonprofits, and does more acts of kindness in a single day than most of us can accomplish all year. She celebrates her birthday each year by doing Random Acts of Kindness all month long, and she shines each December when she performs countless Random Acts of Christmas Kindness in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Her example has led many, myself included, to become even more mindful of performing Random Acts of Kindness on a regular basis.  

Random Acts of Kindness Day and Week are reminders that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. And, remember, Random Acts of Kindness aren't limited to one day or week a year, kindness can be spread every day, all year long.