3 Simple Random Acts of Kindness to try out

14/2/2020

A random act of kindness is a nonpremeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world. (Says wikipedia)

When did you last get the glow from giving or receiving a random act of kindness? It could be holding open a door, offering to help to carry something heavy, making a brew when it's not your "turn". Someone being helpful or unexpectedly pleasant really can reaffirm that not all humans are all awful.

February 17th is Random Act of Kindness day, but I think that it's pretty easy to just work it into daily life in tiny ways. Here are three I do, which are simple for you to adopt!

1. Compliment someone on a choice they've made

This is a habit I know I've picked up from my mother, gently confusing strangers, but usually with a smile.

We can't choose much about our physical looks or how we sound, and a lot of us have personal hang ups about them. What we often can control is how we dress, accessorise and style ourselves, the language we use and attitudes we show. To have those choices noticed in a positive way can be a huge boost.

Try complimenting a friend, colleagues, teammates, keep it up from time to time, and you may find the courage to tell a stranger in passing "That colourful coat is fantastic!" or "I hope this doesn't sound odd, but your whistling has really brightened my day."

2. Take photos for others

My partner has become used to me stopping in the street, or at a tourist spot, or in a bar, and asking a camera wielder "Would you like me to take a photo of you all?". Sometimes the photographer eplains with a laugh that they prefer to be behind the camera, but usally it results in everyone gathering round, smiling and posing in the shot together.

It's amazing how happy folks are to then see themselves together on the screen, rather than one person missing, or everything at an awkward selfie angle. So easy to do, and you've just given a group of friends, or a couple, or a family, a lasting record of their time together.

3. Bin random rubbish

This is the random act of kindness probably no-one will know you did, and you'll probably get no thanks for. But it's the easiest one to do, involves no contact with people, no worry of saying the wrong thing, and possibly has the widest impact.

On lists of ideas for acts of kindness, litter picking features a lot. You don't need to organise and mobilise to just belt something into a bin when the opportunity is there. I walk along a countryside route each day, and past a couple of bus stops. I often end pick up a plastic bottle or crisp bag and bin it.

It helps if you know there's a bin close by, so you're not carrying something for ages, and do keep your hands clean (plus get them clean soon after) but popping rubbish in the bin just makes the world better.

Will you try a Random Act of Kindness today?

My three suggestions don't cost any money, or take any real time, it's just about being open to and taking the opportunities. The first two may need a little courage, but give it a go, and if in doubt, simply be a tidy fairy and know that you've made the place a bit brighter and better.

I'd love it if you share in the comments what acts of kindness you do, or appreciate receiving - Is it something you think we should all try to do?

Ip Dip Design nailing it!

Will you find a Random Act of Kindness?

To celebrate on February 17th 2020, I'll be dropping off three little bags of kindness in three spots throughout the day. They have a positive message inside, a medal, and a good cup of tea. Hints are below as to where they'll be, and when they're dropped off I'll be announcing it on my social meadia!

If you're not local to Castle Donnington, Long Eaton and Nottingham, make sure to share with the folks you know in those areas - That could be your first random act of kindness for today ;)