Are you up for a challenge?
Now this challenge, mind you, will take you the rest of your life, during which you most likely will not receive anything in return for your efforts. Are you still up for it? For many of us this will be a life altering experience. Oh yes, very important….you will not be paid one penny for this effort although you may be inclined to give of your own money freely. Have I lost you now? No? Great…then lets get on with the challenge!
Here are the rules:
First of all, you must make a commitment to take part in the challenge everyday from now on. I’m counting on you and your word to be as good as gold! You can work at this anytime, anywhere and as often as you wish, just pledge a minimum of once per day.
§ There are no age restrictions
§ The more spontaneous you are the better
§ The more generous you are the better
§ Think positively and believe in yourself and others
§ Pledge to begin in earnest after you have completed reading this blog
The challenge: Random Acts Of Kindness.
What is a Random Act Of Kindness?
Here is how Wikipedia defines a random act of kindness:
“A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.”
In 1982, California peace activist Ann Herbert scribbled on a place-mat in a restaurant “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” The words left an impression on a fellow diner, who later told the phrase to others. The words inspired much thought and conversation, including the movie “Pay it Forward” in 2000.
From a simple act such as opening a door for someone….to a more generous act such as giving your kidney….just maintain a selfless focus on helping others….without regard to what’s in it for you.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop
I’ll bet you’re already practicing and you don’t even know it….but when you focus on it you can make a huge difference!
Even simple stuff like this:
§ Smile
§ Fill a parking meter
§ Open a door
§ Give a hug
§ Share your lunch
§ Place sticky notes around with encouraging comments
§ Read to a child
§ Volunteer at a senior’s center, a school, a soup kitchen
§ Feed the hungry - make sandwiches, a hot meal and a hot drink
§ Let someone go ahead of you while driving or in the grocery line
§ Offer your change to someone struggling to find the right amount
§ Give to a charity
§ Walk around with change in your pocket and give it to those in need
§ Give sincere compliments
§ Forgive
§ Give positive praise
There is a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation you may find of interest. The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. They provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through the website.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your Random Acts of Kindness!
Good luck…and THANK YOU!
Inside Studio A………..I’m James Herron
Thanks for forwarding my pieces to your friends and linking to your websites and boards.
