How many acts of kindness have you experienced today? Perhaps they have gone un-noticed because they were so small and so frequent, that you simply accepted them. What acts of kindness did you purposefully or inadvertently act upon? Have you smiled at an elderly person who is so lonely that you’ve made his day, unknowingly? Or, have you helped someone bogged down with groceries trying to open their trunk? Have you paid a good deed forward and bought a cup of coffee for a person who couldn’t afford one, or maybe a meal? Have you done this without reservation, so naturally because you know it is the right thing to do?
Years ago my car broke down on a busy city street. My young son was in the back seat. I thought, “What am I going to do?” Within moments a young man pulls up behind me. He asks if he can help and then proceeds to commandeer stopping traffic going the other way! He solicits the assistance of three other drivers, who get out of their cars and push my car to a side street. I remember standing watching this scene play out and was in awe. Miracles happen every day. One act of kindness expands.
What acts of kindness have you done today, or have received? Is there someone, or an organization that you may help? Or do you need assistance yourself? It is my belief that everyone is entitled to clean water, safe housing and nutritious food. Who are you able to help today? It doesn’t have to be a huge task. It can be something small. An act of kindness is always repaid ten-fold. It is a law of the universe.
Let’s jot down some ideas to get your creativity flowing.
1. Pick up groceries for your friend or neighbor who just got out of the hospital. Better yet make them some chicken soup and chocolate chip cookies. Great combination. Both are comfort foods!
2. Shovel the driveway of an elderly person.
3. Your friend has a family emergency out-of-town. Look after their cat or dog, gerbil or goldfish.
4. Purchase a coffee for the person behind you in the Starbucks line.
5. Buy a meal for a homeless person.
6. Assist a person stuck in the snow.
7. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen.
8. Purchase needed items for the food bank.
9. Volunteer to read stories to children at the library.
10. Slip a note of appreciation under the door of a shut-in.
11. Purchase a handful of tulips for someone who loves flowers but never receives them.
12. Bring some toiletries to someone who is in the hospital. They will love you for it.
13. Clean up the kitchen without being asked.
14. Fold laundry for a person who doesn’t have time.
15. Offer to vacuum.
An act of kindness need not be expensive. In fact, when you do something nice for someone without expectation of reciprocation the universe takes notice. Then when you need help or a favor it speeds to you like a bolt of lightning.
You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. ~John Wooden
Wishing you great success in all your endeavors.
