Random Acts of Kindness

How to make the world a better place

Kindness can be contagious. Committing a random act of kindness (RAK) can be as simple as sharing veggies from your garden, complimenting a co-worker on an attractive new tie, or praising the manners of a parent’s exceptionally well-behaved child. It might even result in others following your example.

By Bill Lindsey

Be Gracious at Work 1

RAKs are like seeds: They sprout and make places where you spend a lot of time, such as the office, more pleasant. Bring coffee to the next meeting, or let a co-worker stressing over a huge project use the copy machine ahead of you. Lend a hand to an associate carrying a stack of office supplies. Learn the new person’s name and say hi when you see them in the break room. Compliment someone on a job well done.

Driven to Be Nice 2

There are many opportunities for RAK on the road. On the highway, allow the car next to you to enter your lane, and if you pull up to a four-way stop at the same time, let the other car go first. If traffic is backed up and you see a car waiting for an opportunity to pull onto the street, pause and signal for them to do so. Use turn signals well in advance of needing to change lanes. Turn off the high beams when you see approaching vehicles.

3

Shopping for Kindness

While at the grocery store, if you see someone struggling with a stuck cart or someone who can’t quite reach items high on a shelf, offer to help. Smile and say hi to the cashier—they often feel invisible. If the cashier is really busy, bag your own groceries. Let someone with only a few items in their basket, or a mom with a baby, get in line ahead of you.

Out and About 5

When your neighbor is on vacation, cut their grass and trim the hedges so they don’t return to a jungle. Drop off a big bag of food or old towels and blankets to be used as bedding at an animal shelter or rescue organization. Clean out the closet and donate clothes or home goods to organizations that sell them to raise funds. Pay for the order of the person behind you at the coffee shop.

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Have a Heart for Strangers

Surprise people; leave a thankyou note in your mailbox for your carrier, and offer a bottle of water to a parcel delivery person. After receiving great service, post a positive review on the Google or Yelp page of your plumber, dentist, or hair stylist. Hold the elevator door for someone hurrying to make it, and hold the door for others as you enter or leave a store, restaurant, or office building.