Random Acts of Kindness week (RAK Week) is every year around Valentine’s Day. This year it is February 11-17th, 2018.
I love the idea behind this week and I think it is a great reminder to think about ways you can spread some kindness in a world that has become so self-focused. But wouldn’t it be better to make Random Acts of Kindness part of our daily practice?
Think about it? If we made Random Acts of Kindness a daily practice it would change the world.
Kindness is contagious and the more we sprinkle a little kindness everywhere we go, the more those who have been blessed by that kindness will turn around and bless others as well.
It would not only change the world, it would change us. There is evidence that performing random acts of kindness can improve your health and wellbeing. Yep! When we practice kindness our body releases hormones that will help reduce stress, anxiety, depression and help us feel calmer, healthier and happier.
Watch this video to learn more about the Science of Kindness. You can read more about it here.
Simple ways to show Random Acts of Kindness that don’t cost you anything.
- Smile and say hi to people you see. The simple act of a smile has huge health benefits and it makes a big impact on someone else’s day.
- Ask people you see how they are doing like you really care and then just listen. They will be caught off guard because most people don’t give others the time of day.
- Put your antenna up and notice those around you who may need help with carrying something, opening a door or helping them find something they are looking for.
- Let others go before you in line or on the road.
- Helping others clean up and put things away after an event or gathering.
Simple inexpensive ways to bless others with a Random Act of Kindness
- $5.00 Starbucks gift cards with a Note that says “Thanks A Latte!” Give this to your mail carrier, your kid’s teachers, bus drivers or other service personnel that often get overlooked.
- $5.00 Gas cards with a note that says “Thanks for always going the extra mile!” This is a good one to give to people who drive a lot or anyone that rarely gets recognized for the hard work they do.
- $5.00 Grocery Cards with a card that says “You deserve the very best” Add a personal note that says, “Use this card to put it toward something you really like but you usually pass up at the grocery store because of the cost.”
- Have postcards and postcard stamps on hand to send out little notes of encouragement or words of praise. Having them on hand makes it easy to act right away as the idea pops into your head. I use these cards called (The Hope Deck) and often give them as gifts as well. They feature encouraging bible verses done with contemporary graphics that are so appealing.
How to be prepared to give Random Acts of Kindness to those you see are in need.
How often do you see a homeless person with a sign asking for help and you want to help but you are afraid they are going to use the money you would give them for drugs or alcohol?
One time I saw a young pregnant woman on the side of the road with a sign asking for help and I gave her some money. In my rearview mirror, I could see her go directly over to give the money to a man who must have been her pimp or drug dealer.
One way to solve this problem is to make up some ziplock bags with a granola bar, nuts, a water bottle, gum and a kleenex pack with a little note or bible verse. I ordered a pack of 25 pamphlets of Hope for Hard Times from Amazon to add to my ziplock bags. Have them in your car so when you see people in need you can give it to them to bless their day.
Also, keep small little inexpensive gifts of encouragement to give to people who you come in contact with who need a little gift of hope.
I like these little blessing card boxes which are less than $5. You can give the whole box as a gift or just hand out the individual cards one by one.
I also love this little book of pocket prayers by Max Lucado which is less than $3. This is a very practical way to help someone who is going through a hard time.
For more ideas of gifts that offer encouragement read my post Therapeutic Gifts that Offer Hope and Encouragement.
So this year during RAK week, I would like to suggest setting aside a little time and money to putting some of these items together and place them in a bag or basket in your car so you can be prepared to share Random Acts of Kindness all year long.
It doesn’t need to be RAK week to do this. You can set aside any week of the year to get prepared. Kindness is always in season.
Be a part of making the world a better place.
By blessing others you will be surprised to find out how much you will be blessed in return.
How about you? Do you have any RAK ideas that you like to use to bless others with? I’d love to hear your ideas or any RAK stories that you’d like to share.
Wishing you Joy in the journey!
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