(Image Credit: The Carla Davis Show Website)
What is a random act of kindness? A random act of kindness is a selfless act that one person performs for another or for a group of people in an effort to just show pure kindness, assist them, or cheer them up. I first heard the term from Oprah Winfrey and then after doing a little bit of research I found out that the term was actually first coined by author Anne Herbert who wrote the quote "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a place mat at a restaurant back in the 1980's. I was inspired to write this post by a sorority sister of mine, Miwako Story, who is on day 19 I believe in her quest to perform 40 acts of kindness in 40 days leading up to her birthday, a day that we share so I affectionately call her my birthday twin.
(Image Credit: Empower Network)
I have been so inspired by Miwako's efforts that I have decided when my birthday comes I will begin my own quest to perform 38 random acts of kindness in honor of my 38th birthday. Some people may be wondering how can you perform 38 different acts of kindness or even 40. There may even be some who think it is crazy or may want to do it themselves but think it will be too much money. Well I am here to tell you that it does not take a lot of money; in fact it really doesn't take any money at all. An act of kindness can be something as simple as holding a door open for someone or even putting coins in a parking meter that has expired. The whole point is just to show kindness to another person or group of people.
(Image Credit: The Random Act Project)
When I had the idea to write this post and even started asking the question of myself about what kind of acts I would perform I did a little research on the web and found out that random acts of kindness is a big deal. I even came across a couple of foundations whose mission is devoted to spreading the word about the value of random acts of kindness: The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and Random Acts. I also found several articles and blog posts devoted to random acts of kindness and ideas for performing your own RAK (random act of kindness). There is even World Kindness Day on November 13th and Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week taking place February 10-16, 2014.
(Image Credit: Persona Designs)
There are so many opportunities to perform random acts of kindness and there are so many things that you can do. You just have to be willing to step out there and make it happen. I encourage everyone to take a moment and get into the spirit, even if it is only for one day because it will warm your heart and make someone else feel good at the same time. For all of those who have already dedicated time and energy, like Miwako Story, to performing random acts of kindness I say thank you for the inspiration and keep doing what you are doing because even the smallest act can make the biggest difference.
