Random Acts of Kindness week

Be especially kind to others from February 9th to 15th.

How great is it when people are spontaneously nice to you? A stranger smiling at you on the street or helping you up when you fall over instead of rushing past you without a second glance. It restores your faith in the humanity that so often seems to be absent in our society.

So here’s an excellent opportunity to spread some love and earn great karma; Random Act of Kindness Week. Seven days dedicated to making the world a happier place. Be it a friend, neighbour or complete stranger; don’t underestimate the effect a little kindness can have on someone’s day. It couldn’t be easier and here are a few ideas to get you started.

Be kind to strangers:

• Smile - simple but surprisingly effective.  

• Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.

• Help someone struggling with heavy bags.

• Be a friend to a new student or co-worker.

• Smile and say thank you to bus drivers and shopkeepers.

• Next time you finish your loyalty card for a free cup of coffee give it away.

• Give your place in line at the shop to another person, like someone in a hurry or a parent with little children.

• Leave enough money in the vending machine for the next person to get a free treat.

Be kind to your friends:

• Call or visit a homebound person.

• Pay someone a compliment at least once a day.

• Give a hug to a friend; you never know, they might really need it.

• Give lollipops to your friends or if it’s a hot day give them ice lollies.

• Offer to baby-sit for free to give your parents or neighbours an evening off.

• Renew an old friendship by sending an email or small gift to someone you haven’t talked to in ages.

• Leave post-its with compliments where you know your family will see them.

Be kind to the planet:

• Plant trees and flowers in your garden.

• As you go about your day, pick up some litter.

• Set aside a special time each day to play with your pet.

• Make a birdbath or feeder from materials in your home.

• Recycle all aluminium, plastic, newspapers, papers, etc.

• Clean up litter on a stretch of road in your neighbourhood.

• To reduce pollution consider taking public transportation, cycling or walking.

Be kind in your community:

• Donate time at an old people’s home.

• Adopt a homeless pet from your local shelter.

• Visit hospitals with smiles, treats and friendly conversation for patients.

• Clean out your wardrobe and donate unwanted clothes to a charity shop.

• Offer to return a shopping trolley at your local supermarket for someone loading their car.

• Send a present to a school or day-care centre; cake or sweets or something more creative.

• When visiting a hospital, spend a few minutes with someone who has no visitors.

Having practiced it for a week maybe you’ll develop a penchant for spontaneous acts of charity. Take a leaf out of peace activist Anne Herbert’s book; "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty." Extend a hand to someone in need. Give your full attention and simply listen. Make the world a better place.

By: Frances McHugh