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Have you performed any random acts of kindness lately?

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Whatcom County

I was reading through blogs as I try to do in my down time every afternoon when it donned on me that we are always talking about how important it is to volunteer and give back to our community. I see alot of advice on getting involved in activities and getting your name out there. All of this advice is 100% correct and I am involved in multiple functions or organizations in the county. I just got to thinking that we are always looking for feedback and hope to see things come our way as a result of these actions.

I don't know about anyone else, but I do believe that random acts of kindness are not only good karma but they warm your heart. Sometimes just a smile and thank you from a complete stranger can bring the worst day into a positive light. I watched as a class of high school kids walked down the side walk witha  teacher and a little old lady was coming the other way using a walker. Do you think any of those teens not to mention the teacher had the common courtesy to say excuse us, and move aside so that she could pass? Hardly. This event is what made me think about how many people pass by others everyday who need help reaching something on a high shelf or someone needs directions and we are too busy to stop for a minute and help them find their way. Random acts of kindness don't have to be big, just a small courtesy that to you may mean nothing but to the person on the receiving end you may have turned their day around or even more maybe you restore a little faith in them that there are still good people in the worked who will do good things and don't have to be asked or recognized.

So, here is what I am saying. Be aware of your surroundings. Know that what you do for your community is great and that volunteering is wonderful. Take the opportunity every now and then to look around and see the people around you and be willing to lend a helping hand. If you were raised in the same kind of values as I, this seems to be second nature. But if not, make an effort in the next day or week to do something unexpected, something small to you but something great for another.

Comments (6)

Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

Today is the National Make A Difference Day . . . while it isn't too random -- it's a great day to make a special effort to help others! 

Acts of kindness can make our world a better place!

Oct 25, 2008 01:18 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Janaya:  I definitely believe in random acts of kindness.  One that seems to repeat every time I go to the grocery store, is helping seniors load their groceries, then taking their cart with me into the grocery store.

Oct 25, 2008 01:23 AM
Alisha Harrison
John L. Scott, Belfair - Belfair, WA
Allyn, Belfair and Hood Canal real estate expert!

I don't know how anyone can go about their day without performing random acts of kindness. For me, it's a part of life. There is always something you can do for someone that doesn't take much from you but helps someone else. The true spirit of giving is something someone possesses! It's part of us.

Oct 25, 2008 07:42 AM
Tracy Miller
Canton, MS
S. S. Specialist

Janaya, this is great advice.  I agree that we should all be nicer, friendlier, and more respectful to each other.  And you're right --- a smile holds so much power.  Just the other day, as I was walking through the door of our city hall building, I noticed a woman that had papers clutched tightly in her hands.   I quickly smiled at her (I gave her my widest smile) and said, "Hello, how you doing today?" and she immediately said, "I'm better now. I needed that smile.  I feel a lot better after running into you this morning." 

That small exchange, just a smile and a hello, made us both instantly feel better.

 

Oct 28, 2008 06:40 AM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

I've been doing random acts of kindness all my life, from Key Club in high school, to Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity at Texas A&M University, to Jaycees, Red Cross, ACLU, HRC, SPCA, Muscular Dystrophy, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and so many more. It's just part of who I am.

Nov 05, 2008 12:32 AM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Paying the office bill is a random act of kindness these days.  Seriously, there are many ways we can assist others especially in the business we are in.

Nov 05, 2008 12:54 AM