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Random Acts of Kindness Day-ActiveRain Style

Reblogger Ray Henson
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) DRE# 00949880

When we were given a list of requirements for our Mixed Martial Arts black belt test, I wondered why part of the test was to accomplish a large amount of random acts of kindness.  Actually, it was the part of the test that I was least prepared for and found to be most daunting.  I am a back of the room kind of guy and putting myself in front of people was hard enough, but this was taking it to another level. 

It did lead to some funny moments.  Our world can be kind of cynical so there were many times that I tried to do things for people only to be met with skepticism.  For example, I wanted to let a young lady go ahead of me in the super market check out line.  She said, "no thank you."  I said, "I insist."  She said, "no thank you.  What do you want?"  I said, "my black belt."  Of course, she was confused and thought I was a nut.  I told her my story and she finally relented.  Imagine doing that many multiple of times more. It really was the most challenging part of the test.

Part of our overall training was to overcome our weaknesses and realize that a lot of what we do in life can create the situations we encounter, both good and bad.  The Random Acts of Kindness part of the test really showed us how our actions could bring light to the world, just like a big, beautiful sunflower does.   If we make the people around us feel good, then our other martial arts training becomes a moot point.

Kathy Streib's post brought a lot of those memories back to the surface for me.  Small acts of kindness are never wasted.  In fact, they are essential.  If we all practiced those acts on a daily basis, it would be a better world.  I will admit, it might lead to chaos in the grocery store lines, but it would be a better world.  😉 

Thank you for the post, Kathy, and thank you for living a life full of kindness.

Original content by Kathy Streib

Random Acts of Kindness Day-ActiveRain Style

 

Random Acts of Kindness Day is one of my favorite days of the year to celebrate and as I’m sure many will say…it’s a day to be celebrated every day of the year.


This is such a giving community that a list of tips to inspire acts of kindness would be like preaching to the choir. 

 

 

However, I did think about some Random Acts of Kindness we could share with our fellow members…

 

Random Acts of Kindness in our ActiveRain community:

-Leave a comment on a post you see with zero comments

-Call, text, or email a blogger when you especially liked a post or comment they wrote

-Welcome a new member All you have to do is scroll to the bottom of the page.

Under Important Links click on Membership Roster. There you’ll see those who joined today.  Text, email, or call…whatever you’re comfortable with. 

I took the above screenshot today (Wednesday, February 16)

 

-Comment on the post of a new member. 

You can welcome them to the platform and encourage them to continue to blog.


-Reach out to a member who regularly posts but has been MIA. Maybe they’re on a break, but they will appreciate your reaching out. 

 

-Reblog someone’s post

We’re all human and like to think that people are reading our posts. Give a member a little boost. 


-Be Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 

Margaret makes it a practice to call a member here every day. I will never forget when I received her call. 

 

What’s a Random Act of Kindness you’ve received lately??





No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop

 

 Kathy Streib 

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Posted by

             eXp Realty of California, Inc

Raymond Henson, SRES, GRI, e-Pro

Past Client Testimonials   

3412 Babson Drive

Elk Grove, CA 95758

RayRHenson@gmail.com

916-698-8415

 

 

Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Raymond -  sometimes people try to offer an excuse not to be helpful.  Are we too willing to accept or will provide that help?  Your post provoked some thought on my part.

Mar 03, 2022 09:06 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Raymond,

Great post and I love the story of your Mixed Martial Arts Black Belt test.  And the story of the gal in the supermarket, and especially your answer.  A

Mar 03, 2022 09:21 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

An older man once told me that people smile back when you smile to folks on the street of a small town. But, when you smile at crowded city folks, they say, "what's so funny?" 😍

Mar 03, 2022 11:01 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Interesting that part of the criteria for the black belt was random acts of kindness and yet a young woman didn't want to go ahead of a man of character

Mar 03, 2022 12:29 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Raymond and thank you for reblogging my post. I do love that part of receiving your Black Belt is to perform random acts of kindness. And your grocery store tale reminds me of what happened to me shortly after 9/11. I was at Panera standing in line before a policeman. I told the cashier that I wanted to pay for whatever he was going to have. However, he would have nothing of it and insisted on paying for mine. 

Mar 03, 2022 06:26 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Raymond - the ability to participate in random acts of kindness is definitely pleasurable.  

Mar 04, 2022 04:48 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Thank you for the reblog and your stories. It's funny that people don't want to accept kindnesses ("whatta they want?"). But it's not surprising. That's why I try to do some things anonymously. Leave the cashier with some $ to cover whoever comes in line next. Or send something anonymously in the mail to someone who wanted it. That's fun and they can't say no!

Mar 04, 2022 04:50 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

I like that Random Acts of Kindness was included in the training. Larry and I try to do as many of these as we can each day...especially putting a smile on someone else's face!

Mar 04, 2022 04:53 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I love being kind to strangers but find myself doing it less and less for the reason you mentioned, people are skeptical these days and figure something is up, haha.

Mar 04, 2022 05:09 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

Thank you, Grant Schneider.  I have a strong feeling that you do plenty of acts of kindness.  I can see it in your writing and posts.

Thank you, Ron and Alexandra Seigel.  Our world tends to turn us into skeptics.  I think it is time we try to turn it back around.   

 

Mar 04, 2022 05:32 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Ray... that's what I find so "crazy" about the age we're living in... that people react to an act of kindness with skepticism... that everyone wants something in return for a nice act of kindness.

Mar 04, 2022 06:54 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

Hi Aura Alex.  I just think those from a big city are just wary.  We did visit New York just after  9/11 and found just the opposite.  One lady saw us on the street lost and offered to help us find our way to our next destination, but first she had to take us up to her high rise office to show us a great view.  When we went up, the door man said, "It looks like you found another nice group of tourists."  We ran in to plenty that trip that treated us well.  Unfortunately, I think that was short lived.

It is kind of the sign of the times, Ed Silva.  sometimes it is difficult to take people at face value. 

Mar 04, 2022 11:33 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

Wouldn't that make a good word, Kathy Streib, people nicely arguing over who was going to be nicer.  I love that you tried, but he persevered.  He knew you deserved the gesture.

It took me a bit to learn, Michael Jacobs, but now understand.  It is enjoyable.  

Mar 04, 2022 11:37 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I love that idea, Kat Palmiotti.  It makes the world a better place.  Thank you!

Well done, Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400.  Thank you!  

Mar 04, 2022 11:39 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I have followed you long enough to know that you help plenty, Brian England.  Keep up the good work and thank you!

I think we all want to do good, Nina Hollander, Broker, but it can be complicated in a world in which it is safer to be a little on the wary (cautious) side.  I hope you have a great weekend!  

Mar 04, 2022 11:42 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I had no idea this would be required to get your black belt, but good to show acts of kindness anyway, you can do it! 

Mar 04, 2022 03:07 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

It was actually one of the more challenging aspects of the test for me, Joan Cox, and probably why I think it had the most impact on me.  I may have learned how to throw a great cross, but if I play my cards right, I will never have to use it.  If I continue to play my cards right, I will use acts of kindness regularly. 

Mar 05, 2022 05:24 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing some of your personal experience and this excellent reblog selection. 

Let's continue to spread love and kindness this weekend.

Mar 05, 2022 06:46 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Raymond I cracked up what you wrote before the re-blog.... I always have  fun at the Grocery line... the cashiers know me and look forward to a fun time:)) now with that said I must incorporate your strategy on insisting on letting some hottie go before me.... the fact is I am the old guy who never get's checked his ID Card when it comes to buying alcohol should tell you something:))Endre

Mar 05, 2022 09:08 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

Good morning, Roy Kelley.  There has been plenty of love and kindness this weekend in our family.  We have been celebrating a wedding on my wife's side of the family in Fayeteville, Arkansas.  We head home today.

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. It has been years since someone checked my ID.  I think we are in the same boat.  Have a great week! 

Mar 06, 2022 04:46 AM