I am currently participating in a "30 acts of kindness in 30 days" challenge which I set myself. Let me explain! A dear friend of mine recently celebrated her 30th birthday. Rather than doing what most women of her age would do, she decided to host a "random acts of kindness" party, inviting her friends to participate in spreading some kindness in the world, and to spend money they'd have spent of a gift for her in acts of kindness to others.At the restaurant, she had a lucky dip draw, and everyone received an act of kindness they had to carry out anonymously. She'd also prepared cards for all those present, where she'd written to each guest personally, saying what they meant to her as a friend, and then passed them around the table for everyone else to add nice comments about each other.
She explained to me that she was in the process of entering a new phase in her life, one of being more in service to others, and she wanted a birthday celebration which reflected this. Inspiring, or what?? So my gift to her was that during the following month, I'd do 30 acts of kindness in 30 days - in honour of her 30 years on earth. My personal challenge is that I don't count any kind acts I would normally do anyway (eg: smiling at people, holding open doors for someone, helping a neighbour carry a parcel, etc) so the goal is really 30 ADDITIONAL acts of kindness in the world, which would not otherwise have been done.
days down, and 13 acts done! It's been an interesting journey: sometimes thinking up a new kindness which I wouldn't otherwise have done every single day is actually more of a challenge than I would have thought - and at other times, ideas come in a rush. It's definitely stretching me, encouraging me out of my comfort zone, and to make connections I would not otherwise have made. And a hearty thanks to all on the website. Although this is my first post, I've been reading ideas and stories for the past 3 weeks, and you've given me loads of ideas.
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- Posted by katie
- Oct 12, 2014
- Comments (10)
Readers Comments
ancasunshine wrote: Wonderful!
KnitNana4 wrote: Wow! That is difficult finding different acts of kindness that we wouldn't have done anyhow (like holding the door, etc. ) i am trying the 21 days of kindness and so far have not done as well as i would have liked. You - and your friend (what a great idea for a party! ) are to be commended!
kristynacom wrote: I love it! Your and your friend story is really inspiring for me. Thank you for that!
Just curious: where did your friend find out about kindness and happiness? (i'm undertaking the science of happiness online course on edx and that's where i found it :))
Just curious: where did your friend find out about kindness and happiness? (i'm undertaking the science of happiness online course on edx and that's where i found it :))
otisroger wrote: Katie,
I so enjoyed reading the above. You are an inspiration to me and just may have changed my life for the good. In appreciation for this, and knowing you have a deadline to meet, let me share with you an act of kindness that i enjoy doing at a fire station, police station or library, i know how hard it is to get ideas sometimes. I prepare a card that i tape to a small gift bag that contains a 5. 00 bill in an envelope and a small bag of candy. The note reads: "thank you for your wonderful service. It is so appreciated.
If you want to really feel good for the rest of the day, give the bag of candy to a fellow worker or to a friend. And then use the five dollars to buy something for yourself. Or you could use it to buy another bag of candy for someone else. "
Then i put a big smiley face on the note.
I so enjoyed reading the above. You are an inspiration to me and just may have changed my life for the good. In appreciation for this, and knowing you have a deadline to meet, let me share with you an act of kindness that i enjoy doing at a fire station, police station or library, i know how hard it is to get ideas sometimes. I prepare a card that i tape to a small gift bag that contains a 5. 00 bill in an envelope and a small bag of candy. The note reads: "thank you for your wonderful service. It is so appreciated.
If you want to really feel good for the rest of the day, give the bag of candy to a fellow worker or to a friend. And then use the five dollars to buy something for yourself. Or you could use it to buy another bag of candy for someone else. "
Then i put a big smiley face on the note.
josietn wrote: Kudos! For my 40th birthday a couple of years ago, my family and i set out to perform 40 random acts. They seemed random to everyone else, but it took quite a bit of planning. :) our day spanned through 3 counties and we came home exhausted. :)
Blessings!
J
Blessings!
J
Whitney Clemons wrote: Every one should show a little kindness every day
Whitney Clemons wrote: Every one should show a little kindness every day
Mikey wrote: I love everyboty
godlovespatricia wrote: Awesome, fantastic, wonderful and engaging idea. I will try it my next birthday. I will be 63. I can't wait to see this community covered in kindness. Thanks for sharing.
DotMatrix wrote: Oh wow! What a great idea. I think this would be a great celebration for any age. Stretching comfort zones is the one of the best exercises you can ever do. I find it really hard so i applaud you! Great share thank you!
