Acts of Random Kindness to You

In our daily lives, it is sometimes the most difficult to remember to be kind to those that see you at your worst. I think part of this is because you know that they will always be there even if you aren’t at your best. Over the holidays, it became apparent to me just how important Acts of Random Kindness can be especially to family.

First, you should know that my father has been diagnosed with Alzheimers at a very young age. It is remarkable to me how very much this has brought the family together. Not only my mom, my brothers, and myself, but the extended family as well. My dad has a sister and a cousin that go out of their way to visit and make him feel important. Maybe he knows who they are, maybe he doesn’t, but he sure knows someone is there being kind to him. Imagine how that makes us feel around him.

Also, over the holidays, I had a cousin that lost twins shortly after they were born. It had to be devestating. My cousin and I have never been what I would call close, yet, on Christmas Eve, after all she had been through, she showed up with a gift for me. Her explanation was that her mom (who passed in February) had always thought a lot of me and gotten me a gift and she wanted that to continue.

So, in taking the time to be kind, remember to be kind to those around you the most often and that includes yourself. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and is looking forward to a good 2008 !!

Today is Christmas Eve and I don’t know that there is any better time to talk about Christmas spirit than now. Some people think that if they are kind at the holidays, it is quite enough. It isn’t that these people are bad, rather they get busy with their own life and their own problems and it gives them tunnel vision when it comes to others.

Christmas kindness is a good thing. It make people feel good both the giver and the receiver. So, I don’t propose we stop with our Acts of Random Kindness during the holidays rather that we try to find ways to do them all year round.

I hope this Christmas Eve finds you and your family filled with holiday spirit and that not only have you been kind to others, but that others have been kind to you. Remember that real change starts with just one person. Happy Holidays !

There are many great organizations, but for me, nothing means kindness like the Salvation Army. I had a fortunate opportunity when living in South Carolina to work at an after school program sponsored by the Salvation Army. They truly do amazing things for kids, for communities, and for those down on their luck.

One thing that sticks out to me is the amount of volunteers it takes to run this organization. There are many people that can’t give money because they are just making it on their own, but that isn’t a problem with so many other ways to give. So, if you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, check out their Volunteer Match Program and see what is available in your area. There is a whole lot more to the Salvation Army than the red kettles.

If getting involved in an organization isn’t your thing, don’t despair as there is more to come and opportunities all around each and every one of us.

As you can see from the title, A.R.K. is simply an acronym for Acts of Random Kindness. We live in the world where people aren’t always nice, but with one act of kindness, I believe we can literally start a chain reaction. Imagine a world where people are nice for no reason at all except to make the world a better and kinder place. It isn’t about having money, it is about having heart and giving hope where it is lacking. So, get thinking about what you can do and stay tuned here for ideas, stories, quotes, and much much more !!!