When I walk outdoors I always put my neighbor's newspaper on her porch. She cares for her hubby who has had a stroke. It's one less thing for her to do.

This challenge is something I do in my everyday life. I make a point of doing an act of kindness daily. I also encourage my grandson Jonny to do so. When I pick him up fro his bus stop 3 discuss 3 things while we walk to his home. The first being "what was the best part of your day? The second being "what was the worse?" The third being "what act of kindness to did you offer someone?"

I will get back to you on what my act of kindness for today. I usually do not share what I have done except with Jonny. I have taught him that we do not brag and we are careful about sharing our acts. I do not want this to be a competition with others and I surely do not want it be considered bragging or one upping someone else. It is about sharing love and kindness and making the world a better place. Does that make sense?

I get to be with my children all day. What are some acts of kindness I could do for them?

In cold weather I would make hot chocolate and have them sit at the table and we'd just talk about whatever they wanted. If they're too little for hot chocolate, a warm glass of milk will do.
Every once in a while, as a surprise, I'd clean their room for them.
Sometimes a gentle pat on the back for no reason at all to let them know they're loved makes their day.

I love this challenge. Although I do try to include random acts of kindness in my day, it never hurts to take special notice. Smiling at others is important and a good habit. Today, I gave a coworker the cough drops I was still carrying in my purse since my bout with the flu. Really it was no big deal, but it made her feel better - so I was glad I haven't put those drops away.

I have certainly been the recipient of many, many acts of kindness. One of my favorite stories is when a couple who sat near us at a restaurant paid for our dinner. We were in NYC, and eating before going to the show (Phatom of the Opera) in the theater across the street from the restaurant. This kind couple had noticed us picking up our tickets and teased us about finally seeing the show which had been playing for 20 years. Then we were scolded for paying full price for the tickets. When the couple left, they said, "Goodbye to the sisters from California. Enjoy the show." When we went to settle our bill they had paid it - we never got to say Thank you. BTW, I had always heard the New Yorkers were rude - that certainly was not our experience - we were treated with incredible kindness throughout our whole stay in the city.

I really enjoy this challenge, too. It's a good way to bring light into another person's day and yours as well. I regularly let people cut in front of me at the grocery store who only have a few items and I have half a basket or more. I did that yesterday and the woman was so grateful, she thanked my twice once when I let her go in front, and again just after she paid.

An act of kindness that I sometimes do is on trash pick up days. I'll put on a pair of disposable gloves and pick up paper and trash that has blown around into the street or my immediate neighbor's yards. Unfortunately, some of it is because we have one neighbor whose company sometimes dumps (it has been observed so we are not jumping to conclusions) their fast food wrappers, soda cups, as well as other 'beverage' cans when they come around, and the people living there seem not to notice. Cleaning this from the street and our yards, (including said neighbor's yard) helps me not be so judgemental or snippy about it in my heart because I hope to focus on the kindness part and keeping our neighborhood welcoming. That is hard sometimes though, I will be the first to admit.

I have not been out so much this week so I am trying to be aware of opportunities to do little things for my DH that are unexpected. But sometimes it is not so much an act of kindness, as doing something purposely, that will make him laugh unexpectedly after a hard day working.

It is looking like rain outside, so earlier I brought my elderly neighbor's paper to her porch. It is fun to try to be able to do it without her dog noticing and barking :laugh: , I got away with it today lol.

I agree that it can be hard to write about things that we do so as not to sound bragging etc, but how else can we get fresh ideas or share blessings. Also reading such things is a blessing in itself also because of how it can raise the reader's spirits also. The same as when we read or hear of a kindness when we don't 'know' the person(s) involved such as during a national disaster. Kindnesses don't have to wait for those times, but be part of our every day life.

My favorite personal response to a Random Act of Kindness was during the last time we were doing this challenge was when I wrote "But the best response was at our local post office nearing Christmas when I was leaving after mailing a package. I purposely waited a few moments for this woman to walk up to the door and held it open for her. She smiled really big and told me "thank you", and then stopped and turned back around to tell me that she appreciated me holding the door for her so much that she was going to be sure to pass the kindness on to another person."


:flowerforyou:

prgirl39mfp wrote: »

OMG @77tes That is amazing! So happy for you!

Yesterday I was the recipient of an act of kindness.

I had a terrible fight with my husband over the phone. I was feeling defeated. Later in the day one of my neighbors texts me a joke meme, I was not feeling it, so I just replied " lol". She noticed right away because I usually reply to jokes with a bunch of emoji's or another funny meme. She texted me this without me asking or telling her what was wrong:

" You are doing an amazing job with your kids, you are a great mom, you kids will appreciate it. I appreciate you, and am so thankful you are across the street from my house. I can really count on you and can talk to you about anything. I love you."

Oh my Lord! This made my day.

Reading this made me cry. Oh, what a great friend. I hope you are doing better today. Hugs